[Premium-Rx] Hot Rod Knob for Premium Receivers

[Guy Atkins]

I recently decided that the stock, molded plastic tuning knob of my RA6790GM
just doesn't ooze "quality" like the rest of the receiver, so I began
looking for an upgrade.

Since I live within driving distance of ICOM America's headquarters, that's
where my search started... and ended. I chose to replace the stock Racal
knob with one from ICOM's IC-775DSP transceiver-- a hefty, large, and
comfortable tuning knob with a textured rubber rim and free-spinning finger
hole (dimple). The core & skirt of the knob is black anodized aluminum and
the overall diameter at the skirt is about 2.5". The diameter at the rubber
rim is 2-5/16".

I enjoy controlling rigs via computer, but the greatest enjoyment for me
comes from driving a fine receiver hands-on. The $59.95 US. price may seem
steep, but the knob's quality and feel is an excellent match for large
rackmount receivers worthy of the adjective "premium".

To fit the Racal's 1/4" diameter encoder shaft, the IC-775DSP knob required
boring out to fit by a local machine shop. A boring process-- not drilling--
is essential to enlarge the ~7/32" opening on the ICOM knob in a concentric
fashion. Drilling out the knob (even with a drill press) practically
guarantees that the knob will be off-center and wobble during use.

A large photo of the IC-775DSP which shows the tuning knob in its native
surroundings is at Universal Radio's web site:
http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamhf/4144lrg.gif

A close-up of the knob retrofitted to the RA6790GM is at:
http://home.comcast.net/~guyw.atkins/files/racal_knob_775dsp.jpg

I highly recommend this tuning knob upgrade for premium-rx owners who want
to add a bit of "luxury" feel to their receiver. ICOM parts & service
contact information is below.

Icom America Inc.
Service Department
2380 116th Ave NE
Bellevue, WA 98004
Phone: (425) 454-7619

----------------------

Guy Atkins
Puyallup, WA USA