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    "Scratchy sound" from speaker volume control

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by stevoboy, Oct 28, 2008.

  1. stevoboy

    stevoboy Notebook Guru

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    When the control has not been used for several days it produces a scratchy sound over the speakers when adjusting it. After using it several times it then clears. What causes this and what can be done to eliminate this? I might add this is not peculiar to speakers as I have had on other electronic volume controls such as an amplifier. Thanks for help.
     
    stevoboy, Oct 28, 2008
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  2. Nocturnal310

    Nocturnal310 Notebook Virtuoso

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    Which speaker is it?
     
    Nocturnal310, Oct 28, 2008
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  3. stevoboy

    stevoboy Notebook Guru

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    Altec Lansing VS2221
     
    stevoboy, Oct 28, 2008
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  4. PhoenixFx

    PhoenixFx Notebook Virtuoso

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    A volume control is simply a variable resistor, in which there are sliding metal contacts. Over time these contacts can be disrupted by oxidization, dust or due to normal wear and tear, this is the main reason for those cracking sounds. Depending on the unit you can either clean it, or if not replace the resistor. I once had a similar problem and eventually it stopped working, took it apart but couldn't clean, because the resistor was a sealed unit, so I had to bypass resistor completely (which made the volume control useless) and use Windows (software) volume control instead.
     
    PhoenixFx, Oct 28, 2008
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  5. stevoboy

    stevoboy Notebook Guru

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    Thanks for the information. Would air spraying or some electric motor oil or graphite sprayed in there help or cause more problems?
     
    stevoboy, Oct 28, 2008
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