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How to replace spectra buttons ?

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mbnv992

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Ok - stupid question -

I have a VHF W5 head Astro Spectra that currently has 3 blank buttons ( the larger buttons, the 5 buttons that are directly above the display ). I programmed one button for zone selection. I already have the button - my question is - how do I remove the old button ? Is it as easy as getting some needle nose / smaller pliers and just pulling the old button out and then just seating the new one in place ?
 

Anderegg

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I use a tiny jewelers flathead screwdriver, put it down one SIDE, press inward, and lift (pry up) that side out then the whole thing pops free. Be gentle as to not dent the plastic around the button. Typically, once you get it started, you can pull it the rest of the way out with your fingers.

Paul
 

rescue161

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I feel dumb now. I always took the head apart. Mostly due to replacing the housing, so since I had it apart, I rearranged the buttons at that point. I never knew you could hot swap buttons like that.
 

rescue161

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Yep. I never really investigated it as I usually had the head apart already. Pretty cool. As long as I keep learning, that is good enough for me. 😀
 

mbnv992

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Whelp - the tweezer idea definitely didn’t work haha I tried 3 different pairs and neither of them could get a grip on the button enough to pull it out. It would just slide off the button. Ended up using the small pair of pliers on my SwissChamp Swiss Army knife and that worked like a charm !
 

mbnv992

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While we’re on the topic - does anyone have a “sel” button laying around ? Lol that’s the only button I have left to swap out

8789CEBA-90C6-4288-8429-48EF321E65BF.jpeg
 

toolman60

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Sorry the tweezers did not work for you. I used tweezers just fine. Hemostats work also real good.
 

12dbsinad

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But you need to take the control head apart to clean all that crud out under the buttons...
I was just going to say the same thing. After you change a few new buttons usually the rest of the control head looks like crap with sticky buttons and you take it apart anyways... or at least I do.
 
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