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ALPS Potentiometer Odd "Feel"

What are the grooves in that plastic rotor for, optional detent ball or something? Looks like that pad overhangs into the grooves, curious if what you're getting is the pad binding between the ribs and whatever is on the back cover. Possibly trimming it down so it doesn't stick past the push nut will improve the situation.

also sort of curious what that pad is even for.
 
gadget73 said:
What are the grooves in that plastic rotor for, optional detent ball or something? Looks like that pad overhangs into the grooves, curious if what you're getting is the pad binding between the ribs and whatever is on the back cover. Possibly trimming it down so it doesn't stick past the push nut will improve the situation.

also sort of curious what that pad is even for.
Click to expand...
I have no idea what the grooves in the rear rotor are for. They don't touch anything. I assume the pad is meant to act as a cushion for the push nut, although I don't know why it needs that. The rear cover is completely clear of everything. The same is true of the front case half. No moving parts touch the plastic case anywhere. The shaft is held in position at the front by spring wipers.

Jack

ALPS 4.JPG
 
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I'm thinking about the locations of stress points in the pot when it's fully assembled. The fingers that press against the tracks tend to pull the shaft to the rear. This means the front bearing wiper has less tension against its mating surface when the screws are tightened, so it's not the problem. What I now suspect is that the material the carbon tracks are deposited on is deforming slightly and that it takes a set when the wipers remain in one position for a while. there's really no other explanation that I can see. One thing I should add is that this pot turns much more freely than any of the other ALPS dual pots I've used. It's clear that the grease in the front bushing is very different and not nearly as viscous. Again, I think this all points to improper materials and a pot that is very unlikely to have been manufactured by ALPS.

Jack
 
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