Sharp GF-777 VU meter needle gets stuck

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vladi123456

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One of my VU meter needls gets stuck when in the far right position - it moves normally otherwise, but at the max - it just gets stuck in there. If I knock on the top of the boombox with my finger (above the VU meters) - it gets unstuck and moves normally for a while - until it gets to that spot again - and it gets stuck again. I noticed it started happening 2-3 days ago - anybody has any idea what it could be or how to fix it? It doesn't affect the sound quality, and I can't really see the VU meters from the disitance anyway, but just knowing it does it - makes me upset - I love my GF-777!!! :-)
 

Superduper

Member (SA)
Marantz PMS-7000 arrived a few days ago and tuning meter appeared to be dead. I hooked it up to VOM and tested the resistance at varying ranges -- found that the meter moved up but wouldn't back down. Undid the clear cellophane tape (that's how most meter are held together) and found that I could move the needle manually but it didn't return to park position. I thought the clock spring was broken but it looked intact. On a hunch, I spread the tab in the front where the needle pivot resides and voila, the needle was freed and moved normally again. I'd say either your pivot needle is bent or the clearance is too tight, maybe due to build up of corrossion. Since your needle moves, it doesn't look serious.
 

Fatdog

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May 3, 2009
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Or maybe just a really small drop of oil. It definitely sounds like it is sticking - either from gunk or maybe a bent needle.
 

Superduper

Member (SA)
There definitely could be some build up or oxidation/corrosion but if you use oil or solvent to free it up, I think you'll want to degrease it afterwards because if I'm not mistaken, those meter movements are very sensitive to contamination and is supposed to be operated dry and not lubed. Deoxit might not be the best product to use. There are some residue free electronics cleaners that may work better.
 

vladi123456

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Awesome - I looked at the PDF - and I see it will only take me 2-3 days to get to VU meters - it's not that difficult at all! :-D

Thanks Bobby for posting the link, and Norm - for the tips!!
 

vladi123456

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I mostly listen to the radio, and MP3s sometimes - it's easier to control loudness with MP3s, but that's not the case when I listen to the radio :-/
 

riker1068

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Jun 5, 2014
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vladi123456 said:
One of my VU meter needls gets stuck when in the far right position - it moves normally otherwise, but at the max - it just gets stuck in there. If I knock on the top of the boombox with my finger (above the VU meters) - it gets unstuck and moves normally for a while - until it gets to that spot again - and it gets stuck again. I noticed it started happening 2-3 days ago - anybody has any idea what it could be or how to fix it? It doesn't affect the sound quality, and I can't really see the VU meters from the disitance anyway, but just knowing it does it - makes me upset - I love my GF-777!!! :-)
vladi123456 said:
One of my VU meter needls gets stuck when in the far right position - it moves normally otherwise, but at the max - it just gets stuck in there. If I knock on the top of the boombox with my finger (above the VU meters) - it gets unstuck and moves normally for a while - until it gets to that spot again - and it gets stuck again. I noticed it started happening 2-3 days ago - anybody has any idea what it could be or how to fix it? It doesn't affect the sound quality, and I can't really see the VU meters from the disitance anyway, but just knowing it does it - makes me upset - I love my GF-777!!! :-)
Old thread yes. That's why we like this site. I am having some marantz vu meter issues and I was curious if the oil worked for your problem? So that I may pursue the fix also.
 
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