How to free up stuck CB radio meter movements. Your meter probably isn't bad!

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  • Опубліковано 28 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 121

  • @richg.2579
    @richg.2579 2 роки тому +12

    I always come back to Mike's radio repair for good professional advice. I'm sure everyone agrees that we miss you and new videos.

  • @tarawmaria
    @tarawmaria 3 роки тому +2

    Thanks so much for this tip. My 142 gtl meters were driving me nuts until I used your simple fix!

  • @notwrkn2mch
    @notwrkn2mch Рік тому

    Exactly what i needed to know for my late 70's Cobra 29
    I'm a really old retired trucker......Thank you very much 😴

  • @houndog415
    @houndog415 3 роки тому

    This worked perfectly. Thank you. I have a Uniden Washington I bought brand new in 1996. It's been stored for 21 years. I took it out and got it up and running again, just to find the meter was stuck at 3db and the light no longer worked. Did exactly as this video stated and the meter is working perfectly again. I also upgraded to a12 volt LED while I was in there. Everything is working like it should now. Thanks for the great info!!

  • @nigelwilson9846
    @nigelwilson9846 2 роки тому +1

    Superb advice, worked on an Audioline 341 , thanks for the information

  • @sergiofreitas9368
    @sergiofreitas9368 7 років тому +2

    This helped me a lot! I fixed my Sony TC-D5M cassette field recorder, the VU meters were a bit stuck and ocasionaly they would get stuck when a peak occurred. Thanks a lot! You made me save 58$!

  • @miguelsalami
    @miguelsalami 5 років тому +2

    And I just ordered 2 brand new meters for my 148 & cobra 21. I will have to try this on the stuck ones. 👍

  • @ronedwards8239
    @ronedwards8239 7 років тому +4

    I worked for the top meter manufacturer in the US. I made those Bird meters you love.
    This is called a pivot & jewel meter moved. Tap the side of the base by the dial with the meter horizontal and level. There should be a slight jiggle. We also used a needle with masking tape adhesive rolled on it. A jewelers eye loop. And checked for debris around the core and armature. Be careful you zap that hair spring and it's toast.

    • @mikesradiorepair
      @mikesradiorepair  7 років тому

      +Ron Edwards
      Yep the springs and wires in meters are tiny and fragile. Doesn't take much at all to damage them. That's why when you buy high quality replacement meters for test equipment they always have a wire across the terminals to prevent damage from static discharge.

    • @James_Bowie
      @James_Bowie 4 роки тому +2

      @@mikesradiorepair All panel meters not in use should have their terminals jumpered. The jumper is there to provide electrical braking (via back emf) to stop needle movement and possibly damage while in transit or being handled.

  • @Ricktpt1
    @Ricktpt1 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks for this! I fixed two out of the three Meters on a Magnum-Dynalab FT-101a Etude doing this, but I got lucky with the first two and made the mistake you describe on number three. I didn't even see the glue (before Cataract surgery, lol...) and the meter came to an undignified end. Fortunately, M-D had NOS and sold me a replacement. An expensive lesson. I wish I'd seen this first. I found this video searching for a specific tutorial on (yeah, I know...it's a little like finding a "made in Bangladesh" sticker on the innards of a Rolls-Royce) the famously luxurious and indescribably appealing "McIntosh" blue power meters. They have a history with this problem, usually only at VERY low signal levels. Sometimes it's exacerbated by severe oxidation/heating oil/nicotine on the meter function switch (three levels of dB scale, a Wattage scale, and a Watts hold) and I've seen problems with ribbon cables and/or Molex connectors where the driver boards are inserted into the chassis. But at times DeOxiting and heavy cleaning just aren't the entire solution. You take your fiscal life (they're 105% pure unobtanium) in your hands when you uninstall these meters, but I may have to take a run at doing this with one of my Macs. I love my McGear, but Jesus H. Corderman, this is an annoyance. Thanks again for your tutorial. It may just solve the problem.

  • @Frank_nwobhm
    @Frank_nwobhm 2 роки тому

    This was a great tutorial. I'm having this problem with a 44 year old BIC cassette deck. It moves, but very sluggishly and it also hangs up in the middle of it's travel path when it's turned off.
    All the advice I've gotten on various audio message boards leads me to believe that I shouldn't fool with it as I'll probably break it at worst or throw the calibration off at best.
    I watched another video where the guy used a soldering iron rather than acetone as you have. The soldering iron seems pretty harsh to say the least, and it wouldn't be advised for the screw on the reverse side.
    Your video gives me confidence that I could actually accomplish this. Removing the meter from the deck would seem to be the toughest part. Thanks for posting it and I will be sure to hit the subscribe button.

  • @richardwatson8822
    @richardwatson8822 8 років тому +1

    I have all ways wondered how to get the meters to un stick in old cb radios ? I am real glad you made this video ! IT was very helpful ! Thanks again !! Your a lot of help with your videos !! Rick.

  • @anthonysantornino920
    @anthonysantornino920 5 років тому

    Mike you Rock ! By Following your video I was able to repair my favorite Cobra 2000 Gtl ! Thank you my friend !

  • @mariafoster1110
    @mariafoster1110 5 років тому +2

    I fixed another one and all credit goes to you. Thanks

  • @djdesign_
    @djdesign_ 2 роки тому

    This guy is absolutely correct. It worked like a charm

  • @joereeser3810
    @joereeser3810 6 років тому

    Hi Mike - just picked up a 2K yesterday and both meters were stuck. Thanks to this video I now have 2 working meters. Thanks again!

    • @mikesradiorepair
      @mikesradiorepair  6 років тому

      Glad I could help. Always nice when you can repair something yourself.

  • @Jammoko
    @Jammoko 7 років тому +2

    Yup, excellent vid. However, tackling a larger range of meters I have also had minute fragments of dust, lint and metal specks harbouring between the coil and the magnet on some meters I have repaired. You can remover these with stiff a cotton thread dipped in distilled water or a thin strip of double sided tape to get between the coil and magnet to drag them out. Put a glossy sheet of white paper behind the meter so you can see any trapped particles. For metal (magnetic) particles use about 1/4" of the head of a needle, glue it or tape it to a wooden or plastic cocktail stick (you need to reduce the mass of the metal tool here) and using a (very) steady hand touch the offending metal particle and it will attach itself to the pin head; then carefully with-draw. A good bench back lit magnifier helps here. This is obviously more involved than just adjusting the pivots... but can be done if you are careful. Obviously clean the meter lens (preferably with an anti-static cleaner) and inside of the meter before reassembling. The only meter I have not been able to repair is if the coil is burnt out. Oh, make sure you completely reseal the meter... any gaps and the meter will 'breath', and tempreture changes will drag in dust and crud ready to stick the meter up again. Another little tip is to stick a layer of double sided tape inside the meter at the lower edge; this will hopefully 'stick' any dust or crud that gets inside the meter. 73 de G4***

  • @VintageGearMan
    @VintageGearMan 5 років тому +2

    Huge thank you! Worked great. I took my time and did not get in a rush. Awesome!

  • @robertlee3794
    @robertlee3794 5 років тому +1

    Acetone did a great job, and i fixed a radio meter Thanks to u mike...

  • @LeapFrog_Radio
    @LeapFrog_Radio 8 років тому +1

    Thank You Mike for sharing this video, if I had seen this months ago I could have saved the first meter I tried to unstick. Now I think I've got it down, I was able to save a few after seeing this!

    • @mikesradiorepair
      @mikesradiorepair  8 років тому +1

      That's good to hear. Amazing how much easier it is once you soften up the glue.

  • @ee5172
    @ee5172 6 років тому +1

    Great video, thanks. getting ready to retire and have some old cb's ive collected over the years some work some don't. thougt it would be a good hobby to keep the old brain box active for awhile. thanks again.

  • @CaptainBuzzcooler
    @CaptainBuzzcooler 5 років тому

    Worked great on a Uniden 68. Meter looks different but same concept and procedure.
    Thanks. 😎

  • @treycampbell3601
    @treycampbell3601 4 роки тому

    I appreciate the video. Did exactly what you said, meters work like new. And they were sticking bad. Thanks again

  • @donaldsharkey4162
    @donaldsharkey4162 2 роки тому

    WOW.. AWESOME, STUNNING, OUTSTANDING, BRILLIANT.. THANK YOU SO MUCH.. My Precious President Grant 25 year old CB Radios Meter is Stuck half way🙈.. But I'm So So Scared to Take the Radio apart 😳.. (Don BUSH RADIO (SOUTH AFRICA CH35 LSB).. 🙏.. 73''S..🇿🇦💥!.

  • @ellisrose5458
    @ellisrose5458 5 років тому +1

    I repaired it myself, OMG Thanks Mike 👍

  • @stephengianoplus7236
    @stephengianoplus7236 8 років тому +1

    Thanks for the informative video, one shop wanted to charge me $75 to replace them.

    • @mikesradiorepair
      @mikesradiorepair  8 років тому +2

      Now you can save some money. Like I said usually there's nothing wrong with meters other than their stuck. Its rare for the movements to burn out.

  • @HughJarse1968
    @HughJarse1968 3 місяці тому

    Thank you! Going to try this myself. A very nicely paced & informative video.

  • @RT038
    @RT038 Рік тому

    Thanks for your help I will give it a try just bought a Washington base station with a stuck meter

  • @davescbradiorepair8195
    @davescbradiorepair8195 6 років тому

    Works great ive saved dozens of meters in customers radios

  • @equalizerny9263
    @equalizerny9263 3 роки тому

    Hey Mike your video helped me do the same for my metered.thank you..God bless you..

  • @stevegresham8112
    @stevegresham8112 5 років тому

    Another meter fixed after watching your video. Thanks

    • @mikesradiorepair
      @mikesradiorepair  5 років тому

      Great to hear. It's nice when you can fix your own radio isn't it.

  • @kobolila-yt
    @kobolila-yt 5 років тому

    excellent. I have two radios with 1 stuck meter; a Cobra 2000 GTL and a Kris XL-50 I hope the one in the Kris comes out easy.

  • @philipsmith4242
    @philipsmith4242 5 років тому +1

    I fixed it with the help of you, Thanks dude

  • @psguardian
    @psguardian 7 років тому

    Saved me a new meter & soldering. Great explanation.

  • @TheRadioShop
    @TheRadioShop 8 років тому

    Glad you did this video so now I don't have to :-) Don't no how many times I saved meters this way. Very well demonstrated Mike. Good job!

    • @mikesradiorepair
      @mikesradiorepair  8 років тому

      Have to wonder how many meters have been replaced that needed nothing more than this to fix them.

    • @TheRadioShop
      @TheRadioShop 8 років тому

      I wonder how many techs fix the meter and charge for a new one....I have seen that before :p

    • @mikesradiorepair
      @mikesradiorepair  8 років тому

      +The Radio Shop
      Same people that charge for a alignment and all they do is turn all the power adjustments to max.

  • @Vintageaudionagoya
    @Vintageaudionagoya 4 роки тому

    Thanks Buddy! I got my Roland space echo meter working great!

  • @stephenwilliams5201
    @stephenwilliams5201 5 років тому

    Borrowed a diabetic needle from my friend. And filled it with oil used in clock works. I am lazy and lubed the jewels. Will try yours on a rainy day when next I Doo a meter. Tks

  • @chrissewell1608
    @chrissewell1608 3 роки тому

    Looks like you just saved me a lot of time and money! Thanks for the help!

  • @nazeerabdulrahuman9526
    @nazeerabdulrahuman9526 2 роки тому

    Hi
    Thank you for the useful information
    Is it okay to use paint thinner on the place of acetone.
    Kindly advise
    Thanks

  • @chekfakarm2713
    @chekfakarm2713 4 роки тому

    Dear Mr mike thank you very much

  • @felipefigueroa9449
    @felipefigueroa9449 6 місяців тому +1

    Good job

  • @nicholassofroniou443
    @nicholassofroniou443 5 років тому

    WORK A TREAT ON MY CB METER WELL DONE FOR THE VIDEO

  • @VintageElectronicsGeek
    @VintageElectronicsGeek 8 років тому +1

    Very cool tip Mike, thanks!

  • @W-733_KWX
    @W-733_KWX 5 років тому

    Learning a lot from your videos. Thumbs up OM :)

  • @capndavey1
    @capndavey1 3 роки тому

    Did this to my Cobra 142 GTL this morning works like a charm nead to do a 2 meter radio and a Kenwood stereo thanks

  • @timothywallace652
    @timothywallace652 3 роки тому

    Good to know info thanks for making this video.

  • @samiam5557
    @samiam5557 8 років тому

    Excellent demonstration, and advice. Thanks Mike. =D

  • @allIhaveISMusic1
    @allIhaveISMusic1 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks! Got a nail clipper ?

  • @whitefordpipeshandmadebymi7238
    @whitefordpipeshandmadebymi7238 5 років тому

    Awesome to learn! Thanks Mike 😊 73 de ve3hip in Welland Ontario Canada 🇨🇦

  • @justinf6951
    @justinf6951 Рік тому

    Thanks Mike, just fixed mine ! 👍

  • @shaneholly1329
    @shaneholly1329 8 років тому

    great technique Mike, learning by the yard. now if I could just get my Roger beep box back in my ss121 I'd be set...

  • @madmal61
    @madmal61 5 місяців тому

    Great video and very informative thanks

  • @bigalbert1598
    @bigalbert1598 Рік тому

    Thanks for the video. I got a pile of meters that are stuck. For some reason I didn’t throw them away I want to try that and see if I can make them work.

    • @mikesradiorepair
      @mikesradiorepair  Рік тому +1

      The best advice I can give is don't force the pivot screws. Wait for the solvent to soften the Loctite. If you encounter resistance turning the screws stop, your about to strip the screw head.

  • @albertlarry1950
    @albertlarry1950 5 років тому +1

    awesome dude 👏

  • @anniearnold9127
    @anniearnold9127 5 років тому +1

    Thanks to help me to fix it 👍

  • @marrycyrus6305
    @marrycyrus6305 5 років тому

    thanks for sharing such a useful video

  • @itsonlyme9938
    @itsonlyme9938 2 роки тому

    Watch make lube puts a very fine film trace when it dries out its basically lighter full petroleum based used in the old school cigarette lighters.
    I think it may be corrosion of the pivot points.

  • @SergioGalmeyerResende
    @SergioGalmeyerResende 3 роки тому

    Hi Mike, Thanks for your helpful video. I'm restoring a Revox A77 and one of the meters is corroded (kind like when batteries leak) and I'm not sure what to do. For batteries compartments I usually use vinegar with very good results...but this is a meter!!! with that little so fragile spring. Then the other meter is worse... the needle got separated from the stuck magnet, but still hanging by the fragile spring. Do you have any suggestion? Thanks

  • @5speedfatty
    @5speedfatty Рік тому

    OK, oddball comment here... I have been looking all over for the spec on these old meters because i want to use one in a project im doing. long story short, im taking an older CB and setting it up to use with a PC for "sim racing" the goal is to have what looks like a fully functional CB but it really just be a few components on the inside hooked to the PC. (i plan to actually use the mic, internal speaker, controls, and so on) so supposing I want to power one of these meters up and have it respond to voice, without the original hardware. what are the voltage spec's on these things? I can make a circuit to pull the audio signal down from 5 volts to whatever, but I need to know how low to go, and im afraid to blow the little guy testing it.

  • @1112223333111
    @1112223333111 8 років тому +1

    I did one today and that metal frame that the screw is in, I tweaked it upwards a hair and it fixed it

  • @DarrinsChannel
    @DarrinsChannel 4 роки тому

    I got a uniden Zachary T for free and I've noticed the meter doesn't move either its like 20 to 30 year's old base station radio I'll be doing this to mine as well as its stuck and my light is burnt out how do I go about replacing that?

  • @kris8661
    @kris8661 5 років тому

    Great info....thanks

  • @dantevortex
    @dantevortex 7 років тому +2

    nailpolish remover. Useful for almost everything. myth says some people use it for their fingernails.... not sure why.

  • @ostrand11
    @ostrand11 8 років тому +1

    Thank you.

  • @andrewverran3498
    @andrewverran3498 Рік тому

    swr Meter panels, do you just put a drop of isoprop to clean the pivot and then a drop of contact cleaner ??
    Any advise appreciated

  • @JRS2791
    @JRS2791 3 роки тому

    I got a decent Messenger 250 with no SMeter Movement. I checked the meter as shown here. Just no bounce at its zero mark. Anything else I can check out on this Signal Meter issue. Do I have to unscrew the back side of the meter to get at the other end of the meter shaft?

  • @ericdee6802
    @ericdee6802 2 роки тому

    I have a question for you Mike. Regarding the RCI Ranger 2970, is there a circuit or some method that a analog meter be installed on a Ranger instead of the dummy lights? like maybe making a tap using a 1/8" phono jack (Female side) installed on the side cabinet or somewhere out of the way,and have the meter itself with leads with the Male end so you can plug in the analog meter and bypass the dummy lights???
    Thanks for reading!!!

  • @glasstronic
    @glasstronic 4 роки тому

    Well done. ;-)

  • @rangersmith4652
    @rangersmith4652 3 роки тому

    Sometimes analog meters fail because they take a knock and the silk screened plastic backing shifts, making it too close to the clear plastic lens and catching the needle in between. That happened to me with a brand new antenna tuner with cross needles for directed and reflected power. The fix for my case was to simply take the meter apart and reassemble it properly.

  • @shannonduke4206
    @shannonduke4206 2 роки тому

    Thanks alot for video Thanks 😊

  • @dennisqwertyuiop
    @dennisqwertyuiop 8 років тому

    good tips
    what do you use for Attenuator when transmitter testing into your Spectrum analyzer
    I also have the rigol like yous looking at a 30 db 150 wat feed through

    • @mikesradiorepair
      @mikesradiorepair  8 років тому

      I have two 30db 500 watt attenuaters hooked in series setting on the floor under the bench and if that's not enough I can hook up smaller 10 watt attenuaters at the SA input.

  • @roughrider3772
    @roughrider3772 2 роки тому

    Does this work on mobile meters too? I have 2 mobile radios and both meters are stuck, Jackson and Galaxy 88HL. Maybe the same procedure?

  • @ver64
    @ver64 8 років тому

    Be careful Mike when re painting the needle tip, if you apply too much paint, you will make the needle too heavy and the meter will be out of balance.

    • @mikesradiorepair
      @mikesradiorepair  8 років тому

      Yep, just enough. Another reason I remove the old paint. To much and like you say it weighs the needle down and the upswing would read low and once it got over the hump it would read high. Thanks for mentioning it.
      Mike

  • @supyrow
    @supyrow 8 років тому

    acetone. got it. LOL Thanks Mike!

  • @robertsandlin1118
    @robertsandlin1118 7 років тому

    THANKS FOR THE VIDEO!!! I ALWAYS THOUGHT YOU HAD TO PUT IN A NEW METER. TRIED IT ON MY COBRA 25 AND IT IS WORKING AFTER BEING STUCK FOR 15 YEARS. CAN YOU GIVE ME ADVICE ON THIS COBRA 25? IT WAS MADE IN THE PHILIPPINES AND ON THE INSIDE IT LOOKS DIFFERENT FROM THE ONES MADE IN CHINA. ADVICE 0N THE VR1,VR2,VR3,VR4,VR5. BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE I WORKED ON RADIOS AND I FORGOT!!

    • @mikesradiorepair
      @mikesradiorepair  7 років тому

      ROBERT SANDLIN
      CB Tricks is the go to place. Click on the model you have and all the info you need is in the alignment procedure. www.cbtricks.com/radios/cobra/index.htm

    • @robertsandlin1118
      @robertsandlin1118 7 років тому

      THANKS MIKE. AND MY CAPS BUTTON IS STUCK!!!!

  • @mcphotolock1
    @mcphotolock1 7 років тому +1

    cool vid, thanks

  • @myfatherstwoacres6717
    @myfatherstwoacres6717 6 років тому

    I was trying to figure out why your voice sounded so familiar. You sound very similar to Alan Alda from MASH. Good video

    • @mikesradiorepair
      @mikesradiorepair  6 років тому

      LOL, I'll take that as a compliment. He was my favorite actor on MASH. :-)

    • @myfatherstwoacres6717
      @myfatherstwoacres6717 6 років тому

      MikesRadioRepair it was meant as a compliment. Very good actor

  • @lesjones5684
    @lesjones5684 Рік тому +1

    Very interesting 🤔 my cobra 138xlr is stuck 😢

  • @shaneholly1329
    @shaneholly1329 8 років тому

    has 1 yellow wire an 2 brown. don't know where they go. switch is good. yard sale pickup $10. I can do variable power, echo board, mike repair, MOSFET upgrade on uniden 76, Cobra 29 an below and couple of other mods, still learning though...

  • @jaboucher6527
    @jaboucher6527 4 роки тому

    Hey Mike I have a question for you I have a President Madison that has the MB8719 PLL chip on a PC-411AB PCB. Currently my receive meter swings backwards when other people are talking everyone, not just one person but everyone. The RF power side of the same meter works just fine when I am talking. Is there an issue in my meter or is there an issue in my radio like a bad diode somewhere. I cannot figure this out for the life of me and I’m hoping you or someone out there could give me a hand. Thanks a lot guys.

    • @James_Bowie
      @James_Bowie 4 роки тому

      One possible cause is over-modulation. Most likely your rig needs alignment.

    • @jaboucher6527
      @jaboucher6527 4 роки тому

      James Bowie But it’s not my modulation meter. My modulation meter works just fine. It’s my receive S meter that swings backwards when I am receiving.

  • @WilliamCalderon-yv3rr
    @WilliamCalderon-yv3rr Рік тому

    Whear can I get meters for a cobra 142gtl? I need both.

  • @sheenamartin1855
    @sheenamartin1855 5 років тому

    damn good thanks for sharing :-)

  • @ogbigfoot9196
    @ogbigfoot9196 4 роки тому

    Question is how do you get the meter out of a cobra 2000

  • @geanmarques7403
    @geanmarques7403 4 роки тому

    Hello Friend! can you help me with my vu's? I am from Brazil and I do not understand your video, one of my vu's are stuck and I can not unlock it, already tried with the hot iron, it works soon hangs again. By locking this deacanso alignment screw it works, but gets the wrong rest (it is an inverted vu, works from top to bottom) the model of my deck is TelefunkenTC400 thank you for your help. (if you can translate to portuguese it helps me a lot, i can't copy the answers here on you tube)

  • @ericdee6802
    @ericdee6802 2 роки тому

    Those look like Texas Starr meter movements?.

  • @lesjones5684
    @lesjones5684 9 днів тому +1

    My cobra 🐍 138 xlr meter is stuck 😅😅

    • @mikesradiorepair
      @mikesradiorepair  9 днів тому

      If you remove the meter movement from the radio and give it a tap and the needle doesn't move then this will probably fix it.

  • @jeremywills17
    @jeremywills17 5 років тому

    Better one 👍

  • @salvador1879
    @salvador1879 4 роки тому

    Excelent movie.

  • @runningbear4666
    @runningbear4666 8 років тому +1

    Rocket Science gotta love youtube

  • @PoOpEePaNtZ73
    @PoOpEePaNtZ73 3 роки тому

    Do you repair radios?

    • @PoOpEePaNtZ73
      @PoOpEePaNtZ73 3 роки тому

      After seeing most of your videos I now have the answer to my previous question. I have a Uniden Washington that needs some help.

  • @richardwatson8822
    @richardwatson8822 7 років тому

    will this work on swr meters ? Thanks .

    • @mikesradiorepair
      @mikesradiorepair  7 років тому

      richard watson It's a meter isn't it? If it's stuck it should.

  • @321CatboxWA
    @321CatboxWA 7 років тому

    Ah ha acitone ,well done! So whats up with those long sexy lady nails on your pinky fingers? 73s

    • @mikesradiorepair
      @mikesradiorepair  7 років тому

      +321Catboxnwc
      Just don't break off as often as the others. They are great tools for scraping, picking up tiny parts and the occasional back scratching.

  • @LizardKing1-w7q
    @LizardKing1-w7q 6 місяців тому

    Anybody ever figure out where this man went

  • @spaghettibender7607
    @spaghettibender7607 7 років тому

    Can you use DeoxIT D5 instead?

    • @mikesradiorepair
      @mikesradiorepair  7 років тому +1

      +The Rodog
      Not going to do anything to thread locking compound. That's for removing light oxidation. You need a strong solvent to dissolve thread locking compound.

    • @spaghettibender7607
      @spaghettibender7607 7 років тому

      Oh yea, forgot about that. Thankyou.