MK Riptide SP Foot Pedal problem

[jburn25]

I bought a used MK riptide SP and the foot pedal isn't working correctly. first of all, I have to stomp on any of the buttons to get it to work. Secondly, I can only turn in one direction. I flipped the controller over and noticed a sliding mechanism that rocks back and forth when you push the direction button and engages one of two plastic tabs depending on the direction you turn. If I manipulate the slider thing and push really hard, I can get it to engage on the (non functioning) direction. Does anyone know how to fix this problem? Sounds like something needs to be calibrated better so that the mechanical pieces interact better with the digital board, but I can't find a manual or anything online and MK is no help.

thanks

 

[Steve762us]

Re: MK Riptide SP Foot Pedal problem

I bought a used MK riptide SP and the foot pedal isn't working correctly. first of all, I have to stomp on any of the buttons to get it to work. Secondly, I can only turn in one direction. I flipped the controller over and noticed a sliding mechanism that rocks back and forth when you push the direction button and engages one of two plastic tabs depending on the direction you turn. If I manipulate the slider thing and push really hard, I can get it to engage on the (non functioning) direction. Does anyone know how to fix this problem? Sounds like something needs to be calibrated better so that the mechanical pieces interact better with the digital board, but I can't find a manual or anything online and MK is no help.

thanks

I'm guessing we have the same foot controller--about 8" x 10", with rolling slider switch on the right side for speed?

I have good news, and not-so-good news...first, I think I've figured out
the problem.

Mine is a used unit also; it hasn't seen much use from me or the original owner, but the switch on the small center "go" pedal is flakey. The pedal depresses a momentary-contact switch, mounted on a circuit board off to the right side of the large "wobble" pedal (the L-R motor turning pedal).

The switches that control the motor turning are also on that board. They are all sealed metallic "bubble" type switches--when pressed down ('click!'), the metallic dome makes contact on the circuit board and makes the circuit.

On my "go" switch, it has a dead spot where the pedal presses it down. It still "clicks", but nothing happens. I can press other parts of the dome, and the motor will function normally.

I'd guess your unit has the same problem, with the same style of switches, just on the other pedal.

The not-so-good news is, I haven't figured out a way to fix it...

The bubble switches (my name for them) are part of the circuit board construction--they're not removable or replaceable. They're sealed, and probably wouldn't take well to being cut open for cleaning (and there's probably a hole worn in copper foil on the board anyway, not to mention the re-sealing problem).

I'd like to bypass the board switch with a replacement momentary-on switch that would "fit" the existing pedal arrangement, and would survive in the wet & grit...so far I'm stuck....

 

[Splat]

Re: MK Riptide SP Foot Pedal problem

Needs to be ;pulled apart and the contacts cleaned, use some crocus cloth, or very fine grit sand paper and just make them shiny again. It'll work like it's brand new.

Bill

 

[Silvertip]

Re: MK Riptide SP Foot Pedal problem

Sorry Splat, you can't disassemble and clean this style of switch. It is integrated into the construction of the PC board. However, Microswitch (and others) manufacture very low travel micro switches that one might be able to integrate into the board. A little creative thinking and a visit to Radio Shack to look at the switch selection is a good starting point. There are number of larger heavy duty plunger switches available that could be incorporated as well. You would immobilize the left-right rocker and mount the switches directly to that pedal. You then merely step on the switch plunger rather than "rocking" the pedal.

 

[Splat]

Re: MK Riptide SP Foot Pedal problem

Sorry Splat, you can't disassemble and clean this style of switch. It is integrated into the construction of the PC board. However, Microswitch (and others) manufacture very low travel micro switches that one might be able to integrate into the board. A little creative thinking and a visit to Radio Shack to look at the switch selection is a good starting point. There are number of larger heavy duty plunger switches available that could be incorporated as well. You would immobilize the left-right rocker and mount the switches directly to that pedal. You then merely step on the switch plunger rather than "rocking" the pedal.

Fair enough, for some reason I wasn't thinking of them using a switch like that, I was thinking they just used a simple contact system. I've been working on overhead cranes at work all day, I'm used to dealing with contacts the size of your head with 250vdc going through them.

Bill

 

[Silvertip]

Re: MK Riptide SP Foot Pedal problem

Yup! We are talking microwave oven touch panel type of technology. Open it and it's broken!!

 

[dufferb]

Re: MK Riptide SP Foot Pedal problem

Remove the pedals, if its like mine theres a couple springs and a couple screws; clean the dirt and dog hair out of it, lube piviot points and that plastic slide piece with dielectric grease. I put a small o-ring under the rubber bumper on the go pedal, kind for like breast implants, made it nice and perky. My L/R pedal was sticking and you had to mash the go pedal, works good now.