Difficult tuning

[Robert Groh]

If you talking only about the variable cap (i.e. not including the dial mechanism), it is probably in the bearings (most likely), the wiper(s) (less likely) or (slim possibility) alignment.  Most likely (and the first place I would hit) is the bearings - they are probably all gooped up with old lubricant (or no lubricant). Work some WD-40 into the bearings and rotate the shaft (a lot!).  Use a cotton swab to work new stuff in and get the old stuff out.  If you have access to compressed air, blast the bearing area a bit.  Flood it with the WD-40 and get it clean!  If that does the job, then use some good quality oil (turbine oil from your local hardware store (or perhaps good ol' 3-in-1) is a good choice) and relubricate the bearing area.  Use some contact cleaner on the wiper. Check mechanical alignment.  That should do the job.

73
Bob Groh, WA2CKY




________________________________
From: Bob Jackson <bob at NOFROWNS.NET>
To: BOATANCHORS at LISTS.TEMPE.GOV
Sent: Tuesday, August 4, 2009 11:28:34 AM
Subject: [BOATANCHORS-TEMPE] Difficult tuning

Fellow BA'ers ...

What's the best way to lube, free up or otherwise make easier a hard-to-tune variable cap in a BA? The one I'm presently dealing with is smooth enough, just takes considerably more force to rotate the shaft than one would like.

Thanks and 73,

Bob
AG5X

-----------------------------------------------------------
This list is a public service of the City of Tempe, Arizona
-----------------------------------------------------------

Subscription control - http://www.tempe.gov/lists/control.aspx?list=BOATANCHORS
To post - BOATANCHORS at LISTS.TEMPE.GOV
Archives - http://lists.tempe.gov/archives/BOATANCHORS.html

-----------------------------------------------------------
This list is a public service of the City of Tempe, Arizona
-----------------------------------------------------------

Subscription control - http://www.tempe.gov/lists/control.aspx?list=BOATANCHORS
To post - BOATANCHORS at LISTS.TEMPE.GOV
Archives - http://lists.tempe.gov/archives/BOATANCHORS.html