[Boatanchors] SP-600 band change scraping noises?

[Philip Atchley]

Hi,

The following was posted to the Hammarlund reflector, but didn't get any 
replies.

I'm working on a couple SP-600 "RF Decks".  One seems to be quite "smooth" and
normal when changing bands (I've finished re-capping it).  The other one prior
to disassembly made some rather rude "scraping noises" when changing bands.  I
examined all the "fingers" and little coil pegs after I disassembled it.  I
didn't find anything out of the ordinary (bent/worn fingers, damaged pegs etc)
and I wonder if a "LITTLE" lubrication of the coil pegs would do any harm
here.  I have a variety of lubes that I could use.  Probably first choice is a
"conductive grease" like electricians use for wiring, a high quality light
weight "black" grease we use on VCR's, Lithium etc.  I would want to use only
a "non hardening" grease, and just a dab with a "toothpick" on each peg.  I'm
afraid something like DeOxit would evaporate or run off and not be very
effective for the long term.

What do the gurus say?  It "sounds" like if I leave it like it is that the
"Fingers" will wear out prematurely. On the other hand, if even a light grease
would contribute to instability after the set is reassembled, I would want to
avoid it altogether. (Though it seems like I did a similar thing to one a 
number of years ago with no problems).

What's interesting is that the "basket case" (removed from chassis when it 
arrived) full RF deck seems to be in better overall condition than the one 
that was still in the
receiver!  Having it out sure made it easy to work on the gears etc.

73 de Phil,  KO6BB
991 Different NDB's heard to date.
SWL QSL GALLERY: http://photobucket.com/albums/y123/KO6BB/
THE BEACONEER'S LAIR:    http://www.geocities.com/ko6bb/
Merced, Central California, 37.3N  120.48W  CM97sh