[AMRadio] Deoxit

[w5jo at brightok.net]

I first began to use Deoxit in the early 90s and it seemed to last, provided 
the switch was used in a, somewhat, regular timeframe.  However in the past 
two or three years that time frame of use has grown very short.  Not only 
that I have noticed, even with use, switches require reapplication after 
about 3-6 months.

I  have and SX-42 that I acquired about a year back that had been in a 
decent climate of an attic from the mid 1980s until just last year.  The set 
gathered a layer of somewhat oily dust that is difficult to remove and it 
was on all the switch contacts..  I carefully applied Deoxit to the contacts 
and after replacing all the necessary components it worked very well. 
Included in this work was treatment of the tube sockets and tube pins. 
After about 3 months problems began to resurface with the switches and a 
couple of the tube sockets so I reapplied Deoxit.

This application did not last  3 months.  So I searched around for something 
else and discovered a brand of cleaner called De-Ox-Id made for and 
distributed by GC Electronics.  It contains a form of Naphtha, Heptane and a 
bit of Mineral oil with a carbon dioxide propellant.  I put it on sparingly 
by spraying a bit in a small container and using a very small brush to paint 
it on as I did the Deoxit and receiver has not missed a lick.  It has been 
nearly 6 months and there is no indication that I will have to reapply.  It 
seems to remove the substance on the wipers and rotors of the switches and I 
am happy with the results so far.

This caused me to ask the initial question and from what has been posted so 
far, I can't help but wonder if there was a minor change in the Deoxit 
formula.   Deoxit now says to use D5 followed by another of their chemicals 
for the long term. I don't recall at the moment what the second chemical is, 
but if De-Ox-Id continues to work as it has thus far, I won't have to buy 
two different cans of chemical.

Jim
W5JO


-----Original Message----- 

Phosphor/bronze and slver-plated stuff, depending on its chemical
composition, can tarnish to different degrees. The deoxit can cut through
some of that stuff but it's not a permanent cure. Switch wiping can
prolong good contact connection but lack of wiping (equipment sits idle
for long periods) may require contacts to be cleaned again.
Someone with a good chemical or metals background may have a better
answer but that's what I've found over the years.

But hey, what do I know, I'm listening to Iron Butterfly as I type and
enjoying a music psychic experience.

Pete, wa2cwa

On Sat, 29 Jun 2019 16:39:30 -0500 <w5jo at brightok.net> writes:
> Those I have been working on are Phosphor/Bronze in the RF and mixer
>
> sections then silver plated in the oscillator section in some
> receivers.  In
> others it is Phosphor/Bronze throughout.
>
> Jim
> W5JO
>
> -----Original Message----- 
>
>
> You didn't mention what type of plating is on the band switch
> contact
> area.
>
> Pete, wa2cwa
>
> On Sat, 29 Jun 2019 15:29:29 -0500 <w5jo at brightok.net> writes:
> > I have a question that I have been pondering for a while and maybe
> I
> > need
> > some additional evidence.
> >
> > Over the years Deoxit has become a staple of switch cleaning by
> us
> > boatanchor aficionados.  Everyone seems happy with it so much so,
> > that
> > nothing else is mentioned.  However I have had some occurrences
> that
> >
> > required reapplication of the substance after some time, usually
> in
> > months
> > to a year.  I wonder if anyone else has that happen?
> >
> > My observations are particularly  related to band switches.  With
> > reapplication the switch goes back to normal operation but later
> the
> >
> > problems surface again.   The problem is frequent enough that I
> have
> > ceased
> > using Deoxit and am trying a different chemical.
> >
> > So does anyone else see these problems?  I am curious.
> >
> > Jim
> > W5JO