Help with TC Electronic M5000

[Northamusi]

If anyone has a tc electronic m5000 in disrepair, I'm looking for the front panel PCB that hosts the rotary encoders, or a parts donor unit.
tx

 

[jensenmann]

What´s the problem with yours?

 

[Northamusi]

The rotary encoders on the front panel are shot. I cleaned them one or twice which helped temporarily, but hasn't held up in the long term.
Tx

 

[Khron]

... And it's not feasible to replace them?

 

[Northamusi]

Correct, replacement parts for these units are long gone.

 

[Khron]

Define "replacement parts"...

 

[ccaudle]

Likely you could find some currently available parts which are close enough to work. There are only so many ways to make rotary encoders, so a lot of manufacturers use the same pinout. Will just take some time searching the parts vendors and reading datasheets.

 

[jensenmann]

Post a few pictures of the encoders. Maybe we can find a replacement. That´d help many M5000 users.

 

[Northamusi]

Here are two pictures of the encoders, along with an excerpt of my exchange with tc electronic tech support (July 2021). I've been looking since. tc electronic no longer supplies parts for these units. Thanks for the help!

 

[ccaudle]

This seems to be the Alps datasheet, if you have some calipers or a high quality ruler you can verify if the dimensions seem correct:
https://docs.rs-online.com/8737/0900766b80124609.pdf

Once you verify (or make note of any differences between that drawing and the part you have in hand) these look to me like the most likely drop-in available at DigiKey in the US:
https://www.cuidevices.com/product/resource/acz16.pdf

These seem like the most likely candidates, depending on the shaft length you need, shaft bushing diameter, whether you want detents or not, etc. that vary by specific model number.
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/cui-devices/ACZ16NBR1E-15FD1-24C/1923380
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/cui-devices/ACZ16NBR1E-20FD1-24C/1923381
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/cui-devices/ACZ16BR1E-20KQD1-24C/7398897

[edit: maybe not that last one, I think it has a built in switch, which adds two more pins; if an encoder with a switch is the best fit mechanically you could always snip off the switch pins and just not use the switch]

 

[Northamusi]

Wow this is very helpful, thank you. I appreciate it very much.

 

[Northamusi]

Update:
I was able to get some encoders that fit the PCB with a bit of massaging. All of the encoders now work perfectly — but only in one direction. If I turn the encoders counter-clockwise, the parameter value decreases smoothly, but if I turn the encoders clockwise, the parameter value does not increase. When turning the encoders clockwise, I can briefly see the parameter value blink (or sometimes go to the next higher value for a moment) — but the parameter won't change. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
thank you

 

[radardoug]

Encoders commonly output two square waves at 90 degrees to each other. The circuit Checks the output levels for change and reads direction from the 90 degree separation. Maybe one of the square waves is not there.

 

[Northamusi]

I'll see if I can get hold of an oscilloscope.
Thank you