Speaker Static

[Bill Root]

I'm starting to get some static in some of the stereo speakers on BUFFALO GAL. The static gets worse when I adjust the rheostats. Does anyone know how I can determine if the problem is in the speaker or the rheostat? Also, any source recommendations for replacement rheostats and speakers? Sams doesn't have them.

 

[bobk]

Radio Shack had speaker rheostats when I needed them some years ago. If the speaker issue is the foam ring around the perimeter of the cone, these are easily repairable. New foam is available via the internet.

Bobk

 

[Bill Root]

Thanks, Bob.

 

[season]

Your "rheostats" or volume attenuators as they are also called is an analogue device made up of a contact or stator and a sweep that allows more resistance to be applied as you turn down the volume. They are actually working their hardest when you turn the volume all the way off. They can and usually do get corroded even in a non marine environment. Radio Shack also sells an aerosol spray of what is generically known as TV tuner cleaner spray. Comes in a can with a straw for concentrated pinpoint application. Remove the volume attenuator from the mounting surface and spray pretty liberally on the backside of the volume "pot" into any opening. It should have small holes in the canister that contains the volume control elements while turning the volume knob all the way from off to wide open. You can do this while playing music softly and should be able to hear the static go away as you clean the device. If not, PM and we can track down alternate culprits. But I think that is your issue.
Randy

 

[Bill Root]

Thanks, Randy. I'll try this when I get home next week.

 

[Tim Powell]

Your "rheostats" or volume attenuators as they are also called is an analogue device made up of a contact or stator and a sweep that allows more resistance to be applied as you turn down the volume. They are actually working their hardest when you turn the volume all the way off. They can and usually do get corroded even in a non marine environment. Radio Shack also sells an aerosol spray of what is generically known as TV tuner cleaner spray. Comes in a can with a straw for concentrated pinpoint application. Remove the volume attenuator from the mounting surface and spray pretty liberally on the backside of the volume "pot" into any opening. It should have small holes in the canister that contains the volume control elements while turning the volume knob all the way from off to wide open. You can do this while playing music softly and should be able to hear the static go away as you clean the device. If not, PM and we can track down alternate culprits. But I think that is your issue.
Randy

it works well along with it get you a can of compressed air to blow out the residue it turns loose

 

[season]

Your right Tim. Compressed air with the contact cleaner is a double shot of clean! If it turns out not to be the volume control it could also be the foam surrounds on the speakers have let go. However, the fact that the sound is scratchy when he operates the volume knob points to the dirty pot. Hope that takes care of his issue. Hope you are enjoying that 52C. One of my favorite Hatts.

 

[Bill Root]

Thanks again. Looking forward to trying out these suggestions when I get home next week.

 

[chuckbullett@gmail.com]

Thanks again. Looking forward to trying out these suggestions when I get home next week.

For spray cleaner use Cramolin Blue or "Gold". I'm an engineer at CBS Radio.... Works for us ..... And on my 53MY