UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum (https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/index.php)
-   Hints, Tips and Solutions (Do NOT post requests for help here) (https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=22)
-   -   Sticking panel meter remedy. (https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/showthread.php?t=178440)

Diabolical Artificer 2nd Apr 2021 6:55 am

Sticking panel meter remedy.
 
I had a sticking panel meter, tried everything to unstick it. On about the 56th time I had it apart I noticed a white deposit on the permanent magnet or center block of metal that the meter movement sits on,and spins around. After trying to scrape it off with a bent bit of ali I fell back on that stalwart of home remedy's - vinegar.

I dripped vinegar down the appropriate parts after loosening the grub screw about 1/4 turn that sets the height and tension of the meter coil cradle. I really didn't give this much chance of working after trying scores of other remedy's, but after blowing it out with compressed air, behold,the clouds part, a ray of sunshine streams down, the needle moves freely. With a silly grin on my mush and once again believing in the benign nature of The God of Elektrickery all was good.

Forgive the flowery prose, but it is good when you fix something after trying very hard previously. As this meter was one of a pair of identical meters, the alternative was searching for another two identical meters; rarer than hens teeth or costing loads of cash. BTW, I'd tried blowing it out with compressed air previously, numerous times.

Sorry no pics, no endoscope cam, Andy.

mole42uk 2nd Apr 2021 7:28 am

Re: Sticking panel meter remedy.
 
Excellent!

Kentode 2nd Apr 2021 8:11 am

Re: Sticking panel meter remedy.
 
Even if it doesn't work the first 55 times, a result is still a result!

Feel free to skip around the workshop. ;D

Cruisin Marine 2nd Apr 2021 8:20 am

Re: Sticking panel meter remedy.
 
Well done!
I had exactly same on one of those big American VU meters, it must be a calcium deposit gets lodged in there. ;D

Kentode 2nd Apr 2021 8:51 am

Re: Sticking panel meter remedy.
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by cruisinradio (Post 1359689)
Well done!
I had exactly same on one of those big American VU meters, it must be a calcium deposit gets lodged in there. ;D

Which begs the question, how does it get there? Is it airborne moisture?

Diabolical Artificer 6th Apr 2021 11:41 am

Re: Sticking panel meter remedy.
 
Quote:

I had exactly same on one of those big American VU meters, it must be a calcium deposit gets lodged in there
Yes, it did look like calcium or limescale being off white in colour. As to how it got in there that's a puzzler, a panel meter is a sealed unit.

Andy.

Tractionist 6th Apr 2021 3:05 pm

Re: Sticking panel meter remedy.
 
Any particular type of vinegar - white, distilled, non-brewed condiment? I've used lemon juice of battery corroded terminals before now ......

well done anyway - I love a 'result' !! :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:59 am.

Powered by vBulletin®
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright ©2002 - 2023, Paul Stenning.