Cleaning the wafer switches, etc. Best methods.

[Ron Curtis]

Robert,

The method I use is outlined at the following URL:

http://www.wb4hfn.com/DrakeArticles/CleaningSwitches/CleaningSwitches.htm

The contacts come out looking like those on a switch that just came out of
the factory.  One caveat - be careful not to let any bits of the cotton swab
to catch on the contacts and remain there.  They can cause sparks, smoke,
even small flames in some cases.  A thorough "smoke test" is a must!

Best regards,

Ron Curtis
Fort Worth, Texas USA

Real radios glow in the dark ....
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robert Myers" <rsmyers at ROGERS.COM>
To: <HEATH at LISTSERV.TEMPE.GOV>
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2005 11:44 PM
Subject: [HEATH-TEMPE] Cleaning the wafer switches, etc. Best methods.


> I have an SB-401, and an SB-303.  Both need an especially good cleaning of
the wafer switch contacts  --- but anything with sliding, or push-in
contacts needs cleaning too.  In fact, circuit board connectors --- 
anything.  The SB-401's Potter-Brumfield multiple relay contacts also need
the same.
>
> CAIG Labs sells a spray called "DeoxIT" (5% concentration) --- in fact
they have an extensive line of cleaners/ deoxidizers/ lubricants for carbon
pots, and have always been very big with the professional audio folks.  CAIG
Labs also have 100 % concentration solution of DeoxIT available with special
syringes, or brushes, for direct application to the problem area.
>
> Which would be best to use for cleaning the oxides off my SB-401/303 wafer
switches?  I will be able to access each switch precisely, so I won't have
to spray into a 'general area' just trying to hit the problem switch wafer
as close as possible (like you have to do in some cases).
>
> Does anyone know why I should NOT use the DeoxIT 100% concentration
solution directly applied to the wafer switch metal, as opposed to the
DeoxIT 5% concentration solution sprayed *at* these things to clean them?
If it is a matter of displacing the oxides after breaking them up, I could
always use the spray DeoxIT AFTER letting the 100 % direct concentration
DeoxIT do its more powerful job first for a while.  Any ideas from people
who do this sort of thing a lot?
>
> Finally, does anyone have any of their favorite methods, or brands that
they have found for cleaning up Heathkit rigs (that have been in storage) so
that the wafer switches are as like new as possible.  And what about the
SB-401 relay?  Any special tricks there?
>
> Thanks!
> 73 Rob VE3 JQL
>
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Products bought, sold or traded here is the responsibility of the
parties involved.  This list and the City of Tempe are not responsible
for losses or misrepresentations of any kind.  Buyer beware!

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This list is a public service of the City of Tempe, Arizona
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