[ICOM] IC-761 Rotary Encoder Binding Up

[Mort Arditti]

Phil,

Many years ago I had similar problem with a Kenwood TS430.  The problem was
that with time, the shaft and bearing become contaminated with dust, old
lubricant
etc. This is from memory over 20 years ago. After removing the encoder, I
opened it and very carefully used alcohol and WD 40 to dissolve and clean
away the crud
from the shaft.  It will help if you have a syringe and needle for this.
Apply a bit of the cleaning liquid, rotate, apply liquid, rotate etc.  After
several minutes the shaft
rotated freely.  WD 40 is not a lubricant, it is a solvent and poor
lubricant.  Now apply a few drops of high quality lubricant to the shaft.  I
had a can of high quality lubricant,
I sprayed into a small bottle cap then used a piece of wire to transfer
lubricant from the cap to the shaft assembly.  Rotate the shaft as you apply
lubricant.
After a short while, the shaft rotated very freely.

I hope this helps.

73,

Mort,  NA6MA

-----Original Message-----
From: icom-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:icom-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On
Behalf Of WA2CLX
Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2013 8:58 PM
To: icom at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [ICOM] IC-761 Rotary Encoder Binding Up

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 
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>>
>>
>> -----
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>> 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
> ----
> 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
>

----
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