[ICOM] IC-761 Rotary Encoder Binding Up

[WA2CLX]

Thanks for the reply Tony,

I have removed the knob to make sure it wasn't pressing against either 
the front panel or the encoder. It is still very stiff and hard to turn. 
In fact, I can't turn the shaft at all with just my fingers.....you need 
the knob on it to get enough leverage to turn it. The problem 
remains...again would appreciate any assistance from the list members.

Phil

On 6/18/2013 9:27 PM, Tony Hwang wrote:
> 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.
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>> 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
> ----
> 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
>