racal: RA-17L (RA17L); A note on Tuning Mechanics

The receiver had been stored in a dirty environment and the tuning knobs were completely jammed.  Attempts to free them proved impossible without taking aprt.

Access is by completely removing the front panel.   After removing the holding screws, it was necessary to lever the knobs from the shafts by using two screw-drivers at either side and padding the knob and panel to prevent damage.   12 Screws hold the panel to the chassis.

The scale and drive mechanics are then easily accessible

Old dirt was removed from the scale by a soft brush and then very gently wiping with a damp tissue and immediatey drying (only the exposed portion needed treatment).

All old grease and dirt was removed from the gear and worm wheels. The shafts had penetrating oil put carefully on the ends and allowed to soak for 24 hours before gently turning the shafts backwards and forwards a few degrees at a time and then more and more.  Finally the gears and worm were lightly greased and the chain oiled.

                    

All was then operating smoothly!

It just remained to give the front panel a final clean and reassemble.

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