Noise on knobs on Avid Fast Track Solo

[acousticmat]

Hi guys!

I have an Avid Fast Track Solo. When I turn up or down the volume pot, it makes an annoying noise. I read that one probably solution is to cleaning the pots. Anyone known how to do it?


Thanks.

[cwsand]

Spray a little electrical contact cleaner into the pot and move the pot back and forth rapidly - works for me a lot of the time. (disconnect the power first and let it dry a couple of minutes)

[acousticmat]

Hi! Thanks for your replay.

I have to disassembly the interface to reach the pots, but I didn’t see any screw or how to do it. Could you help me please?


Thanks again!

[zedhed]

I usually just remove the knobs and spray down the shaft of the pot and move them as mentioned. The can usually comes with a tube that fits into the 'cap' so you can concentrate aim......spray lots (flood them while rotating)....you can't hurt any electronics inside as the spray evaporates rapidly.

[musicman691]

Originally Posted by zedhed

I usually just remove the knobs and spray down the shaft of the pot and move them as mentioned. The can usually comes with a tube that fits into the 'cap' so you can concentrate aim......spray lots (flood them while rotating)....you can't hurt any electronics inside as the spray evaporates rapidly.

This will only really work if the pot is not mounted to the front panel but is a board mounted pot. With a pot mounted to the front panel you'll get more of the cleaner spray on the outside of the case and precious little where it needs to go. And even with a board mounted pot if the shaft is well-machined with little space between it and the sleeve of said shaft again a lot of spray will be wasted.

As to taking the case apart I'd say look for screws hidden under any stickers or feet.

[zedhed]

Never had a problem with doing it the way I described.

As long as the little tube is attached to the sprayer, liquid is funneled into the tiniest of gaps with can pressure.....no over 'spray' anywhere. I don't think it makes any difference where pot is mounted since shaft leads to pot wherever it is mounted.

No need at all to take case apart (bare in mind this often voids warranties) unless more 'all around' cleaning required.

In any case, just do it whatever way spins your crank.

[musicman691]

Originally Posted by zedhed

Never had a problem with doing it the way I described.

As long as the little tube is attached to the sprayer, liquid is funneled into the tiniest of gaps with can pressure.....no over 'spray' anywhere. I don't think it makes any difference where pot is mounted since shaft leads to pot wherever it is mounted.

No need at all to take case apart (bare in mind this often voids warranties) unless more 'all around' cleaning required.

In any case, just do it whatever way spins your crank.

If that works for you - fine. It's just that in the decades I've worked in electronics the 'spray down the shaft' business doesn't really work all that well. If a pot is properly made there's precious little gap for the spray to make it to where it needs to go. Then again I've seen way too many pots that had gaps big enough the shaft actually wobbled.

[acousticmat]

Hey!

Thanks all of you for your answers. I’m gonna try to fix the poblem with your advices and when I solve I post a reply here.

Thanks a lot.

[zedhed]

Originally Posted by musicman691

It's just that in the decades I've worked in electronics the 'spray down the shaft' business doesn't really work all that well. If a pot is properly made there's precious little gap for the spray to make it to where it needs to go. Then again I've seen way too many pots that had gaps big enough the shaft actually wobbled.

We'll have to agree to disagree on this one

I too have been doing this for a very long time and have never had to open any case up....and my gear is top quality, the gap is small, but it's always there. If it wasn't, the shaft wouldn't turn. I literally flood the pot so it gets everywhere inside, again, the little tube must be fitted to concentrate aim. The can pressurization forces fluid into tiniest of gaps.

I'd suggest to the OP, try my way first because it's easier. If it doesn't work, by all means open the case up.

.........over n out