My MXT knob friction solution

[srf2112]

I actually got the suggestion to use o-rings from a member on another forum but this is what I came up with. They are from Ace Hardware and they are o-ring bag #48, $.69(ea) The actual dimensions are 5/8" O.D. x 3/8" I.D. x 1/8" wall thickness. I tried a couple different sizes and this one seems to work out the best. It's a very simple mod and should take care of any issues you may have with the knobs getting bumped out of adjustment accidentally. Pull/pry the knob up and off, push the o-ring into the recess on the bottom of the knob, line up knob indicator line and push fully back onto the shaft. Be careful also not to pull the small stock o-rings off the shaft when you first remove the knobs. Two important tips I'd like to share are (1) Be careful to pull or pry straight up on the knob and not pry the knob/shaft assembly at an angle. (2) Be sure and line the indicator line on the discrimination knob back up exactly where it goes to insure you are setting your discrimination level accurately afterwards. I've included a photo of my method of prying the knob up and off with an old bottle opener ( Yes, I found it on a hunt )...be sure and protect the box with something. If you ever have this problem I suggest you try out this mod... it's quick, affordable and effective. I put them on all 3 knobs but you could get away with only putting it on the discrimination knob if you like as that's the one that can be a serious problem if it gets bumped as it's not as obvious to notice like the other two. Personal preference. I think it puts a perfect amount of friction into turning the knob and prevents it from being accidentally knocked out of adjustment by a cord drag or minor bump. JMHO Hope it helps. Now, how to prevent the ground tracking switch from getting bumped to "Lock"....?

 

[Hunt4Fun]

Great tip and very nice presentation.

 

[JOE in MD]

I use to use them on my old Tesoro, but the tech said it's not good for the knobs. To much friction. I didn't remove mine!! Thinking of doing it to my MXT now.

 

[srf2112]

I use to use them on my old Tesoro, but the tech said it's not good for the knobs. To much friction. I didn't remove mine!! Thinking of doing it to my MXT now.

I don't doubt your tech told you that Joe but I have to think it was different than this setup somehow or that he was just plain mistaken. This mod puts more friction on the KNOB turning not the shaft itself. It's not putting any more strain on the knob/shaft connection so I can't see how it would be bad for the knobs. I could be wrong though. If anybody knows anything to the contrary let us all know.

 

[Marxman]

Great idea. I am going to have to do this mod.

Mark

 

[BarberBill]

In Response to JoeinMD - I use o rings on my Tesoros, but the Tesoro knobs have set screws so when I pushed down on the knobs when installing the rings, I made sure I didn't lock them down with more upward pressure on the shafts than needed. As long as the upward pressure on the shaft isn't too heavy, I don't thing there's much to worry about.
BB

 

[BJ in Okla.]

But the O-ring rubs on the nut and the box and stay's put in the knob.
I don't use O-Rings on my MXT Pro.
I just keep an eye on where the knobs are adjusted.
HH...BJ

 

[srf2112]

Thanks for the input BB and BJ. I know what you're referring to Bill. The first size of o-ring I tried had a smaller I.D. (5/16" I think) and it put too much upward pressure on the knob when it was pushed fully back down onto the shaft. The knob would work it's way up the shaft and loosen up after the knob was turned repeatedly. I used these on two hunts (5-6 hrs total) and they've stayed put and kept the friction constant so far. Settings stay rock solid steady and haven't been moved accidentally at all. I'm likin it.