Author Topic: Solved...... Need help finding an adjustment tool.  (Read 9598 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline AF6LJTopic starter

  • Supporter
  • ****
  • Posts: 2902
  • Country: us
Solved...... Need help finding an adjustment tool.
« on: April 06, 2016, 10:22:26 pm »
In the picture below you will see two adjustable coils a cap and a sub-miniature pot.
The object of concern is the pot; I need the proper adjustment tool for said pot...
Anybody have any idea where I can find this adjustment tool.


A regular screw driver won't work
« Last Edit: April 08, 2016, 12:12:25 am by AF6LJ »
Sue AF6LJ
 

Online wraper

  • Supporter
  • ****
  • Posts: 16794
  • Country: lv
 

Offline AF6LJTopic starter

  • Supporter
  • ****
  • Posts: 2902
  • Country: us
Re: Need help finding an adjustment tool.
« Reply #2 on: April 07, 2016, 01:03:58 am »
The screwdriver tip won't fit look again at the picture the adjustment part of the pot will not accept a flat blade.
Sue AF6LJ
 

Offline DTJ

  • Frequent Contributor
  • **
  • Posts: 997
  • Country: au
Re: Need help finding an adjustment tool.
« Reply #3 on: April 07, 2016, 01:13:29 am »
Its hard to tell from the photo - are you saying the rectangular section is not a slot but rather is a raised ridge?

If it turns easily, try getting a bamboo skewer and slot the end of it with a scalpel.
 

Offline AF6LJTopic starter

  • Supporter
  • ****
  • Posts: 2902
  • Country: us
Re: Need help finding an adjustment tool.
« Reply #4 on: April 07, 2016, 01:22:02 am »
Its hard to tell from the photo - are you saying the rectangular section is not a slot but rather is a raised ridge?

If it turns easily, try getting a bamboo skewer and slot the end of it with a scalpel.
The round part in the center is raised and accepts a round tip.
The slot on one side meets up with a blade attacked to the part that fits in the center. The outer ring moves not the center.
Sue AF6LJ
 

Offline sleemanj

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 3020
  • Country: nz
  • Professional tightwad.
    • The electronics hobby components I sell.
Re: Need help finding an adjustment tool.
« Reply #5 on: April 07, 2016, 01:25:01 am »
So, you need a flat screwdriver without a center.

Get an old flat blade jewellers screwdriver from your junk drawer, get a hacksaw, cut a slot in the middle of the screwdriver's blade, job done.


~~~
EEVBlog Members - get yourself 10% discount off all my electronic components for sale just use the Buy Direct links and use Coupon Code "eevblog" during checkout.  Shipping from New Zealand, international orders welcome :-)
 

Online Ian.M

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 12807
Re: Need help finding an adjustment tool.
« Reply #6 on: April 07, 2016, 01:28:09 am »
Would a jeweller's screwdriver with a slot cut in the end to clear the centre 'pip' work?  If so, its time to attack a dollar store screwdriver with a Dremel cutoff disk.

Edit: looks like we have consensus.
« Last Edit: April 07, 2016, 01:30:35 am by Ian.M »
 

Offline AF6LJTopic starter

  • Supporter
  • ****
  • Posts: 2902
  • Country: us
Re: Need help finding an adjustment tool.
« Reply #7 on: April 07, 2016, 01:31:20 am »
improvised alignment tools seldom work well, I shouldn't have to make it.
On this forum someone should know what it is and where to get it.
Sue AF6LJ
 

Offline Muttley Snickers

  • Supporter
  • ****
  • Posts: 2333
  • Country: au
  • Cursed: 679 times
Re: Need help finding an adjustment tool.
« Reply #8 on: April 07, 2016, 01:50:51 am »
I did a quick search around as you probably already have and couldn't find much at all in the way of dedicated tool sets other than what I have linked below, given the same task I would simply knock something up on the lathe or find a hollow plastic tube of the same diameter and put in a notch acting as a keyway, sorry I can't help more.

http://www.tecratools.com/product1122.html
 

Offline MarvinTheMartian

  • Frequent Contributor
  • **
  • Posts: 253
  • Country: au
  • Location: Mars (wouldn't be caught dead on Earth!)
Re: Need help finding an adjustment tool.
« Reply #9 on: April 07, 2016, 02:06:55 am »
Just do a search on "security screwdriver set" - there are plenty of these available online and at hardware & electronics store.

I've attached a picture of part of my set and the bits that you are probably after (or are they too big? - hard to tell from your photo).

Bit sizes shown are: 3, 4 and 6mm across.
Reviving my old hobby after retiring! Know so little...only one thing to do...watch Dave's videos and keep reading the forum! ;-)
 
The following users thanked this post: AF6LJ

Offline fpliuzzi

  • Regular Contributor
  • *
  • Posts: 157
  • Country: us
Re: Need help finding an adjustment tool.
« Reply #10 on: April 07, 2016, 02:56:06 am »
I know that you've said improvised alignment tools seldom work well, but in a pinch I have used ceramic tipped tweezers as a 'mini spanner wrench' to rotate tiny trimmers. The tweezer tips can be easily held to the necessary width to rotate the trimmer.
 

Offline AF6LJTopic starter

  • Supporter
  • ****
  • Posts: 2902
  • Country: us
Re: Need help finding an adjustment tool.
« Reply #11 on: April 07, 2016, 03:32:07 am »
Just do a search on "security screwdriver set" - there are plenty of these available online and at hardware & electronics store.

I've attached a picture of part of my set and the bits that you are probably after (or are they too big? - hard to tell from your photo).

Bit sizes shown are: 3, 4 and 6mm across.
I have those bits and the small one might work in a pinch...

I still want to see if someone has the tool...
What sucks deeply is the people who make those surface mount pots don't make an adjustment tool.  :palm: >:(
Sue AF6LJ
 

Offline MarvinTheMartian

  • Frequent Contributor
  • **
  • Posts: 253
  • Country: au
  • Location: Mars (wouldn't be caught dead on Earth!)
Re: Need help finding an adjustment tool.
« Reply #12 on: April 07, 2016, 10:01:27 am »
I have those bits and the small one might work in a pinch...
Yes, I was thinking later, after I had posted my reply, that these may be on the large size.  :--

Quote
What sucks deeply is the people who make those surface mount pots don't make an adjustment tool.  :palm: >:(
Indeed!  |O

Either they're thinking 'I'm right Jack, I've got my tool' or they expect you to return the unit for service (and not wanting you to do it!).  >:(

If you can't find the right tool, I think sleemanj and Ian.M's solutions would work well without too much effort. :)

Edit: Just found this tool (crap picture so I'm not positive it is what you want but you could contact them to find out). http://www.barnoelec.com/63doendhexto.html
« Last Edit: April 07, 2016, 10:31:14 am by MarvinTheMartian »
Reviving my old hobby after retiring! Know so little...only one thing to do...watch Dave's videos and keep reading the forum! ;-)
 
The following users thanked this post: AF6LJ

Offline rich

  • Frequent Contributor
  • **
  • Posts: 250
  • Country: gb
Re: Need help finding an adjustment tool.
« Reply #13 on: April 07, 2016, 10:11:34 am »
I'm not sure I'm parsing the photo correctly, but don't you just need the negative impression of a regular flat bladed screwdriver? If so that seems common enough, I have at least one in my toolkit,and this trim kit has them:

https://www.circuitspecialists.com/8pk-a001.html
 
The following users thanked this post: AF6LJ

Online tautech

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 28136
  • Country: nz
  • Taupaki Technologies Ltd. Siglent Distributor NZ.
    • Taupaki Technologies Ltd.
Re: Need help finding an adjustment tool.
« Reply #14 on: April 07, 2016, 10:17:07 am »
I'm not sure I'm parsing the photo correctly, but don't you just need the negative impression of a regular flat bladed screwdriver? If so that seems common enough, I have at least one in my toolkit,and this trim kit has them:

https://www.circuitspecialists.com/8pk-a001.html
Bingo, rich wins.  :clap:
Avid Rabid Hobbyist
Siglent Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SiglentVideo/videos
 

Offline Psi

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 9889
  • Country: nz
Re: Need help finding an adjustment tool.
« Reply #15 on: April 07, 2016, 10:18:21 am »
If it's an inverted slot then maybe its intended to be adjusted with just your fingers.
Greek letter 'Psi' (not Pounds per Square Inch)
 

Offline AF6LJTopic starter

  • Supporter
  • ****
  • Posts: 2902
  • Country: us
Re: Need help finding an adjustment tool.
« Reply #16 on: April 07, 2016, 12:46:49 pm »
I have those bits and the small one might work in a pinch...
Yes, I was thinking later, after I had posted my reply, that these may be on the large size.  :--

Quote
What sucks deeply is the people who make those surface mount pots don't make an adjustment tool.  :palm: >:(
Indeed!  |O

Either they're thinking 'I'm right Jack, I've got my tool' or they expect you to return the unit for service (and not wanting you to do it!).  >:(

If you can't find the right tool, I think sleemanj and Ian.M's solutions would work well without too much effort. :)

Edit: Just found this tool (crap picture so I'm not positive it is what you want but you could contact them to find out). http://www.barnoelec.com/63doendhexto.html
Thanks; I'll check that out after I have had my morning coffee.... I'll post a drawing of the pot later, they sell them on Mouser among other places.
Sue AF6LJ
 

Offline gfiber

  • Contributor
  • Posts: 35
  • Country: us
Re: Need help finding an adjustment tool.
« Reply #17 on: April 07, 2016, 03:22:24 pm »
I have had sucess using a small flat blade screwdriver the fit on one side of the center of those pots. It can be a bit tedious but using that got the job done. Can't tell from the photo but some also have a small notch on the outside of the pot you can catch with the edge of a flat blade screwdriver.

Gary K8IZ
Gary K8IZ
 
The following users thanked this post: AF6LJ

Offline AF6LJTopic starter

  • Supporter
  • ****
  • Posts: 2902
  • Country: us
Re: Need help finding an adjustment tool.
« Reply #18 on: April 07, 2016, 03:28:43 pm »
I may have no choice. I thought I could find those pots online but they seem to be a customized version that are not regularly for sale.
Sue AF6LJ
 

Offline rich

  • Frequent Contributor
  • **
  • Posts: 250
  • Country: gb
Re: Need help finding an adjustment tool.
« Reply #19 on: April 07, 2016, 03:36:39 pm »
was the kit I suggested not appropriate. I thought I'd nailed it :)
 

Offline AF6LJTopic starter

  • Supporter
  • ****
  • Posts: 2902
  • Country: us
Re: Need help finding an adjustment tool.
« Reply #20 on: April 07, 2016, 03:44:45 pm »
I'm not sure I'm parsing the photo correctly, but don't you just need the negative impression of a regular flat bladed screwdriver? If so that seems common enough, I have at least one in my toolkit,and this trim kit has them:

https://www.circuitspecialists.com/8pk-a001.html

There is a blade needed to turn the pot however it is offset from the center and rotates around the indentation in the center of the pot.

There is one in that kit that might work but I can't see it well enough to tell... it is the third tool from the left top row...
Sue AF6LJ
 

Offline rich

  • Frequent Contributor
  • **
  • Posts: 250
  • Country: gb
Re: Need help finding an adjustment tool.
« Reply #21 on: April 07, 2016, 04:01:50 pm »
Ah now I understand! This competition is harder to win than a keysight giveaway :)
 

Offline AF6LJTopic starter

  • Supporter
  • ****
  • Posts: 2902
  • Country: us
Re: Need help finding an adjustment tool.
« Reply #22 on: April 07, 2016, 04:17:02 pm »
Ah now I understand! This competition is harder to win than a keysight giveaway :)

I just want the proper alignment tool.
I just thought about this. That could be a machine adjustable pot...
 8)

Sue AF6LJ
 

Offline rich

  • Frequent Contributor
  • **
  • Posts: 250
  • Country: gb
Re: Need help finding an adjustment tool.
« Reply #23 on: April 07, 2016, 04:38:00 pm »
So if it is machine adjustable, the correct alignment tool is an expensive machine... Sure you still want the proper tool?  ;)

I have random fork ended tools in the garage but none would be classed as proper alignment tools. Found this for you from an electronics supplier, but, again it's not a proper alignment tool.
 

Offline Gyro

  • Super Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 9410
  • Country: gb
Re: Need help finding an adjustment tool.
« Reply #24 on: April 07, 2016, 04:40:41 pm »
Surely you just need to cut a slot in the end of a bit of plastic rod?  :-//
Best Regards, Chris
 


Share me

Digg  Facebook  SlashDot  Delicious  Technorati  Twitter  Google  Yahoo
Smf