[Boatanchors] Cleaning a bandswitch

[Bill Cotter]

Hi Dave,

I have noticed a lot of Drake equipment (2A/B, TR-3/4, T4/R4) are 
prone to heavy oxidation on the switches. Especially, gear stored 
in high humidity locations.

If you only have DeOxit spray, spray a small quantity into a cap or 
cup that will hold a CC or less. Use a toothepick or a Q-tip with 
the cotton end snipped off. Apply sparingly to the contacts and 
rotor, carefully avoiding any phenolic surfaces. Rotate the switch 
to spread out the cleaner.

For switch contacts that are heavily tarnished and will not work 
after DeOxit application, you can find a burnishing brush (looks 
like a pen with fiberglass bristles) and gently polish off the 
tarnish. Avoid using any tools that will scratch the contacts or races.

For crystals that cease to function, I have had limited (25-30%) 
success bring them back to life by baking them in the oven at 200F 
for a couple of hours.

Best of Luck - 73 Bill N4LG

At 09:08 AM 12/20/2025, Dave Sublette wrote:
>My beloved Drake 2B has quit operating on a couple of bands.  I 
>suspect
>that a few positions on one or more of the bandswitch wafers need 
>cleaning.
>Q-tips, isopropyl alcohol and spray contact cleaner come to 
>mind,  But is
>seems to me that a very thin bladed burnishing tool for relay contacts
>might also be called for.  I know caution is in order so as not to 
>file
>away the surface area of the delicat blades and fingers.  What other
>techniques might you know of?  I am not anywhere near to being a
>competent restoration tech.  I know there is a valued source of 
>info here.
>What say ye?
>
>Thanks and 73,
>
>Dave, K4TO
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