[ICOM] IC-761 Rotary Encoder Binding Up

[Tony Hwang]

WA2CLX wrote:
> 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
> ----
> Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan K7VC: icom-owner at mailman.qth.net
> Icom Users Net: Sundays, 1700Z, 14.316 MHz
> Icom FAQ: http://www.qsl.net/icom/
> To support QSL/QTH.net: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
>
> -----
> No virus found in this message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 2013.0.3345 / Virus Database: 3199/6422 - Release Date: 06/18/13
>
>
Hi,
I have  765. Remove the rubber grip ring off the knob and try adjusting 
the screw wil small Allen key
73,
Tony
VE6CGX
ex-HM1AY