Make Volume Control On Top

I have a couple of speakers I use with my Desktop computer.

On a previous set of speakers, the power button soon wore out, so with this current set, I have them on a power strip, and use that button. This solved that problem.

I now see that the volume control on my speakers is becoming staticky / crackly.

So, I've started using the on-screen Volume control icon in the bottom right, to adjust the sound.

I have to click and open it every time though.

Is there a way to make the Volume control "on-top" all the time, or can some other program do this?

hi,not sure of a program that could put the icon on top ,but i bought a Microsoft keyboard with volume buttons to do it for me, you could also buy better set of speakers maybe , my Logitech speakers[50$ cdn] are 6 years old and have no button problems at all

Good idea, thanks . . . I use Natural Reader a lot, it's a text-to-speech program, so I need it primarily for that.

I'm thinking, now, I just have to get into the habit of bringing up the volume control before I use it, and putting it at the mid-point of the volume, and then after I click play, while it's reading, I will be able to hear it, it won't be too loud, and I can fine tune it then.

good luck

With the speakers powered off, run the volume control through its range, from zero to full on back and forth fast several times. If its just dirty that will fix it many times. If its another problem with the pot (volume control) the only fix is to replace it, however speakers are usually not made to be repaired and you would have to "break in" to the speaker to get to the volume control.

As a musician and former guitar amp tech, that is a common problem with controls and the running the control through its range is a quick fix for some.

Thanks! I didn't know about that quick fix.

This makes me recall how I had an issue with the volume control on my boombox a while back, and "contact cleaner" was the answer. I need to go get another can of that. Here are two pages from my notes:

DeoxIT® D-Series - Contact Cleaner & Rejuvenator ... More than a Contact Cleaner ... Chemically Improves Connections (without harm to metals and plastics) ... DeoxIT® D-Series contact cleaner is a fast-acting deoxidizing solution that cleans, protects, lubricates and improves conductivity on all metal connectors and contacts. Use as a general treatment for connectors, contacts and other metal surfaces, and on non-critical metal surfaces with severe oxidation and corrosion. If the metal surface is discolored, it is severe. DeoxIT® dissolves the contamination and protects the surface . . . It's essentially compressed air with some rubbing alcohol

Videokarma org TV - Video - Vintage Television & Radio Forums > Rectangular Screen Tube Televisions > Radio Shack tuner/contact cleaner vs. DeOxit

There are two types of Deoxit that I have on hand. Deoxit D5, which is "contact" cleaner and Deoxit F5 "Fader Lube". The F5 is what I use to clean pots. I use the D5 for switches, jacks, etc.

I went through comments on the videokarma page - I added these to my notes - I think it's worth re-posting here:

Deoxit works better because it is one of the few products that actually removes tarnish and oxidation from contacts. (Tech Spray "Rid-Ox" works pretty well for this too). It somehow works chemically with the metal to dissolve the oxidation. All of the other cleaners I have used no matter how strong will not remove oxidation, they will just remove surface dirt and/or lubricate. Deoxit DN5 is pretty "dry", it is non-flammable and not nearly as oily as Deoxit "D5". The DN5 used to be even drier but they seem to have reformulated it several times over the past few years. We have also had good luck with Deoxit 100% gel which comes in a small tube. You can inject the gel precisely into contacts and then remove with a Texwipe cloth. This gel product is a lot less messy than the spray for contacts that are readily accesible.


I spray a little deoxit on light bulb bases before installing them in outdoor fixtures - Makes them easy to remove when they've burned out and would have corroded in place.


Seriously, I've used the Radio Shack product for the past four years with consistently excellent results. I've only recently switched to Deoxit because everyone here is always raving about it. I find it interesting that the Radio Shack product has a unique "boiling effect" immediately upon application, almost like a violent evaporation that tends to foam up momentarily inside the control. I wonder if that improves coverage - the Deoxit just sprays in like WD40 (oops, did I actually say WD-40 in this thread?? :sigh: ) Maybe it's just me, but they both seem to do a great job - never a problem with either one...

I've used many different contact cleaner and volume control cleaner products over the years, including some Radio Shack products. Just happens that now I have DeOxit, and it works. I used to buy my cleaners at electronic parts houses, but those are a thing of the past (as is the "old" Radio Shack), except for on-line stores. I can get DeOxit at the local Guitar Center, Sam Ash, etc.