[Hammarlund] Dial cord restringing

[rbethman]

Darn it.  I meant it to go out to all!

Clicked on the wrong "Reply" button.  Rats!

Bob - N0DGN

On 5/15/2012 3:04 PM, Richard Knoppow wrote:
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "rbethman" <rbethman at comcast.net>
> To: "hammarlund List" <hammarlund at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 10:34 AM
> Subject: [Hammarlund] Dial cord restringing
>
>
>> This also was asked with the same references that I also have, i.e., the
>> appropriate radio manual AND Sam's or Rider's documentation.
>>
>> It is not the "path" of the dialcord, so much as it is geared to
>> "technique".
>>
>> I've gotten a few direct responses.
>>
>> The theme has been the same.  "I've tried to do this on my XXXXX, and
>> haven't had success"  "What are the hints/tips/secrets?".
>>
>> I toss this out to the group.
>>
>> I've achieved success on several different radios.  I attribute my
>> success to trial, error, and patience.
>>
>> I know that I've replaced the springs a few times with those from
>> ballpoint pens.  I've also used the braided Dacron fishing line, in lieu
>> of purchasing dial cord from the on-line emporiums.
>>
>> I've also used waxed cord in one or two instances, when the cord wanted
>> to slide in lieu of turning the grooved wheel on the tuning capacitor.
>>
>> Anyone care to chime in with their ideas?
>>
>> Bob - N0DGN
>
>    I've used both the fishing line and regular dial cord off the
> Internet. I prefer the dial cord because its thinner but the
> non-stretch fishing line works OK.  Its possible to find all sorts of
> extension springs at most hardware stores. You may have to trim them
> for length which also means making a new hook end to fasten them.
>    Some dials system require some body english to get the cord on but
> usually you can do well by following the path indicated in the
> instructions (when you have them).
>    I am not sure about waxed cord, I would expect it to slip more, but
> one can use rosin to help where the cord slips.  In fact very old
> catalogues used to list rosin for just this purpose.
>
>
Richard,  I agree with the waxed cord not always being the best 
solution.  However I have found it to work in a couple of instances.  I 
used waxed cord that was thread used for leather stitching.

I've also suggested lubrication of idler pulleys, and the cleaning of 
the rotation points of the Main tuning and Bandspread tuning capacitors. 
  They too may need lubrication after all these years.

Bob - N0DGN