[Hallicrafters] SX-100 S-meter revisited.

[Waldo Magnuson]

l recently posted the following; "The S-meter needle on my SX-100 seems 
to be rubbing on the front of the plastic cover.  Comparing it with 
another SX-100 meter, the needle appears to be bent forward towards the 
cover.  Has anyone taken this meter apart to reposition (bend) the 
needle?  Suggestions welcome."

  I got many useful and welcome suggestions.  As most of the responses 
were off line I've summarized them below.

 From Bob Raley:  Use a can of spray air & blow out dirt in the area 
where the needle rotates while keeping the needle from moving.  It 
could be dust in the meter.

 From Roger Shultz:  Case should pop off with a small amount of prying 
with a small screwdriver.  Polish the case to like new with Novus 
number 2.  Also remove the dial face and make sure tape covers the four 
corner screws so the meter doesn't short.  The sluggish meter could 
also be loose bearings.

 From Garry Steffens:  Case can be removed simply by a prying action 
about 1/2 inch from each corner.  The meter face can also have a static 
charge causing the needle to rub against the cover.  Remove static 
buildup by wiping with a cotton cloth dampened with water.  If the 
pointer is adjusted, do not stress the two jewel bearings and make sure 
the pointer fits into the mechanical adjustment when reinstalling the 
cover.

 From Glenn Nash:  I have straightened many meter needles.  It takes a 
steady and gentle hand using tweezers.  I've had needles act funny from 
static electricity on the plastic cover.

Using these suggestions I removed the meter and the meter cover.  I 
then pressure-can blew (carefully) the area between the rotor and the
magnet.  The needle was still dragging so I loosened the pivot nut and
backed the screw out about 1/20 of a turn.  That fixed the problem.
The needle is now free and the meter works as it should.
Thanks again to all of you sending suggestions.
73s,  Skip Magnuson  W7WGM