[TenTec] Balancing Orion 565 VFO knobs

[Bob McGraw - K4TAX]

I recall adding material to the inner race on the back side, secured same 
with epoxy, and then drilling the excess to balance the knobs on my Collins 
equipment.  Sure, it took a bit of time and several measurements but it sure 
makes for smooth sailing across the bands.  I used a needle point balance 
method and a micrometer for the task.  Also a nice metal turning lathe to 
"spin them up" is a real plus to have available.  Much like the balancing 
process for tires on a vehicle.

I found the larger the knob in diameter the more likely out of balance it 
might be.  Smaller knobs such as the one used on the Eagle are very smooth 
and virtually frictionless.

73
Bob, K4TAX


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "shristov" <shristov at ptt.rs>
To: "Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment" <tentec at contesting.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2012 12:44 PM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Balancing Orion 565 VFO knobs


>
> Michael Cheponis <Michael at Cheponis.Com> wrote:
>
>> I have a 566, and the knobs are perfectly balanced.
>
>
> It's great to know that knobs on 566 do not drift by themselves.
>
> I managed today to balance both of my 565 VFO knobs.
> It was easier than expected, took me 15 minutes per knob.
>
> Using an 8 mm slot drill, I cut out a ~2 mm deep hole,
> on the bottom of the cast balancing hole,
> just opposite of the fastening screw.
>
> Quantity of material removed was very similar on both knobs:
> approximately 100 mm^3, which is ~0.27 g of aluminium.
>
> For the record:
>  the knob itself is ~165 g
>  skirt (made of metalized plastics) is ~8 g
>  spring is ~1 g
>  rubber is ~10 g
>
> I completely ignored the skirt and the rubber
> as being much lighter than the main knob part.
>
> Now I can use a much lighter drag, similar to FT1000,
> and VFO knobs are much more pleasant to use.
>
>
> 73,
>
> Sinisa YT1NT, VE3EA
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