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Question
- Thread starter prodrigsr
- Start date
Personally, if it is working OK and you don't have any indication that you may have a bad connection, like very erratic behavior; I'd leave well enough alone.
If you do want to clean it or have some indications that it needs cleaning; use an electronics contact cleaner that specifically says on the can that it will not harm plastics.
Frequently, if there is erratic behavior caused by intermittent contact, the action of disconnecting the connector and reconnecting it once or twice wipes the contact area enough to "fix" it. If it then happens again, I'd go for the contact cleaner that does not harm plastic.
tvr
If you do want to clean it or have some indications that it needs cleaning; use an electronics contact cleaner that specifically says on the can that it will not harm plastics.
Frequently, if there is erratic behavior caused by intermittent contact, the action of disconnecting the connector and reconnecting it once or twice wipes the contact area enough to "fix" it. If it then happens again, I'd go for the contact cleaner that does not harm plastic.
tvr
Personally about the best thing you can use is an eraser from one of those long secretary erasers which are not a plentiful since computerization..
Even Radio shack type of eletronics cleaner could do more harm than good...most companies don't advise and don't fix what aint broke kind of thing...
Even Radio shack type of eletronics cleaner could do more harm than good...most companies don't advise and don't fix what aint broke kind of thing...
Agreed that if it isn't broke, don't mess with it.
Cleaning methods is one of the very few things I disagree with Dan about.
Several years ago, I worked with a manufacturer to do a contact failure analysis. What came out of the analysis was that the techs were using standard pencil erasers to clean contacts. The binding materials that held the abrasives together to make the eraser left a film on the contacts that over time corroded the contacts to the point that they did not make good contact and did not self wipe when disconnected and reconnected.
Thus my recommendation above of a plastic friendly contact cleaner (has to say will not harm plastic). Spray a clean Q-tip and swab the contacts where you can, don't just spray the entire area.
Do NOT use WD-40 or other "lubricants" either because they have solvents that can really mess things up too.
The only exception to "don't use lubricants" is unless the manufacturer specifically recommends something like an electrical contact grease for use in corrosive environments. Then make sure it is the same kind of material as the manufacturer recommended one.
tvr
Cleaning methods is one of the very few things I disagree with Dan about.
Several years ago, I worked with a manufacturer to do a contact failure analysis. What came out of the analysis was that the techs were using standard pencil erasers to clean contacts. The binding materials that held the abrasives together to make the eraser left a film on the contacts that over time corroded the contacts to the point that they did not make good contact and did not self wipe when disconnected and reconnected.
Thus my recommendation above of a plastic friendly contact cleaner (has to say will not harm plastic). Spray a clean Q-tip and swab the contacts where you can, don't just spray the entire area.
Do NOT use WD-40 or other "lubricants" either because they have solvents that can really mess things up too.
The only exception to "don't use lubricants" is unless the manufacturer specifically recommends something like an electrical contact grease for use in corrosive environments. Then make sure it is the same kind of material as the manufacturer recommended one.
tvr
Hi all. I was recently given a cz5 that was not working but after a good clean and repair of the coil cable its working partly, I have tried to balance it but no luck, it works in autotune mode the best. It just chatters in beach mode but works ok in the sea in autotune (normal mode). Inside the control box there is a cable just off centre of the top panel/ board that is solderd to the board and the other end is free ( colour is black ) , when I first saw this cable it was jamed in the front control panel (side ). Is this cable connected to a point in the box or should it be free as now , is this free cable my balance problem?. As I live in Great Britain its not very easy to pop it into Fishers to get it checked out although I might have to resort to that if I cannot sort it but I always like to give it a go myself first. But I will not touch any of those 22 tuning points . Any advice/ help on this problem would be great. Regards to all on this great site. pedro60
Hello All I've worked 30 yrs in RF Radio Manufacturing and been a ham since 78. I use a can product called DeOxit which is a high grade Cleaner and contact enhancer, used on computers, contacts..........prevents oxidation etc. Just use it sparingly.........it also comes in a pen applicator version. Use nothing else PERIOD!!!!! It isn't cheap tho but a little goes a long way
Safe on plastics also.
Dig Deep
Bill
Safe on plastics also.
Dig Deep
Bill