Galaxy DX44V meter sticking?

[Cutlass327]

Just pulled my 44 out of storage, thinking I'd set up a small base set on my desk. Pulled out the old D104, plugged it in. Connected the radio to a deep cycle battery for now, hooked up the antenna, keyed up... (Ok, How do you clean a scratchy Silver Eagle D104 key up?)

Set the squelch, made sure all knobs were working, noted that the meter was stuck at the half way mark. Turned radio off, meter still 50%. removed power cord, still there. Plugged back in, keyed again, meter went 75%+ and stayed. Grabbed radio, hit it on the side a few times with my hand, meter started dropping. Never went to bottom. DO I need a new meter, or is there a way to free this thing up?

 

[Handy Andy]

I've used a fresh crisp clean new bill - $1 or $5 or any denomination - Not sure of the ones past the triple digits if they're any better than the less valued ones...

Just insert the paper bill in-between the contacts - press the plunger (choker or drawbar) down and gently pull out the bill letting the contacts scrape or burnish on the paper and ink of the bill...do this a few times for each contact.

I would not recommend a file or sandpaper emery board of any type - the contacts are plated - you'll shorten their life if you remove the plating...

 

[Cutlass327]

I've used a fresh crisp clean new bill - $1 or $5 or any denomination - Not sure of the ones past the triple digits if they're any better than the less valued ones...

Just insert the paper bill in-between the contacts - press the plunger (choker or drawbar) down and gently pull out the bill letting the contacts scrape or burnish on the paper and ink of the bill...do this a few times for each contact.

I would not recommend a file or sandpaper emery board of any type - the contacts are plated - you'll shorten their life if you remove the plating...

Awesome, thanks!

 

[Handy Andy]

The meter element is jeweled - if it's been in storage for a while the backing of the decal can "separate", the decal that gives you your S units SWR and Power? It can peel away and rub against the backside of the needle.

Not sure if that is what is causing this - but in case of the jeweled movement - that thwack usually reseats and frees up the needle bearing - so for it to "stay stuck" may mean some work - you can try to fix it or just replace it and be done...

 

[Cutlass327]

Doesn't look like anything is rubbing the needle, there is a lot of space between it an the label. Looks like I'll possibly be finding a new meter...

 

[nomadradio]

I blame this problem on the slow shrinkage of the polysterene plastic meter housing. Causes the pivot to get stiff and seize.

Most meters used in that radio have a tension-adjustment screw visible through a hole covered with clear tape. Backing it off a half-turn or so counterclockwise will free up a lot of meters.

But not all of them. Not much to lose by trying. It will take a jeweler's screwdriver, or one sold to tighten eyeglass screws.

73

 

[Cutlass327]

OK, I'll try that. I found a YT video the was showing that on a square style meter, so I'll see what I can see.