Centralab "switch cap" removal.

[CaryLee]

My Dumont RA-112 has a Centralab unit for power on/off, volume control, and horizontal hold. The switch "cap" that controls the power is on the back of the unit, and I've read it's removable/replaceable (If one can find a replacement!). I'm wondering how is it removed from the unit without damage?

Thanks!

[zeno]

Sounds like the set is before my time ( 1960 + ) but
if its push-pull Mallory used to make replacements KR8M & KR9M
that we used a lot of. There were 3 bend tabs holding the switch section on
& easy to change. "turn" types could be repaired too but we never did.
Too busy to mess with them, just bought new controls. If it looks
like too much just jump out the SW & put a switched AC cord on it.

73 Zeno

[bob91343]

Some can be removed and some cannot. Those that can, are held on by tabs bent over the front.

[CaryLee]

Originally Posted by bob91343

Some can be removed and some cannot. Those that can, are held on by tabs bent over the front.

Hmmm. I'll have to take a closer look. I looked for tabs, but didn't see any. Thought it might twist off, but didn't want to force it. They had to put them together somehow...but I can't figure this one out.

(That wire between the poles is one I soldered in for a jumper, I'm using a switch power strip for power at the moment.)

[CaryLee]

Originally Posted by zeno

Sounds like the set is before my time ( 1960 + ) but
if its push-pull Mallory used to make replacements KR8M & KR9M
that we used a lot of. There were 3 bend tabs holding the switch section on
& easy to change. "turn" types could be repaired too but we never did.
Too busy to mess with them, just bought new controls. If it looks
like too much just jump out the SW & put a switched AC cord on it.

73 Zeno

Thanks! It's a turn switch. I've got it jumpered and I'm using a switched power strip at the moment (see photo in previous post)..but I want to get this set "right" eventually.

I'd buy a new control, but my local DuMont Television dealer is currently out of stock and doesn't know when they're getting more!

[bob91343]

It looks as though it's riveted on and you can't easily remove it. Looking at the rear I see what looks like eyelets or rivets and you'd have to drill them out to get it off. Not to mention what it would take to replace it.

Best to replace the whole control. What's wrong with yours? Sometimes they can be fixed.

[jr_tech]

Originally Posted by CaryLee

Hmmm. I'll have to take a closer look. I looked for tabs, but didn't see any. Thought it might twist off, but didn't want to force it. They had to put them together somehow...but I can't figure this one out.

I'm guessing that there are tabs at the front of the volume control holding its cover in place. When it is removed from the volume control, likely you will find tabs *inside* the volume control cover fastening the switch to the volume control cover.

jr

[Electronic M]

There is a radio guy that will take any vintage control and rebuild it or replace it.
I wish I could remember his name.

[Reece]

Ditto what jr said about opening it. Before trying that, try squirting control cleaner inside the switch and working the shaft. Sometimes the old grease gets solid and won't let it operate. Electronics cleaner as sold at auto parts stores would be what I'd try. If no obvious place to squirt, drill a tiny hole in the side of the case.

[marty59]

Actually, it's quite simple. With the control in your hand, you first need to remove the 4 tabs that remove the volume control cover. Now you will see the the switch tabs are inside and they can be pried back. Do take caution as sometimes those tabs can break quite easily.

You can easily salvage one from another centralab control or they can be obtained as seperate replacements.

[WISCOJIM]

Originally Posted by Electronic M

There is a radio guy that will take any vintage control and rebuild it or replace it.
I wish I could remember his name.

I'm guessing you mean Mark Oppat, the "King of Controls". http://www.oldradioparts.net/controls.html

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