HW-101

[Mike Miller]

Hello Paul and the list:
   Brian's got some good points, definitely.  I, too, think I'd leave 
the boards in the rig and possibly clean with some alcohol at some 
point, but I'd start off a little different.

   I'd start by cleaning with a small computer vacuum instead of 
compressed air.  Working in the computer industry, we've blown air into 
dusty places and actually had the dust short out equipment we later had 
to repair.  I doubt you've got that much dust, nor are you working with 
that type of environment, but it's just good practice.  Don't use a 
really high-powered vacuum, as that can pull things loose that may not 
be soldered well, but a lower suction vacuum that can remove just the 
dust is fine.  Following that with the compressed air and a final second 
vacuuming will complete the dust removal.

   Look over the boards after this step and determine how much of a 
cleaning they really need.  The boards in the HW-101 are screwed down, 
not held down with push clips (both fortunately and unfortunately).  The 
screws are needed for grounding in this rig.  You can do that with 
either the alcohol or water method, though I'd be more inclined myself 
to use alcohol and a Q-tip.  It takes much longer, but I feel better 
knowing that I've not immersed anything that I can't identify as not 
being a paper composite.  Like most people on the list, you probably 
wouldn't have any problems, but I know my luck...  I'd concentrate on 
the major parts of each board and clean anything you can reach at this 
time.  Anything, that is, except what's around the tube sockets...since 
the tubes will be in your way.  Get as close to them as you can, though.

   Then I'd remove the tubes one at a time and check and clean them.  
Obviously, replace any that are bad or weak, since they'll cause you 
problems...the bad ones immediately (but you already knew that), and the 
weak ones over time.  Clean the tube sockets (and surrounding areas) 
first as Brian mentioned, then by inserting and removing the tubes two 
or three times...just be careful with the tube pins, some are fragile.

   Clean the case with Windex, and I think you'll be in good shape.  
Windex always works for my HW-101 without hurting it, never an issue.  
That at least covers the cleaning aspect.

   One thing I'd do, though, since you're not sure if it's ever been 
used or not, is to take the manual (hope she provided it as well), and 
go through the build steps from start to finish.  My -101 was provided 
to me as an unfinished kit that I had to complete.  I did find that the 
builder mixed up a couple of steps that I had to correct.  You likely 
won't find the same things, but it's good to check if you don't know the 
status of the rig or if it's ever been used.  Certainly a good idea at 
any rate, and always good in a restoration.

   Paul, good luck, and enjoy your new-found "toy!"

      73,
         Mike - WA0ZOG

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