Replacement Master Monitor Knob Pot

[unitedreco]

Ok does anyone have a source for the main monitor pot? its the stepped big one not the little one that im talking about in the 651 section. Alps japan was the original manufacturer. Any info is greatly appreciated. Yes i know you can use both sides of the pot but when that baby gets scratchy its over. Any info is greatly appreciated

[jimlfixit]

Hi, I had 3 of these unused but sold them all, along with a batch of Highland switches and Clarostat pots as a job lot to George Gilbert (ex SSL engineer and now freelance SSL tech). He is based in Oxfordshire, UK and you can contact him on ggatpumbroATaol.com. Substitute @ for AT to avoid spam. I will mention your enquiry to him but he is very busy at the moment. Others on this forum have been looking for these as well and I attach some pictures showing the details of this item. Alps made this and the part number written on the rear of the switch is 8081 10KX4.

Hope this helps from Jim Lassen (based in Bucks, UK). www.profcon.co.uk and also on FACEBOOK

[unitedreco]

Hi Jim

Yes i was heartbroken when you said you sold them all. I wonder how they can get sourced out or a good or better replacement found. Might need to start a resources page for everyday essential ssl parts with what works and what doesnt as well as what one needs to make sure they keep on the tech shelf. That was one spare part that never came with a new ssl. Not trying to recreate the machine just making sure i can keep it going lol

[radardoug]

You should also look at Goldpoint switches, they make attenuators out of Elma switches, 24 position stepped, several decks. Very good but expensive.

[jimlfixit]

Although I sold a batch of SSL type pots and switches to George Gilbert, he still has them as far as I know so contact him or PM me and I'll see what I can do. After I posted my initial reply I did think about the Elma switch version as mentioned earlier. This type of switch was used on the SSL test jigs (612 and 613). I bought a load of Elma switch stuff for my own wiring test jigs and still have a load of parts to make something up from scratch if required.

I've just seen the Goldpoint website and they want US$168 for a MVC4 quad switch. I could supply the Elma parts for about GB£45 (my cost price) although they are not the encapsulated later version as shown on their website. Also, Farnell (Newark in the US?) used to supply these component parts which is where I bought them from originally.

They actually use 23 way wafers and you can load 4 or more on the spindle to act as a quad version. There are different types of springs available and you just fit resistors between the positions I guess (Neve did this as well). My stock is not here at the moment but I can dig them out and take some pictures if required.

Hope this helps from Jim Lassen (www.profcon.co.uk). Also on FACEBOOK

[unitedreco]

Radar and Jim thank you guys very much, the GP are cheap compared to what a couple "audio dealers" here want for the originals pots $350 + gulp!!!....ive been entertaining the thought of building an elma based pot myself and i know those are some great swithes so if someones gottem made and ready im in to try it.

[radardoug]

Goldpoint make two versions, one with surface mount resistors, one with through hole. You can put the resistors on yourself or buy them ready made. You can make your own scales with a bit of math.
I have used them to make  bridged T attenuators. So its not just the switch, you get the pcb to mount the resistors as well. Of course you can use the standard switch and wire the resistors to it as Neve used to do for their gain switches. Much slower but quite satisfying!

I'm starting to sound like an ad for the Goldpoints, I'm not associated with them in any way, just love to see a good product. And those Elma switches, 40 plus years in Neves as gain switches and still going strong! Ya gotta love them!

[michaeldtech]

The ALPS pot is actually a switch inside.  Four stacks of switch that can be carefully reconditioned.  I remove it from the console, take it apart, clean the contacts, check wiper tension, re-lube, and re-assemble.  My cleaner is anhydrous isopropyl or Caig deoxit followed with isopropyl, my lube is a light film of pro gold.  If the mechanical shaft is stiff then I use a bit of thin lithium oil.
They come out good as new.

Wish I could do the same with Neve 80 series dual-concentric filters! 

Mike

[unitedreco]

Michael

ive worn those wafers down to near plastic, cleaning is no longer an option on my end but thank you for the info !!

[michaeldtech]

The wafers are ceramic.  The metal contacts and carbon resistors are deposited on it.  Have you cleaned them before?  Are the contacts really visually worn?  It would take some serious bad teching to cause such wear.
Mike

[MikeSynthesizer]

How do I take this thing apart?  I thought that I saw one disassembled on this forum somehwere but I can't find the link for some reason.

[marcmozart]

Here you go: http://forum.sslmixed.com/index.php?topic=487.0