Looking for mechanical parts from Rigol DS1000 series scopes - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: e07d866f
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 10, 2018, 09:49:02 am
content: Hi,I'm looking for a replacement button for my DS1052E scope, the smaller type. Four of them are mounted.Tried to buy directly from Rigol today. They offered 10 pcs for about $100 US. Insane.Thanks,bitsmith

author: SaabFAN
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2018, 08:50:11 pm
content: Is 3D-Printing an option? I guess if it's just a single button and not a rubber mat like in the DS1000Z-Series, you could use a 3D-Printed button.

author: e07d866f
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 11, 2018, 10:43:16 am
content: Thanks for the tip. Unfortunately, 3D print is probably unable to create the "stings" which hold the button in place, while keeping the ability to be pushed. One of those is broken on the button shown in the image.

author: e07d866f
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 11, 2018, 11:19:58 am
content: Looking at the problem again, I think the part could be CNC milled out of hard non-brittle plastic, but given circumstances, it does not look like a practical possibility.More details in this picture:

author: Old Printer
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2018, 12:45:09 pm
content: You might get lucky here, but I would "backdoor" Rigol in Beaverton. Find some sales, service and tech support phone numbers and email address's and make a polite nuisance of yourself. I have to think there is a pile of FUBAR Rigol stuff somewhere that the right person could pull a knob off a similar unit. Offer to send them a padded, postage paid return envelope to drop it in. It will probably take time, but these low end scopes have got to be wearing out at a pretty good rate. Maybe there is a factory authorized repair center. If those buttons are packed in 10's they are aimed at some sort of dealer/distributor below who you have talked to. What a PITA trying to get a simple little breakable part. This is what comes from a disposable society, but it is also how we have come to get a pretty amazing scope for $350. Good with the bad I guess. Best of luck.

author: Chris56000
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2018, 07:38:28 pm
content: Hi!If you don't mind taking the scope to bits to remove the PCB from the fascia, you might be able to lookup the make/type of the encoder used – if it's a reputable make of encoder there may be a maker's catalogue that gives that type's part no and that for the accessory shaft that's broken – the control's maker might send you a replacement clip–in shaft spindle as a complementary sample on request!If you're not happy taking the Rigol to bits, Tektronix ones have similar knobs/encoders, you might find a match in one of Tek's Service Guide – if this doesn't help, try the Alps catalogue or look on fleabay – I'm sure I've seen that black clip–in shaft before!(also Ruwido perhaps?)Chris WilliamsAnother possibility is an encoder with a fixed D shaft – I know they are made – eBay might be your friend with a compatible replacement with a fixed shaft – that 'D' shaft format used in the knob, I'm sure, is ALPS!

author: e07d866f
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 12, 2018, 06:51:25 am
content: Thanks for inspiration!

author: e07d866f
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 14, 2018, 08:52:23 am
content: Bingo, it's ALPS.

author: e07d866f
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 14, 2018, 09:24:46 am
content: ALPS encoder, desoldered:3 pins are for encoder, 2 pins for membrane push button switch, 2 big pins for strong mechanical contact with PCB.From left to right: membrane switch (bottom part), static encoder part, rotary encoder part, frame (above), shaft (broken pin).The pins are located on the upper side of the membrane and the encoder.Starting from 6 o'clock, clockwise: there are 8 pins for phase A, 1 wide common (shortening) pin, and 8 pins for phase B.The rotary part is made of 3 contacts, each shifted 120-degrees away.This makes 24 phase shifted contacts per rotation.It's an ingenious piece of Japanese precision mechanics.Characteristics: insulated shaft, high collar, 24 pulses, no detent, push buttonDimensions:LM1=20 mml1 = 7 mm (small L, one)It looks like EC12E types, with 2 more pins for the push-on button.http://www.alps.com/products/e/pdfcatalog_list.htmlI'm unable to find the correct type with push button.Does anyone see it in the datasheets?

author: DC1MC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2018, 09:37:20 am
content: Try this one:ALPS STEC12E08 Encoder With 6mm D-plastic Shaft Vertical with Switchhttps://www.rapidonline.com/Catalogue/Product/49-6180Cheers,DC1MC

author: e07d866f
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 14, 2018, 05:38:13 pm
content: Thanks for the tip, DC1MC.The part you have suggested looks is panel-mount with detents, the seller seems to be hiding type EC12E2424407 behind ST prefix, ref.: (https://uk.farnell.com/alps/ec12e2424407/encoder-vertical-24-det-24ppr/dp/1520813). Otherwise, it looks the same as high collar PCB-mount type in Rigol, which is not orderable as a standard part in 1-ish quantity.I'm curious if there's a chance of getting rid of the detent. I guess it's a steel ball, pushed by a spring along a circle of 24 shallow holes.I'll give it a try and get back as soon as I get the parts.Thanks to everyone involved!bitsmith

author: e07d866f
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 11:16:13 am
content: For future reference:I have finally replaced the broken rotational encoder with ALPS EC12E2424407, available from Farnell/Newark as SKU 1520813https://uk.farnell.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&urlRequestType=Base&partNumber=1520813&storeId=10174.It's a 24-position model, feels like the bigger (time base) encoders at the bottom of the scope, while the original (X/Y offset) broken part is custom "linear" type without steel ball inside.It works wonderfully.