OT: cleaning pots on my vintage audio amp

From: Chad Fernandez <fernande_at_internet1.net>
Date: Mon Feb 18 23:00:57 2002

Tony Duell wrote:
> Right here... I've not got a lot to add....
>
> I generally clean pots and swtiches with propan-2-ol. It's safe on just
> about everything, so it's not going to make matters worse. And it
> gernerally gets swtiches (at least) working again.

Ok, is that a chemical name, or a product name?
  
>
> For pots you generally have to remove them from the unit and bend up the
> tabs holding on the cover. If the resistance track is very badly worn,
> then you should probably fit a new pot if it's a standard item.
> Double-gang pots can be a little harder to dismandle, particularly the
> rear section.

Wonderful.... I don't know if I can do that. Last time I tried cleaning
them, I couldn't figure out how to easily remove the faceplate. The
pots aren't very accessible. I guess I'll have to have another go at
it, However.

>
> If the track is not too bad, then sometimes rubbing a soft pencil over it
> will help. Don;'t overdo it, though. And increase the wiper tension a
> little, but too much tension will lead to wear. If thw wiper is much
> narrower than the track (and it often is on cheap pots), then sometimes
> you can bend it sideways to contact a different part of the track.
>
> But to be honest, for controls you'll use a lot (volume, etc) it's
> probably best to replace the pot if it's at all standard.

How can I tell if they are standard? Who would be the best to order new
ones from? I've never purchased components like this before.

Chad Fernandez
Michigan, USA
Received on Mon Feb 18 2002 - 23:00:57 GMT