[ICOM] Encoder for IC751A - main tuning

[Donald Sanders]

I've had several inquires about this repair to the optical encoder. Below
is a brief description of what I did on the encoder in my IC 735.

Healthfully yours,
                          Don W4BWS
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Lee Mairs (SAG)" <lmairs at sagcorp.com>
> I'd be really interested in hearing about this also.
> 73 de Lee  KM4YY/8
> Proud owner of a 751A for over ten years
>
> Bert Almemo wrote:
> > Hi Don,
> >Thanks for reply. Do you have any tips regarding rebuilding you can
share?
> > Thanks.
> >
> > 73 Bert, VE3OBU

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,without 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