Empeg non-keyed knob replacement

Another question for the group, does anyone have an official part number to replace the original non-keyed knob with the newer one that's keyed? My knob spins on the shaft as it doesn't hold on very well anymore...

I will be checking out digikey - but I thought I would ask here since probably someone else has already done this...

Thanks,

-Ben

The original Mk2 knob had a slipping problem (as you know). I have a black rubber piece that goes over the shaft to prevent slipping. I got it free from support. Contact [email protected] to see if they can hook you up.

I'd just like to say that not only is that solution free (to the end user), but it's an excellent solution. I even like it better than the keyed shaft in the Mk2as, as it makes it that much easier for me to machine a replacement knob, once I get around to it, so that I can actually grasp the damn thing.

Edit: I realized after posting that it sounds somewhat as if the major reason I like it is for easy replacement. That's not true. It works 100% of the time with no issues whatsoever. The replaceability is just icing on the cake.

In general, I like the Mk2 knob better than the Mk2a. The Mk2 knob seems to stick out a bit more and is easier to grasp.

Benjammin, you can't replace the Mk2 knob with a Mk2a keyed knob. I think you'd have to replace the whole display board if you did, or at least do some very tricky desoldering and resoldering.

Instead, do as was suggested and contact support. The FAQ entry on this topic is here.

They send you a different kind of knob that's better designed to grip the round shaft, but they don't replace the shaft itself.

And Robricc, I'm not sure if [email protected] will work. Maybe it will, not sure. The correct address for support is given here.

I am always unsure if I should give David's address or what exactly the general support email address is. I got [email protected] from empeg.com's homepage.

Yes, it will work fine - in fact it is the correct address since everything was integrated into the sonicblue network. The old riohome addresses also continue to work for legacy reasons, but you should probably update the FAQ just in case.

Rob

Oh, so Sonicblue.com is actually the correct one?

Ah, didn't know that.

Will make the correction now.

Makes no diffference - I check all the accounts.

Hi,

I also received an improved replacement knob from support, but I tried installing it and found it horrendous. The grommit makes it next to impossible to get the knob onto the shaft properly. And putting my full weight onto the display board didn't seem like a good idea at the time.

Instead I ended up making small ridges on the shaft with generic rubber type glue. The original knob grips perfectly now. However, the glue doesnt last forever and I have to glue new ridges every so often.


Regards,
Aragon

P.S. I let the glue dry completely before putting the knob on the shaft!

The original Mk2 knob with the "O" ring works fine. Most any hardware store sells these for a few cents.

As for the knob replacement, it is actually very easy to solder the few surface mount contact legs. I had wanted to countersink my Mk2 knob a little (so I couldn't see the LEDs from the side) by lopping off the top of the knob. Unfortunately, the moderate heat generated in my cutting off the end trashed an inner plastic slip ring that holds the aluminum stem. I had to replace the original knob (only non-keyed were available), which was very simple to install. Had used my Mk2 knob for about a year with the O ring, through some very hot California summers, without any problem.

Sounds to me like you got a defective one or something. Mine has worked just fine for quite some time, and I've taken it on and off quite a bit.

Are you putting the O-ring on the shaft or in the knob before assembling? You should be doing the latter.

Are you sure that the knob isn't getting caught on the lens while pushing it in? I've found that that can be the case if you're not a little careful. I've found that not tightening down the fascia all the way until after the knob is on helps.

I also received an improved replacement knob from support, but I tried installing it and found it horrendous. The grommit makes it next to impossible to get the knob onto the shaft properly.

I found that the replacement knob was enough, and that the grommet was not necessary. Those of you getting replacement knobs should try that first (but save the grommet in case you end up needing it later).

I needed the grommet for Brian Mihulka's translucent knobs, but did not need it for the official empeg replacement knob.

I now have *hundreds* of the keyed type. email me.

It can be difficult and can feel like you're using way too much pressure, but it will go on eventually.

Stretch and twist the rubber grommit between your fingers for a few seconds - this will expand it slightly, which will make it hold in the knob better too.

Place the knob centre straight on to the encoder, then rock it from side to side and up and down a little. It does go on eventually.

Thanks everyone. Will give it another try sometime.

I fixed my knob ages ago by wrapping a layer of black electrical tape around the metal knob. It has never slipped and the knob slides on and off easily!! I was doing it as a temporary fix before I got ahold of support, but it has worked for me this long (years)...