"John" wrote:

Thanks for the quick reply Stewart. I
did indeed include an almost verbatim
copy of what had happened along with
a description of the problem in the
original box with the radio when I sent it
back...


Well, if that is the case, the technician obviously screwed up. I'd
suggest calling again, calmly explaining that you're sending the radio back
for a replacement, and get a new RMA number. No need to get into great
details (it will only confuse them). Instead, just explain that was agreed
to in the last RMA and the same radio was sent back to you by mistake with
the same problem.

When you send the radio, tape a card on the actual radio's box
specifically stating it is to be replaced due to a scratchy volume control.
Again, don't get into great details. Just be very specific about what you
want and why. Two lines should do it...

Problem/Defect: Scratchy volume control.

Repair Request: Replace radio with another without problem.


I didn't use any contact cleaner on it
because I wasn't sure if the resistance
part of the pot was made of a conductive
plastic like some of them are. I once
used a little bit on on a scratchy pot in
my little TV\Radio combo and it ruined
the switch. (snip)


Unless you sprayed a ton on, I doubt the spray itself ruined the pot. It
may have been going out and the spray with working the pot perhaps brought
things to a head. I've sprayed that stuff into all kinds of things, fixing a
strange array of problems over the years (including a few, non-electrical
problems, it was never designed for). WD-40 can be nasty on some plastics,
so I never use it anymore. The same with some of the
petroleum/hydrocarbon-based ones. Some of the newer contact cleaners
specifically say they're safe on plastics. Actually, in this day of plastic
everywhere, perhaps they should all be so.


I don't know what to do from here... I
bought the radio on recommendations
from a few friends and love it except for
this problem. (snip)


Don't jump to doubting Sangean over this. Things like this happen with
every company, but they are rare. I have a really old Sangean that hasn't
shown anything of the sort, in spite of being dragged around the country and
overseas to Europe twice. Of course, that may be of little comfort to you
with the actual problem. But it will get fixed eventually and you'll be
happy with the radio for many years.


Should I just try to order a new pot from
Sangean and fix it myself voiding the warranty?


Absolutely not. I wouldn't go that far at this point. What you really need
is a clear, precise, plan for getting your radio replaced with one you'll be
happy with. Take a deep breath, go back to the first paragraph, and approach
the situation calmly and deliberately.

Stewart