How Can I Clean Sealed Rotary Knobs?

[Mod]

Hey Guys,

I own a Firestudio mobile FW Interface I need to clean.
(Link to Download Manual)

Over the last year and a half the knobs have started to crackle and pop when I turn the gain. I contacted the manufacturer and the price for cleaning + shipping is not worth me sending it in. I also looked locally and again it's very expensive for anyone to even take a look. And hey I might as well clean it myself.

I got some Deoxit D5 and opened the sucker up. Turns out the knobs are all sealed. And I have no idea how I would get in them to clean it... Is this something that I won't be able to do? I don't want to break it but I am also willling to take risks.

[Les]

Hi

I used to design potentiometers once upon a time.

IMO most cleaning solutions will wash away the lubricant package applied to
the pot element, leading to rapid failure. (assuming they could be opened)

Likely that the thin conductive plastic element is worn through in places anyway...cleaning wouldn't help.

You could clean old carbon comp pots, but very unlikely they are that.

Are you handy with a solding iron? The pots probably aren't much over a dollar each. Even then it could be a lot of money if you had it done.

But I have replaced many scratchy pots myself for almost no money, just a bit of time.

Les
L M Watts Technology

[Mod]

That's a good idea. I'll buy some and replace them. Fun lil' project for sure. Thank You.

[newdigitaluser]

Originally Posted by Mod

That's a good idea. I'll buy some and replace them. Fun lil' project for sure. Thank You.

try deoxit first
if it doesnt work nothing really lost
if it does
a lot of time and money and hassle repotting the thing

[Mod]

tried it. didn't work. problem inside the knobs. I should learn how to fix this shit anyways. Feel like it's a right of passage. Work 99% ITB need to fix my 1% OTB sound.

[Bob Ross]

Originally Posted by Mod

I should learn how to fix this shit anyways. Feel like it's a right of passage.

I approve.