[Central-Electronics] 100V VFO help

[Joe]

Jon,

Adjusting the "spider" spring on the back of the main tuning knob requires
care and finesse. Too loose and it slips, too tight and it may crack. It
works fine if you get it just right.

Joe

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "K6JEK" <k6jek at comcast.net>
To: <central-electronics at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2004 8:39 PM
Subject: Re: [Central-Electronics] 100V VFO help


> Thanks Joe, Tom, Dennis, Bob, Stu, for the advice.  All of the problems
> I mentioned earlier -- grease, foam, ball bearings, electronics are
> solved or dismissed.  There is a new one but I'll get to that in a
> minute.
>
> The actuator was really rough before I started.  I pulled it apart and
> did not see a problem -- no dried grease, bearings seemed fine, nothing
> obviously wrong.  I took Bob's advice, replaced the bearings and the
> spring, put the thing back together and the actuator is smooth as silk.
>
> The slug alignment problem was an illusion.  With the actuator mounted
> holding the lead screw, the slug moved in the coil form just fine.
>
> I cleaned out the disintegrated foam.  Castrol SuperClean and a little
> scrubbing with a toothbrush removed the old glue.  I replaced the foam
> with fiberglass insulation -- the thin stuff sold for wrapping pipes.
> With a little trimming it fits in nicely. I didn't glue it.
>
> I left the electronics alone.
>
> The new problem:  The ball reducer.  Isn't that what the reduction
> drive for the knob is called?  I cleaned it out, re-greased it and
> reassembled it.  But it either slips or grabs -- doesn't turn the dial
> at all or turns it like the main tuning.   I haven't noticed any advice
> on this piece.  I'll see what I can figure out about this tomorrow.
>
> Bob's website is dandy.  You should all look at it:
>
> http://www.isquare.com/personal_pages/ce-pto-rebuild.htm
>
> Stu pointed out that the 100V is a marvelous piece of mechanical and
> electrical engineering.  I agree completely.  And it's fun to operate.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jon
>
>