[ICOM] IC-735 dial encoder repair

[Donald Sanders]

I do not know of others having the main tuning dial lockup
on their IC735 but it happened to me after 20 years of use
of this fine gear.
With much trepidation I removed the optical encoder by
removing a few screws, pulling the PC board and forcing
the shaft out of its housing. I burnished the shaft and the
inside of the housing using fine crocus cloth until I had a
smooth surface. I reinserted the shaft to make sure it
turned freely.
After freely turning of the shaft, I applied a small amount
of white Lubriplate lubricant to the shaft and reinstalled
in the housing. I reassembled the encoder and replaced it
in the IC735. To my surprise and pleasure it works like new.
I have never seen any repair or service notes on this
encoder repair but it worked for me. I hope this helps
others who may experience this problem.
Don't worry about the small size, I am 67 years young,
have arthritis in my hands and knees, only one eye and
still had no problem doing this repair except fear of lousing
it up. But what to lose, the rig didn't work, except at one frequency,with
out the optical encoder dial working.
BTW, other than replacing the VCO caps, this is the first
problem with either of my two IC735's.
What a great and reliable rig these have been. What a great
operating rig at both QRP and QRO.
Thanks ICOM!
Healthfully yours,
                          Don W4BWS