======  Tait TM8XXX Troubleshooting and Repairs ======


===== Volume potentiometer =====

I've come across a couple of Tait radios with damaged volume potentiometers. One had taken a knock to the shaft and smashed the wiper through the rear of the pot, resulting in no audio at all. Another had been forced at some point, and could rotate 360 degrees. If it was in the wrong position it would cause the radio to crash and reboot.

Fortunately they're relatively easy to replace. 

==== You will need ====

  * Torx T10 Screwdriver
  * Soldering Iron, Solder, Solder Sucker / Wick, other Soldering Tools
  * An ALPS RK09D1130A1N pot, with a 6mm shaft diameter and a 30mm shaft, available on [[https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000417297016.html|AliExpress]]

==== Method ====

Start by removing the control head TODO picture

Next remove the potentiometer knob from the front of the control head. It's friction fit, so it should just pull off.

Next undo the 3 circled screws with a T10 Torx Screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, disconnect the speaker cable.

{{:radios:tait_tm8xxx_pot_screws.jpg?direct&600|}}

You can then remove the PCB from the plastic housing. To do so I apply light pressure to the shaft of the volume pot, and push the clips circled below outwards until the PCB is freed. 

{{:radios:tait_tm8xxx_pot_clips.jpg?direct&600|}}

With the PCB removed you can then access both sides of the potentiometer. To make removal easier I start by snipping the 3 legs. From the underside you can then melt the solder used on the securing posts one at a time and then wiggle the pot out of the board. Remove the 3 leads and then clean the pads, which should leave you with something like this:

{{:radios:tait_tm8xxx_pot_removed.jpg?direct&600|}}

You can then insert the replacement POT into the board and solder it in:

{{:radios:tait_tm8xxx_pot_complete.jpg?direct&600|}}

Reassembly is the opposite of disassembly.