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[BITX20...build idea

 

I saw somewhere a comment about the knobs. The encoder knob is
not a problem since it has a pretty much standard size shaft diameter.
However, the volume control shaft is smaller.

I've seen knobs on old clock radios that are this diameter size but
when I could not lay my hands on the right knob immediately, I began
to wonder what I could use in the meantime

I used a twist-on wirenut designed for large size wires. It is yellow
in color ¡ª colors denote splice size.

Twisting it on the shaft provides a usable knob for the volume control
knob. I suggest using some caution when putting the wirenut on the
shaft, though, no need for it to be gorilla tight. Make it tight enough
only to turn radio on and off. Also, if the wirenut "knob" is not straight
on the shaft, it is easy to move it to the proper position and make it
straight on the shaft and more what one would expect of a knob.

Sure, you can go to Mouser and select parts to one's heart's content
but this "fix" allows immediate use even if waiting for that Mouser
package. For me, I want a usable radio and not a display model even
though I want it to look good. This temporary "fix: works for me.

Hope this helps someone.

Bob ¡ª KK5R
 

Hi,

My volume control knob is a discarded cap from a medical syringe that had contained saline solution. The threaded hole that once sealed the syringe is the same diameter as the shaft on the volume control. The hole in the knob is round but the control shaft has a flatted side. I inserted a wood sliver, made from a toothpick, into the round hole and pushed the knob onto the shaft for a several trial fits until I got it the wood trimmed to just the right size. I glued the wood shim into the round hole and allowed it to cure. Then put the knob on the shaft where it still is to this day.

73,

Bill KU8H

On 12/18/18 9:49 PM, Bob Lunsford via Groups.Io wrote:
I saw somewhere a comment about the knobs. The encoder knob is
not a problem since it has a pretty much standard size shaft diameter.
However, the volume control shaft is smaller.
I've seen knobs on old clock radios that are this diameter size but
when I could not lay my hands on the right knob immediately, I began
to wonder what I could use in the meantime
I used a twist-on wirenut designed for large size wires. It is yellow
in color ¡ª colors denote splice size.
Twisting it on the shaft provides a usable knob for the volume control
knob. I suggest using some caution when putting the wirenut on the
shaft, though, no need for it to be gorilla tight. Make it tight enough
only to turn radio on and off. Also, if the wirenut "knob" is not straight
on the shaft, it is easy to move it to the proper position and make it
straight on the shaft and more what one would expect of a knob.
Sure, you can go to Mouser and select parts to one's heart's content
but this "fix" allows immediate use even if waiting for that Mouser
package. For me, I want a usable radio and not a display model even
though I want it to look good. This temporary "fix: works for me.
Hope this helps someone.
Bob ¡ª KK5R
--
bark less - wag more
 

Hi,

Love it. The old saying ¡°If there¡¯s a will, there¡¯s a way¡± is surely true.

These days. I do bark less but I just can¡¯t wag.?

Ron
KJ4FFG

On Tue, Dec 18, 2018 at 10:45 PM Bill Cromwell <wrcromwell@...> wrote:
Hi,

My volume control knob is a discarded cap from a medical syringe that
had contained saline solution. The threaded hole that once sealed the
syringe is the same diameter as the shaft on the volume control. The
hole in the knob is round but the control shaft has a flatted side. I
inserted a wood sliver, made from a toothpick, into the round hole and
pushed the knob onto the shaft for a several trial fits until I got it
the wood trimmed to just the right size. I glued the wood shim into the
round hole and allowed it to cure. Then put the knob on the shaft where
it still is to this day.

73,

Bill? KU8H

On 12/18/18 9:49 PM, Bob Lunsford via Groups.Io wrote:
> I saw somewhere a comment about the knobs. The encoder knob is
> not a problem since it has a pretty much standard size shaft diameter.
> However, the volume control shaft is smaller.
>
> I've seen knobs on old clock radios that are this diameter size but
> when I could not lay my hands on the right knob immediately, I began
> to wonder what I could use in the meantime
>
> I used a twist-on wirenut designed for large size wires. It is yellow
> in color ¡ª colors denote splice size.
>
> Twisting it on the shaft provides a usable knob for the volume control
> knob. I suggest using some caution when putting the wirenut on the
> shaft, though, no need for it to be gorilla tight. Make it tight enough
> only to turn radio on and off. Also, if the wirenut "knob" is not straight
> on the shaft, it is easy to move it to the proper position and make it
> straight on the shaft and more what one would expect of a knob.
>
> Sure, you can go to Mouser and select parts to one's heart's content
> but this "fix" allows immediate use even if waiting for that Mouser
> package. For me, I want a usable radio and not a display model even
> though I want it to look good. This temporary "fix: works for me.
>
> Hope this helps someone.
>
> Bob ¡ª KK5R
>
>
>
>

--
bark less - wag more
Rajan Krs
 




On Wed, 19 Dec 2018 at 8:19 AM, Bob Lunsford via Groups.Io
<nocrud222@...> wrote:
I saw somewhere a comment about the knobs. The encoder knob is
not a problem since it has a pretty much standard size shaft diameter.
However, the volume control shaft is smaller.

I've seen knobs on old clock radios that are this diameter size but
when I could not lay my hands on the right knob immediately, I began
to wonder what I could use in the meantime

I used a twist-on wirenut designed for large size wires. It is yellow
in color ¡ª colors denote splice size.

Twisting it on the shaft provides a usable knob for the volume control
knob. I suggest using some caution when putting the wirenut on the
shaft, though, no need for it to be gorilla tight. Make it tight enough
only to turn radio on and off. Also, if the wirenut "knob" is not straight
on the shaft, it is easy to move it to the proper position and make it
straight on the shaft and more what one would expect of a knob.

Sure, you can go to Mouser and sqqa ASelect parts to one's heart's content
but this "fix" allows immediate use even if waiting for that Mouser
package. For me, I want a usable radio and not a display model even
though I want it to look good. This temporary "fix: works for me.

Hope this helps someone.

Bob ¡ª KK5R
 

I couldn't find the right volume knob too. So I ended up finding those wire connectors with two vertical screws. In the end, admittedly it is a bit ugly, but does well the job.


Il 19/dic/2018 14:09, "Rajan Krs via Groups.Io" <rajankrs=[email protected]> ha scritto:



On Wed, 19 Dec 2018 at 8:19 AM, Bob Lunsford via Groups.Io
<nocrud222=[email protected]> wrote:
I saw somewhere a comment about the knobs. The encoder knob is
not a problem since it has a pretty much standard size shaft diameter.
However, the volume control shaft is smaller.

I've seen knobs on old clock radios that are this diameter size but
when I could not lay my hands on the right knob immediately, I began
to wonder what I could use in the meantime

I used a twist-on wirenut designed for large size wires. It is yellow
in color ¡ª colors denote splice size.

Twisting it on the shaft provides a usable knob for the volume control
knob. I suggest using some caution when putting the wirenut on the
shaft, though, no need for it to be gorilla tight. Make it tight enough
only to turn radio on and off. Also, if the wirenut "knob" is not straight
on the shaft, it is easy to move it to the proper position and make it
straight on the shaft and more what one would expect of a knob.

Sure, you can go to Mouser and sqqa ASelect parts to one's heart's content
but this "fix" allows immediate use even if waiting for that Mouser
package. For me, I want a usable radio and not a display model even
though I want it to look good. This temporary "fix: works for me.

Hope this helps someone.

Bob ¡ª KK5R
Ian Reeve
 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

the knobs can be found at radio rallies or hamfest but much easier to change for a standard sized pot of the correct value.You could also at a pinch pad out the thin shaft by wrapping with electrical tape or similar.I used one with the split splines shaft type commonly found on all suppliers.? Ian M0IDR

Get

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of iz oos <and2oosiz2@...>
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2018 5:46:32 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: Bob Lunsford via Groups.Io
Subject: Re: [BITX20] [BITX20...build idea
?

I couldn't find the right volume knob too. So I ended up finding those wire connectors with two vertical screws. In the end, admittedly it is a bit ugly, but does well the job.


Il 19/dic/2018 14:09, "Rajan Krs via Groups.Io" <rajankrs=[email protected]> ha scritto:



On Wed, 19 Dec 2018 at 8:19 AM, Bob Lunsford via Groups.Io
<nocrud222=[email protected]> wrote:
I saw somewhere a comment about the knobs. The encoder knob is
not a problem since it has a pretty much standard size shaft diameter.
However, the volume control shaft is smaller.

I've seen knobs on old clock radios that are this diameter size but
when I could not lay my hands on the right knob immediately, I began
to wonder what I could use in the meantime

I used a twist-on wirenut designed for large size wires. It is yellow
in color ¡ª colors denote splice size.

Twisting it on the shaft provides a usable knob for the volume control
knob. I suggest using some caution when putting the wirenut on the
shaft, though, no need for it to be gorilla tight. Make it tight enough
only to turn radio on and off. Also, if the wirenut "knob" is not straight
on the shaft, it is easy to move it to the proper position and make it
straight on the shaft and more what one would expect of a knob.

Sure, you can go to Mouser and sqqa ASelect parts to one's heart's content
but this "fix" allows immediate use even if waiting for that Mouser
package. For me, I want a usable radio and not a display model even
though I want it to look good. This temporary "fix: works for me.

Hope this helps someone.

Bob ¡ª KK5R
 

A short length of heat-shrink tubing, just length of the shaft and a size that will shrink nice & tight, will usually take up the slack between this shaft size and a more standard 1/4" knob opening.

-ted
Gordon Gibby
 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Knobs with all different sizes of bore...


Or fill 1/4 knob with epoxy after greasing the set screw and all the way in; ?remove set screw after hardening , center drill to whatever size you prefer......




On Dec 19, 2018, at 13:01, Ian Reeve <ian.radioworkshop@...> wrote:

the knobs can be found at radio rallies or hamfest but much easier to change for a standard sized pot of the correct value.You could also at a pinch pad out the thin shaft by wrapping with electrical tape or similar.I used one with the split splines shaft type commonly found on all suppliers.? Ian M0IDR

Get

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of iz oos <and2oosiz2@...>
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2018 5:46:32 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: Bob Lunsford via Groups.Io
Subject: Re: [BITX20] [BITX20...build idea
?

I couldn't find the right volume knob too. So I ended up finding those wire connectors with two vertical screws. In the end, admittedly it is a bit ugly, but does well the job.


Il 19/dic/2018 14:09, "Rajan Krs via Groups.Io" <rajankrs=[email protected]> ha scritto:



On Wed, 19 Dec 2018 at 8:19 AM, Bob Lunsford via Groups.Io
<nocrud222=[email protected]> wrote:
I saw somewhere a comment about the knobs. The encoder knob is
not a problem since it has a pretty much standard size shaft diameter.
However, the volume control shaft is smaller.

I've seen knobs on old clock radios that are this diameter size but
when I could not lay my hands on the right knob immediately, I began
to wonder what I could use in the meantime

I used a twist-on wirenut designed for large size wires. It is yellow
in color ¡ª colors denote splice size.

Twisting it on the shaft provides a usable knob for the volume control
knob. I suggest using some caution when putting the wirenut on the
shaft, though, no need for it to be gorilla tight. Make it tight enough
only to turn radio on and off. Also, if the wirenut "knob" is not straight
on the shaft, it is easy to move it to the proper position and make it
straight on the shaft and more what one would expect of a knob.

Sure, you can go to Mouser and sqqa ASelect parts to one's heart's content
but this "fix" allows immediate use even if waiting for that Mouser
package. For me, I want a usable radio and not a display model even
though I want it to look good. This temporary "fix: works for me.

Hope this helps someone.

Bob ¡ª KK5R
 

The wirenut I used is the twist-on type. No screws. But I don't
know what you are using but if it works for you, good.

I also only have syringes for diabetes that don't seem appropriate
for making knobs. They are clear white and I can see that the
yellow "fix" knob is better. I also wondered about some bottle lids
and a hole forming shaft that is "potted" with some kind of epoxy
or heat stick glue but the wirenut won out so that thought is nothing
more than a remote memory now.

Bob ¡ª KK5R

--------------------------------------------

On Wed, 12/19/18, iz oos <and2oosiz2@...> wrote:

Subject: Re: [BITX20] [BITX20...build idea
To: [email protected]
Cc: "Bob Lunsford via Groups.Io" <nocrud222@...>
Date: Wednesday, December 19, 2018, 12:46 PM

I couldn't find the right
volume knob too. So I ended up finding those wire connectors
with two vertical screws. In the end, admittedly it is a bit
ugly, but does well the job.

Il 19/dic/2018 14:09,
"Rajan Krs via Groups.Io" <rajankrs@...>
ha scritto:





On Wed, 19 Dec 2018 at 8:19 AM, Bob Lunsford via
Groups.Io<nocrud222@...
> wrote: I saw
somewhere a comment about the knobs. The encoder knob is
not a problem since it has a pretty
much standard size shaft diameter.
However, the volume control shaft is
smaller.

I've
seen knobs on old clock radios that are this diameter size
but
when I could not lay my hands on the
right knob immediately, I began
to wonder what I could use in the
meantime

I used a twist-on wirenut designed for
large size wires. It is yellow
in color ¡ª colors denote splice size.


Twisting it on the shaft provides a
usable knob for the volume control
knob. I suggest using some caution when
putting the wirenut on the
shaft, though, no need for it to be
gorilla tight. Make it tight enough
only
to turn radio on and off. Also, if the wirenut
"knob" is not straight
on the shaft, it is easy to move it to
the proper position and make it
straight on the shaft and more what one
would expect of a knob.

Sure,
you can go to Mouser and sqqa ASelect parts to one's
heart's content
but this "fix" allows immediate use even
if waiting for that Mouser
package. For me, I want a usable radio
and not a display model even
though I want it to look good. This
temporary "fix: works for me.

Hope
this helps someone.

Bob
¡ª KK5R
 

When I'm building and need an item that is not handy,
the first thing I do is look around to see what I already
have to use in the old experimenter's tradition.

I thought about the shrink tubing idea ¡ª it's a good one
but figured I'd need several layers to make it fit into
a standard knob's hole. While I was looking around,
I saw the wirenuts.

I did not immediately use one for this but then grabbed
one to try it. It only took a couple of seconds and voila,
it was all done and not worth looking around for some
other "fix."

The next hamfest will find such a knob on the list for
what I'll need to bring back home. I know i have that
kind of knob in a container here somewhere and may
find it before then, though.

However, because the layout on my radio has the
other connectors plugged into the front panel, such
as the Microphone plug, the volume control knob
sticking out farther makes it easier to use. Therefore,
I'm thinking this is a good way to go, at least for now.

When I go show off the radio, if anyone comments on
the way I did the knob, I'll tell them to go buy a UBITX
of their own and do it the way THEY want it to be. Ha

Bob ¡ª KK5R

--------------------------------------------

On Wed, 12/19/18, Ted via Groups.Io <k3rta@...> wrote:

Subject: Re: [BITX20] [BITX20...build idea
To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
Date: Wednesday, December 19, 2018, 2:00 PM

A short length of heat-shrink
tubing, just length of the shaft and a size that will shrink
nice & tight, will usually take up the slack between
this shaft size and a more standard 1/4" knob
opening.
-ted
 

Saved that site. But on that page they only have
Push-On Knobs - "D" Shaft which means 1/4-in "bore"
or hole and I did not see one for a smaller shaft. May
on another page.

Thanks for the website. May come in handy some day.

Bob ¡ª KK5R

--------------------------------------------

On Wed, 12/19/18, Gordon Gibby <ggibby@...> wrote:

Subject: Re: [BITX20] [BITX20...build idea
To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
Cc: "Bob Lunsford via Groups.Io" <nocrud222@...>
Date: Wednesday, December 19, 2018, 2:10 PM


Knobs with all different sizes of bore...







Or fill 1/4 knob with epoxy after greasing the set
screw and all the way in; ?remove set screw after hardening
, center drill to whatever size you prefer......










On Dec 19, 2018, at 13:01, Ian Reeve <ian.radioworkshop@...>
wrote:







the knobs can be found at radio rallies or hamfest but much
easier to change for a standard sized pot of the correct
value.You could also at a pinch pad out the thin shaft by
wrapping with electrical tape or similar.I used one with the
split splines shaft type
commonly found on all suppliers.? Ian M0IDR






Get
Outlook for Android




From:
[email protected]
<[email protected]>
on behalf of iz oos <and2oosiz2@...>

Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2018 5:46:32 PM

To: [email protected]

Cc: Bob Lunsford via Groups.Io

Subject: Re: [BITX20] [BITX20...build idea
?


I couldn't find the right volume knob too. So I ended
up finding those wire connectors with two vertical screws.
In the end, admittedly it is a bit ugly, but does well the
job.



Il 19/dic/2018 14:09,
"Rajan Krs via Groups.Io" <rajankrs@...>
ha scritto:












On Wed, 19 Dec 2018 at 8:19 AM, Bob Lunsford via
Groups.Io
<nocrud222@...
> wrote:




I saw somewhere a comment about the knobs.
The encoder knob is


not a problem since it has a pretty much
standard size shaft diameter.


However, the volume control shaft is
smaller.






I've seen knobs on old clock radios that are this
diameter size but


when I could not lay my hands on the right
knob immediately, I began


to wonder what I could use in the meantime





I used a twist-on wirenut designed for large
size wires. It is yellow



in color ¡ª colors denote splice size.





Twisting it on the shaft provides a usable
knob for the volume control



knob. I suggest using some caution when
putting the wirenut on the



shaft, though, no need for it to be gorilla
tight. Make it tight enough




only to turn radio on and off. Also, if the wirenut
"knob" is not straight


on the shaft, it is easy to move it to the
proper position and make it


straight on the shaft and more what one would
expect of a knob.







Sure, you can go to Mouser and sqqa ASelect parts to
one's heart's content



but this "fix" allows immediate use
even if waiting for that Mouser


package. For me, I want a usable radio and
not a display model even


though I want it to look good. This temporary
"fix: works for me.







Hope this helps someone.






Bob ¡ª KK5R
Guy WB7SZI
 

Can someone post a pic of that type of wire nut with screws.?
Thanks

Guy WB7SZI?
 

I believe that you are looking for an old-school MARR connector, as opposed to a common MARETTE or WireNut. The MARR uses a brass insert with a set screw, whereas the latter is basically a spring. A web search should provide illustrations.
73 de Mike


On Wed, Dec 19, 2018 at 10:46 PM, Guy WB7SZI
<sgbridge@...> wrote:
Can someone post a pic of that type of wire nut with screws.?
Thanks

Guy WB7SZI?

 

Here is the type I used. It is the yellow one...


The set screw version is apparently a sleeve that the wires
go into and they are fixed with a setscrew and the plastic
part is a cover that screws over the splice to insulate it, as
shown here:


Bob ¡ª KK5R

--------------------------------------------

On Wed, 12/19/18, Guy WB7SZI <sgbridge@...> wrote:

Subject: Re: [BITX20] [BITX20...build idea
To: [email protected]
Date: Wednesday, December 19, 2018, 10:46 PM

Can someone post a pic of
that type of wire nut with screws.?
Thanks

Guy
WB7SZI
Guy WB7SZI
 

Thanks Mike. Have never seen those with a set screw before. Interesting.?

73, Guy
V Zecchinelli
 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

I use a piece of the small tubing like they use in aquariums.? 1/8" ID and 1/4" OD.

On 12/19/2018 2:00 PM, Ted via Groups.Io wrote:

A short length of heat-shrink tubing, just length of the shaft and a size that will shrink nice & tight, will usually take up the slack between this shaft size and a more standard 1/4" knob opening.

-ted

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