Yet Another KX2 "VFO A" Tuning Knob

thingiverse

A common gripe about the KX2 radio is that its VFO A tuning knob is somewhat undersized. Given the entire radio's compact dimensions, this was expected. Several Thingiverse contributors have stepped up with designs intended to rectify this shortcoming in a truly exceptional QRP rig. Unfortunately, most of these designs fall short in one or more areas: they fail to fit my VFO's shaft due to being either too large or too small; without the CAD file, it takes extensive tweaking in my slicer to get a decent fit; they don't match the aesthetic of the other knobs on the radio; the design is challenging to print, requiring scaffolding and the like; or they lack a tactile feel that I find appealing. Here's my take on designing the best-looking KX2 knob possible. It utilizes openSCAD, and the source code is included, allowing you to customize it using openSCAD on your computer or through the Thingiverse Customizer. I've also included a small test part so you can quickly determine whether the knob will fit your radio without investing time in printing the entire knob. Variations in printers, plastic, slicers, extrusion settings, and more make it impossible to have a "one size fits all" setting for the ShaftDiameter variable. Whether you print the actual knob or the test shaft is determined by the Knob_or_Test variable at the top of the openSCAD file. You can find this KX2 knob for sale on eBay through N0WL-Radio if you're not equipped to print your own.