[Kenwood] Addendum to Kenwood TS870s VFO Dial Fix

[Dennis G. Peterson]

Hello Kenwood 870 Users---------------

This is an addendum to the fix I recently discovered concerning the possible
replacement of the Encoder in the 870s.

Not wanting to give up a couple hundred bucks that easily, I found the
E-Clip had either broken or fallen off of the main vfo shaft and was
allowing the vfo dial to move up and down and in and out.

When tuning a station or signal, the LCD display would be stationery and
then would try to catch up -----At least this is how I perseived it and how
it appeared.

Removing the rubber grip around the vfo exposes a small hole where a 1/16
allen head screrw is used to tighten and secure the knob to the shaft.

Pulling the shaft off after loosening the screw quickly shows a large gap
between the main part of the shaft and the extender.  A small piece of metal
fell onto the desk after removing the dial knob and I had to literally use a
magnifiying glass to examine and see what it really was.  It was half of an
E-Clip which apparently is used to take up the gap between the two points
mentioned above.

I purchased several small E-Clips of various sizes to be sure I had one that
would work and fitted it onto the small space.  This helped reduce the play
and the movement but it wasn't what I was looking for as others claimed
their knobs were very secure and had NO movement whatsoever.  I decide to
try a small piece of Plastic card stock about .015 thickness and I made an
additional shim ring to fit alongside the E-Clip.  This added piece secured
the knob and shaft to the point of NO movement and now the dial tracks in
sequence with the LCD display.

Needlesstosay, there was NO need to spend $190 dollars for an encoder when
it wasn't required.

Maye this is a fluke or just a coincidence; however, call it what you like
it only cost .79 cents to fix as opposed to $190 plus shipping.

If you are experiencing this problem, it can't hurt anything to try this
fix.  I was asked if it would work on the 520, I can't answer that as I
don't have or have never owned a 520; but if its vfo knob is like the 870; I
see no reason why it possibly shouldn't.


Dennis-----------------K0CKD