Repairing rotary encoder for Creative T6 volume control pod

[tristanlee85]

I am attempting to repair a volume control pod for my Creative ZiiSound T6 system. The symptom I was experiencing was when adjusting the volume knob in either direction, the volume would either be unchanged or continue to increase in uncontrolled increments.

This knob can spin infinitely in either direction by rotating the upper half.

Because I could not see anything on the board or component itself that would identify it, I opted to take it apart to see how it functioned and see if I could match a replacement to it. Researching various encoders, I wasn't able to find anything that I comfortably thought would be a good replacement.

Does this pattern look common or is it likely something proprietary to the device? Any feedback would be great, thanks!

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

Presumably it's just a rotary encoder?, assuming you haven't broken anything?, just clean it and put it back together - your issue is a VERY, VERY common problem with rotary encoders.

It 'might' be a standard rotary encoder, but you don't actually give any pictures of it, just the disassembled parts.

 

[Tony Stewart]

Get a "Pink Pearl" pencil eraser and clean the copper contacts and 3 rotating contacts to be smooth and mirror like. Then reassemble dust tight. The rotor switch has 12 cycles per rev., with contact closures. It is a problematic design with corrosion and plastic smear.

 

[Tony Stewart]

A non solvent grease extremely thin so that the contact force reaches the conductor surface may help. Use a DMM continuity buzzer to test before resoldering and beware of excess heat. 3s max per joint.

 

[starLED]

It's similar what is used for scroll wheel in mouses.
I clean it always when it starts to lag.
And sometimes I tight the metal holder.