Static heard when adjusting speaker volume (1 Viewer)

[ThomasC]

For the past week, when I've adjusted the speaker volume to be louder, I hear static. What could the cause of the problem be?

 

[Mike LS]

Where are you adjusting the volume at? Are you using the volume knob on the speaker or are you adjusting the level in windows?

 

[ThomasC]

I'm using the volume knob on the speaker.

 

[Chris_Morris]

Sounds like dirt or some sort of buildup on the contacts inside the speaker. Used to be a big problem on "boom boxes" back in the day.

 

[ThomasC]

So if I open up the speaker and clean it out, is there a chance it would stop?

 

[Neil Joseph]

Radio Shack sells contact cleaner, a spray that you can use on the potentiometer. As mentioned, open the unit up so that you can immerse it from the inside of the component.

 

[ThomasC]

Thanks. I don't know what a potentiometer is. How do I identify it?

 

[Jay H]

The knob that you actually turn to increase/decrease the speaker volume shuold be physically connected to the potentiometer (abbreviated and commonly refered to as a "pot") so if you can manage to pop/remove the knob itself, the pot. would be behind/underneath it. The best way would be able to open it up and spray it on the inside, you could also try to just use the straw that is on the contact cleaner and try to get under the knob itself.

Jay

 

[Glenn Overholt]

Give a BJ first!

With canned air - if you have it. The knob you turn is connected to a short shaft (pole), which is connected to a round metal case (about the size of 4 nickels). Some have holes where you can aim a tube from a can.

Glenn

 

[ThomasC]

I forgot to mention this earlier, I'm not sure if it will make a difference. Static is only heard when something is playing on the speakers.

 

[Glenn Overholt]

It's still dirty. Although it might not be possible, if you could put some pressure on the knob (sideways) as you turn it the static might get louder, or be gone!

Contact cleaner is better, but I just figured that you'd have canned air lying around rather than contact cleaner.

Glenn