[ICOM] IC-761 Rotary Encoder Binding Up

[WA2CLX]

Good evening group,

I purchased an IC-761 in December 2012, and have only recently started 
to use it quite frequently. When originally purchased, the tuning knob 
spun quite easily. In the last few days, it has begun to increasingly 
bind up.

At first, there was a dragging feeling once per rotation, and now the 
drag has increased over the full revolution, becoming difficult at times 
to rotate it at all. I have checked the screw on the bottom, and backed 
it out such that I know it's not contributing to the drag.

Icom America no longer stocks the part, and I've not yet been able to 
identify a commercial 'drop-in' equivalent (assuming there even is one 
-- I'm not yet sure what the encoder scheme is either, in bit count or 
direction signalling). I don't want to risk damaging it by continuing to 
'strong arm' it to turn, as it appears irreplaceable.

I've seen some internet articles on repairing or maintaining other model 
ICOM rotary encoders, and suspect it may be possible to do that with the 
IC-761.

Here are the questions I'd appreciate input from the group on:

1) Has anyone had the same experience with the tuning knob binding up, 
and if so, do you know why it was happening?

2) Can this encoder be disassembled easily (and reassembled easily)? Any 
tips along these lines? There appear to be four screws under the knob to 
release it, but I don't know where the plug on the cable goes, and what 
might be required to get to that (e.g. have to take out the power supply 
to get to the logic or PLL board, etc).

3) Are there any specific cleaning recommendations (e.g. type of 
solvent, what to touch or not touch, any lubrication recommendations 
along with what to apply it to -- and also what not to apply it to)?

4) Does anyone have experience with and recommend a repair service who 
might repair/fix the encoder? Any idea what that might cost?

5) Is anyone aware of a source for a currently available encoder that 
can be made to work, if this one is at the end of its useful life? Can 
you recommend a model number, source if so?

Thanks for any contributions to any or all of the questions above.

Please post replies to the list, as I'm sure others have or will also 
experience the same thing with this 88-89 era unit.

73,

Phil Walker, WA2CLX
wa2clx @ h o t m a i l . c o m