PSW 111 Potentiometer (Volume)

heresnowhy
heresnowhy Posts: 10
edited February 2014 in Troubleshooting
I've searched all over this forum for a part number to replace this potentiometer. I live minutes from Parts Express, and am eager to fix this, just thought I'd check with the pros here to save some time in my search. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Post edited by heresnowhy on

Comments

  • heresnowhy
    heresnowhy Posts: 10
    edited February 2014
    No one? I've tried calling Polk, but no one ever answers, it just rings, not even a way to leave a message..
  • deronb1
    deronb1 Posts: 5,021
    edited February 2014
    They got slammed with snow and ice. May not be in the office. Try in a day or two.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 7,658
    edited February 2014
    Hello,
    I'm sorry there's a problem with the sub. In all likelihood Polk won't be able to provide just the potentiometer for the amp. However, they will be able to either repair or replace the complete amp. With a little luck they should be able to get to work (there's some more snow on the horizon) tomorrow and you can reach them. The amp comes with a three year warranty, so have the unit's serial number and date and place of purchase handy when you call.
    Regards, Ken
  • heresnowhy
    heresnowhy Posts: 10
    edited February 2014
    Thanks guys. The units are no longer under warranty, I purchased them years ago and went a different route, I recently unboxed them and one of them worked for about 2 days, then the pot went out on it (pretty disappointing as it was used for mere hours of its life)

    I'm an Avionics Tech, so repairing this shouldn't present a challenge, I just simply wanted a part number, or equivalent to the one used in it. I have no desire to send the amp in, or purchase another as honestly, I was never impressed with the PSW 111. But I am aware the suspect part here is no more than a few dollars, and that I don't mind spending a few minutes on.
  • Gatecrasher
    Gatecrasher Posts: 1,550
    edited February 2014
    I bought new potentiometers for my RT3000p and CS1000p speakers just last year from Polk and they are 15 years old. They may have the ones you need. I would try Polk first.
  • heresnowhy
    heresnowhy Posts: 10
    edited February 2014
    I'm trying Polk, that's why I'm on here. No one answered any of my emails to Tech, and several days of calling revealed only that they not only don't answer, they don't have an answering service either.

    In their absence, I thought maybe someone here might know, since this is a systemic issue with this subwoofer.
  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,759
    edited February 2014
    I've heard of emails being unanswered but phone calls are usually spot on. Are you sure you're calling the right #? 1-800-377-7655. Also as Ken S alluded to weather may be an issue with getting a response.
  • heresnowhy
    heresnowhy Posts: 10
    edited February 2014
    I never dreamed it would be this difficult to contact Polk. I've been on hold now for over 20 mins (number you provided Ken)......have yet to get a human..
  • heresnowhy
    heresnowhy Posts: 10
    edited February 2014
    Update: Polk will not sell me the potentiometer, nor will they give me a part number. They will however, sell me a new amp! Imagine that. That's a shame, without going into specifics, I spend a ridiculous amount of money on home audio. My brief foray away from Boston Acoustics into Polk is just that; Brief.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 7,658
    edited February 2014
    Hello,
    Let me do some research on this.
    Ken
  • heresnowhy
    heresnowhy Posts: 10
    edited February 2014
    I appreciate it Ken. I sound like sour grapes here, but I don't think I'm being unreasonable with Polk, this is a widely known issue on this subwoofer and I am attempting to fix it myself, at no cost to them.

    Ryan
  • heresnowhy
    heresnowhy Posts: 10
    edited February 2014
    Fixed. Thanks Polk, I'll pass on the $120.00 amplifier. 20 minutes and a little dry solvent and it works fine now. It will eventually need replaced, but now that I've had a look at the actual "amplifier" in this thing, I don't know that I'd spend a few dollars on it.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 7,658
    edited February 2014
    Good, I'm glad you have it working. Polk sent me the schematic, however the external volume control wasn't listed. Polk CS was working to find an amp and measure the value.
  • heresnowhy
    heresnowhy Posts: 10
    edited February 2014
    I appreciate you looking in to this Ken. It really is appreciated. I put it on my bench, it appears to be a 10k Ohm Pot, which are readily available. The problem is with trying to locate one to fit exactl on the PCB is obvious, shaft length, mounts etc. I also noticed Polk has two different versions of amplifier assemblies for this subwoofer as well, mine being the combined stereo/LFE inputs.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 7,658
    edited February 2014
    No problem, that's exactly the value we thought it might be, it's the same value as the PSW110 amp.
  • heresnowhy
    heresnowhy Posts: 10
    edited February 2014
    Relief was short lived. I will need to replace it after all. : (