[Amps] Stuck setscrews

[elowell at loonrd.com]

Vic,

Depending on the grade of Loctite, a little heat might be your friend.

I've used "low" heat sources like a heat gun, and butane cigarette lighters
to soften the stuff with some success in the past.

Good luck!!

Best Regards, Eric (W1EL)

-----Original Message-----
From: Amps [mailto:amps-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Victor
Rosenthal 4X6GP
Sent: Friday, December 8, 2017 6:27 AM
To: Amps reflector <amps at contesting.com>
Subject: [Amps] Stuck setscrews

I have an older Palstar AT-Auto tuner. It uses stepper motors to turn a
rotary inductor and a capacitor. It works very well in my station (or it
did).

The motors are connected to the coil and capacitor with semi-flexible
insulated couplings that are made out of some kind of plastic strip. The
plastic on the one for the capacitor has disintegrated. I have a good
quality metal and ceramic coupling to replace it with, but I can't budge the
setscrews holding the old one. Allen wrenches twist to no effect.

The screws are held with some kind of glop. I don't think it is Loctite but
I don't know for sure. I put some penetrating oil on them and am waiting to
see if that works.

I suppose I could drill them out if needed, but that is a last resort
because I am afraid of damaging the motor or the capacitor. Any suggestions?

--
73,
Victor, 4X6GP
Rehovot, Israel
Formerly K2VCO
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/
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