Clearing up volume-control knob’s static

March 25, 2012 at 12:00a.m.

Q. I have several table radios that have developed a problem with the volume-control knob. Touching the dial causes static noise along with difficulty in adjusting volume. What causes this problem and is there an easy fix?

J.M., Milwaukee

A. The problem you describe is very common with older electronics and is caused by dust in the volume control pot. Some electrical contact cleaner spray usually does the trick. Just open the cover of the radio (be careful that the radio has been unplugged for a while) and spray the contact cleaner into the pot behind the volume control knob and work it in by twisting the dial. While you are cleaning the volume control be sure to clean any other rotary dials like the tuner, and the source selector or balance controls if it is a receiver. Dust in any of these can cause problems. If you do not want to attempt this yourself, a professional cleaning at a local electronics repair shop should not cost much.

Q. Do you still recommend the Kodak Z990 EasyShare Max superzoom camera, now that Kodak is getting out of the camera business?

J.S.

A. I still consider the EasyShare Max a good camera and a good buy at current prices, which hover around $200 right now. I would not recommend spending more than $225 to get one, though. The camera has a feature set that is quite unique and I have thought about snagging one for myself while I still can.

Though Kodak is honoring warranties on its existing digital camera stock, you might want to consider an extended warranty.

Another superzoom camera under $200 worth considering is the Olympus SZ-12 at $199. It lacks the Kodak’s viewfinder but is very compact and looks to be a winner.

Contact Don Lindich at www.sound-adviceblog.com and use the “submit question” link on that site.

2012, McClatchy-Tribune News Service