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Re: [TenTec] Stuck VFO knob on TT OMNI A type rigs - easy repair

To: "'Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment'" <tentec@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Stuck VFO knob on TT OMNI A type rigs - easy repair
From: "rick@dj0ip.de" <Rick@DJ0IP.de>
Reply-to: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment <tentec@contesting.com>
Date: Wed, 29 Jun 2016 07:29:45 +0200
List-post: <tentec@contesting.com">mailto:tentec@contesting.com>
Dave,

When I google Tri-Flow, I find 4 product categories:
1. Lubricants
2. Soy Produts
3. Greases
4. Degreasers

Which category do I choose?  Each category has several different products.
I'm sure it's a great suggestion but not if we buy the wrong version of 
Tri-Flow.

73 - Rick, DJ0IP
(Nr. Frankfurt, Germany)


-----Original Message-----
From: TenTec [mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of David Perrin
Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2016 11:48 PM
To: tentec@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Stuck VFO knob on TT OMNI A type rigs - easy repair

        I am not a purist. I do however get excited about alternative 
successful optional methods when it involves saving money, time or length of 
repairs, or longevity of the repair.
        The issue I am thinking of is the slow, sluggish, wind back the set 
frequency a bit when you let go of the tuning knob. Solutions abound with 
rather difficult repair instructions using Ten-Tec’s special grease that holds 
things in place and provides the “correct” tension with which the tuning knob 
operates. Wow! What a pain all that can be.
        My solution is much simpler, its done in a fraction of the time and- to 
date it lasts almost 18 years.
        It began back in 1998 or 9 when a bicycle lubricant called “Tri-Flow” 
was recommended for my then new BikeE recumbent bike. This spray lubricant, 
costing about $10 a can, is manufactured with minature silicone bearing balls 
within the liguid.
        Take the rig out of its case. Take the VFO covers off. As an 
alternative you could take the VFO out, but I generally don’t. I put the radio 
over a bench with newspapers under the rig. Then I spray the PTO mechanism and 
slowly gently start to ‘work’ the knob. As things loosen up I continue to bathe 
the mechanism in the Tri-Flow lubricant. It will continue to loosen the TT 
grease and it will drain off along with the lubricant. When the gearing is 
sufficiently loose I let it drain off over night. Button it up and you are 
done. 
        My results: it works, it lasts for years, it doesn’t require 
dismantling the PTO mechanism, its’ inexpensive and it’s not nearly as 
frustrating.
        Or course if you do have actual worn out parts that is a different 
issue. My experience has been to not need a new brass tuning shaft. Brass on 
brass shouldn’t wear out. In the grand scheme I don’t believe a tuning shaft 
ever gets turned as much as a clock motor before it fails, and gets the same 
repair.
        "Hey, Mikey.try it,. you’ll like it.”

73 de Dave in NH, K1OPQ 
(same call since 5/60)
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