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Re: Repairing a Dead TH-F6A
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Hi Larry,
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The main problem with those style of keypads, apart from the buttons physically detaching/cracking, is that the resistance of the contact part goes high resistance sue to wear. You can put a multimeter on it and you should see a fairly low resistance when new, typically a few hundred Ohms. As they get used, the resistance goes higher and will often go to many k Ohms. They also become quite shiny compared to a matt surface when good. A very effective method I have used for decades is to VERY lightly rub the affected rubber on a piece of very fine wet and dry. It only needs a very short, light swipe across the sandpaper and you'll find that the resistance is back down very low again. Just do this to each affected button and you're good to go again and there are no chemicals involved. 73….Eric VK2VE. -----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Larry McDavid Sent: Wednesday, May 15, 2024 2:33 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Kenwood-Amateur-Radio] Repairing a Dead TH-F6A The TH-F6A keypad is not a tactile switch. There are gold plated traces on the circuit board and the rubber keypad buttons are conductive, forming the keypad switch. In my failed TH-F6A, neither the gold-plated traces nor the rubber keypad appeared much contaminated, but cleaning both with alcohol on a Q-Tip restored the unit to operation. I assume there was some kind of film on those keypad POWER contacts that prevented operation. In any event, the unit now continues to work normally after cleaning and reassembly. The rubber keypad position for POWER on/off is damaged through long or perhaps abusive use; this HT came to me from a SK estate. The keypad is now functional but the rubber is cracked at the POWER position. I have ordered a replacement, "Substitute," keypad from PacParts and will report more after it arrives. The "Substitute" keypad is branded Kenwood, so I believe Kenwood changed the part number and likely made some change to the rubber keypad since it has a new part number. The PacParts website is extensive and clearly lists the replacement parts available. Placing the order was easy and I promptly received confirming emails. Turns out, PacParts is located in my local Los Angles area but is nearly across the LA basin from me so I had the order shipped by USPS "Ground Advantage," the replacement for (no longer available) First Class Package; I received a tracking number the same day I placed the order and the tracking info shows the package was received by the post office. That's prompt service! Here is a link to the PacParts webpage for TH-F6 parts: There is a groups.io Group for the Kenwood TH-F7; its description shows the TH-F6 is also covered. However, this Group seems inactive as the most recent posting was in August of 2023. I asked to join the Group but have had no reply. This Group was evidently formed by someone in Europe since it is named for the TH-F7, not the TH-F6, perhaps an unfortunate choice for maximum interest. Hence, my joining this Kenwood Amateur Radio Group. Best wishes, Larry McDavid W6FUB Anaheim, California (SE of Los Angeles, near Disneyland) On 5/14/2024 3:56 PM, Bob wrote: Was the problem the tac switch under the rubber pad or did the broken... -- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. www.avast.com |
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