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FG106 Function Generator

TroubledTech95

Apr 28, 2016
6
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Apr 28, 2016
Messages
6
Hi folks, I am trying to get inside a function generator and have had no success. As you can see by the pics this is how it looks, i have removed the screws at the sides and it opens about 3mm at the back, but the handle seems to be stopping any further movement. I've tried removing the circular disks on the handle to expose any screws etc but they seem to be non-removable. Anyone came across these before?
 

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shrtrnd

Jan 15, 2010
3,876
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I'm not familiar with that particular instrument, but the handle arms are typically the bugaboo.
I believe you are correct in trying to remove the circular plastic cover discs securing the handles to the instrument.
If you've got a space between the circular disc and the handle itself, I'd find a way to slip a fine-edged screwdriver or something similar in that space for the disc, and apply enough pressure to slide the circular disc out. You'll find the
screws securing the handle to the chassis underneath.
I think you've got the problem identified, you just need to pop those circular discs off.
 

TroubledTech95

Apr 28, 2016
6
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Apr 28, 2016
Messages
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Hey, thanks for the reply. I had previously attempted that but stopped when hearing the plastic cracking. I've just went for it again and in fact the screws are beneath it, but the disk actually has to be broken, off from the handle. some kind of tamper-proof seal I guess!
 

shrtrnd

Jan 15, 2010
3,876
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3,876
Wow. How old is the instrument? Maybe the plastic just became brittle through age?
I suppose it's possible that they'd want evidence of tampering for warranty repairs, but I don't see the point
of making them self-destruct just for maintenance or repair.
Maybe you can find a service manual for it on-line and see what the manual says about this.
Some of those discs are seated pretty tightly, but I'm sorry yours was destroyed during removal.
Hopefully, at least you can get the cover off the instrument now.
 

TroubledTech95

Apr 28, 2016
6
Joined
Apr 28, 2016
Messages
6
I don't have any manuals on it and the internet has brief information on it too. The model looks 80's at least, this is only judging by previous models i've worked on! I thought the same, but they were definitely made to not be removed without breakage. I have another few of the same make and model to work on also, some of which have metal handles which bare the screws to the chassis, I'm guessing they were maybe a revised model of the plastic handle - haha!
 

shrtrnd

Jan 15, 2010
3,876
Joined
Jan 15, 2010
Messages
3,876
Well, good luck with your other models when you work on them. They're probably too old to find someone who'll sell OEM cosmetic replacements for the destroyed discs. Maybe your instrument owners won't mind the naked handle securing fasteners, but I'd check a few vendors to see if you can find discs/caps that you can replace the destroyed ones with. If your workplace is anything like mine, the only reason whomever is USING this instrument has not gotten inside of it and tweaked any values they didn't like, was that they couldn't figure-out how to get the cover off. Those exposed handle fastening screws are going to be a tempting target for anybody who thinks they can just
get inside of the instrument and adjust potentiometers. Some people have just enough knowledge of things like this to be dangerous.
Hope to hear more from you here in the future. The more people we have on this forum to ask questions and offer advice with things like this, help everybody.
 

elebish

Aug 16, 2013
177
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Aug 16, 2013
Messages
177
Hi folks, I am trying to get inside a function generator and have had no success. As you can see by the pics this is how it looks, i have removed the screws at the sides and it opens about 3mm at the back, but the handle seems to be stopping any further movement. I've tried removing the circular disks on the handle to expose any screws etc but they seem to be non-removable. Anyone came across these before?

Pulling out at the hubs of the handle should allow enough room to remove the cabinet.
 
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