Cleaning Wafers

[Malcolm Leonard]

The reasons given below by Garey are also why Tube tester manufacturers 
didn't want people using silver cleaners on their silver plated tester 
switches.
Malcolm
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Garey Barrell" <k4oah at MINDSPRING.COM>
To: <HEATH at LISTSERV.TEMPE.GOV>
Sent: Friday, April 29, 2005 1:20 PM
Subject: Re: [HEATH-TEMPE] Cleaning Wafers


> The problem with Tarn-X is that it chemically removes silver from what is 
> already a microscopically thinly plated surface.  ANY "silver cleaner" 
> works by removing silver sulfide, (the black stuff,) either chemically or 
> mechanically.  Silver sulfide is very nearly as conductive as the silver 
> itself, and soft enough to be pushed away by any wiping action of a 
> typical switch.  This is why you see a thin, bright silver line on a 
> switch blade.
> The danger of ANY cleaning method that calls for Q-tips, probes, brushes 
> or any other tool in and around the fixed contacts of typical rotary 
> switches in most ham gear is that these contacts are easily "sprung" so 
> that they no longer make reliable contact, effectively destroying the 
> switch.  The problem with the chemical cleaners is that they are almost 
> impossible to remove completely without rinsing thoroughly, which is a 
> whole 'nother problem in old electronic gear.  So the chemicals continue 
> to work, and any abrasives continue to wear on the contact surfaces.
>
> A small drop of DeoxiT liquid on a couple of fixed contacts, then 
> operating the switch to distribute it only where needed, is a far safer 
> and more effective method for "working" electronic equipment.   If you're 
> entering a "concours" exhibit, then polish away with whatever it takes for 
> bright, shiny switch surfaces!
>
> 73, Garey - K4OAH
> Atlanta
>
> Drake C-Line Service Manual
> <http://hr99.home.mindspring.com/R-4C_Servicez/>
>
>
>
> Martin Tippin wrote:
>
>> I use Tarn-X, Works beautifully.
>>Martin Tippin W0AKG Since 1950
>>31 Circle Dr.
>>Windsor, Mo 65360
>>
>>
>
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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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To post - HEATH at LISTSERV.TEMPE.GOV
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