Spectra help

[racerman1cars]

Greetings, I have a newly aquirred A4 Specta when I first got the channel/ freq knob turned freely all the way around. well I just finished programming and now the knos/switch turns really hard and only turns 5or 6 positions. will the switch need to be replaced?
Steve

[Jim202]

There is nothing that I have ever seen that after programming a radio caused the frequency knob to turn
hard.

Jim

Greetings, I have a newly aquirred A4 Specta when I first got the channel/ freq knob turned freely all the way around. well I just finished programming and now the knos/switch turns really hard and only turns 5or 6 positions. will the switch need to be replaced?
Steve

[racerman1cars]

Yeah I know the programing didn't cause the knob to turn hard. I should have left that part out. I was just saying that after I got it programed that now I can't use my new toy! any thoughts on how much to repair the switch?
Thanks
Steve

[Will]

Steve,

Did you remove the knobs? They pull off. They may be jammed in too far binding on the O ring/gasket.

[racerman1cars]

Will, YesI did, I sprayed some silicone spray on the shaft and tried to get some inside. That seems to have done the trick for now! I have another question for you, I have an A5 can I make it do zones? right now it does modes only. [ Will the A5 is the one you fixed it works great!]
Steve

[Josh]

Will, YesI did, I sprayed some silicone spray on the shaft and tried to get some inside. That seems to have done the trick for now! I have another question for you, I have an A5 can I make it do zones? right now it does modes only. [ Will the A5 is the one you fixed it works great!]
Steve

It depends on the firmware. You need version 6.xx firmware to do zones.

-Josh

[racerman1cars]

I guess the firm ware is too old, but thats ok, I am going to use it as a ham base. Thanks for all the help guys!!
Steve

[Will]

We had a big problem on RCA Tac radios with the volume and squelch pots siezing up. It is the dissimmular metals of the shaft and bushing. Do not use something like WD40. Use only real oil or silicone. WD40 would freeze the shaft everytime.


Ver 6.xx has the Zone capability in it for sure.

[racerman1cars]

I used real silicone spray, it works ok. Yeah yhe only thing WD 40 is good for is removing sticker goo!
Steve

[Terry_Glover]

That silicone spray you used is a safe quick-fix, but don't be surprised if that pot stiffens up on you again after a short time.

There is a product available at RadioShack called "Control/Contact Cleaner & Lubricant", R/S cat. no. 64-4315. It is non-conducting & mineral based. I have used this stuff for years on various electro/mechanical components with excellent, long lasting results. Give it a try if you're certain that your pot isn't damaged, corroded or just plain worn out (only a replacement can fix that).

And I just want to throw my 2 cent comment in on the following:

WD-40 is a truly remarkable product. Its proprietary formula consists of a blend of highly refined, special light mineral oil and chemical additives. It does a whole lot more than just remove "sticker goo". It is damned good stuff when it is applied to what it was intended to be used on. As mentioned earlier, lubricating radio shafts is NOT one of its intended purposes.