[Kenwood] Using DeoxIT on TS830 band switch...

[Garey Barrell]

The only time you have to be "afraid" of DeoxiT, or any other 
_spray_  type of contact cleaner is with phenolic (brown, 
paper-based) switch wafers.  Some will absorb the spray solvent 
and swell out of shape and/or alignment.  Can completely ruin 
_some_  switches.   MUCH safer to use the D100L liquid with the 
needle applicator and apply directly to the contacts.  If you 
already have the spray, you can work around the problem by 
spraying some into the plastic cap and then use a small wire or 
the spray tube itself to pick up and apply directly to the 
contacts.  You don't have to reach ALL the contacts, as the wiper 
will carry enough to clean the others.  Also, remember that 
silver sulfide (the black stuff) is ALMOST as conductive as 
silver.  It's also soft and usually the wiping action of the 
contacts is enough to displace it.

Spraying also leaves the solvent and lubricant ALL over the 
switch wafer, which attracts dust and can lead to carbon 
tracking, even on ceramic switches.

And one last thing.  If you decide to use the spray after all, 
let the carrier evaporate completely before applying power!  The 
carrier IS flammable, and you don't need a fire under the chassis!

Spray cleaners are for TV tuners (remember those?) where you just 
stick the spray tube inside the housing and spray away!!

73, Garey - K4OAH
Atlanta

Les Severson wrote:
> Hi Mike,
> 
> There is no such thing as a "dumb" question...  hi
> I ordered a 5oz can of Deoxit "D5" and it worked great for my two 
> TS-830Ss.  They both
> had intermittant bandswitches.   The spray can has a handy little red 
> spray spout and the spray amount is
> adjustable.  I found that a little spray on each section of the switch 
> while rotating the switch many times cleans up the contacts great.. It's 
> a little hard to get to a couple of them but the spout can reach 
> them..    Don't forget to do the switch section that is in the 6146 
> cage.  I have heard that just a little bit dabbed on would work but on 
> the 830, that would be awfully difficult to do.
> I don't think you have to be very afraid of the stuff..  hi  73 & Good 
> Luck...
> Les,  W�OJH  
> 
> 
> J. Michael Thurman wrote:
> 
>> Your patience is appreciated, 'cuz I'm about to ask a couple of "dumb"
>> questions...
>>
>> I've tired of the contact cleaner that I have as it doesn't seem to have
>> the desired effect...  So, i'm taking the list's recommendation...to
>> DeoxIT it is.
>>
>> Dumb Question #2:  Which solution seems to work best on the 830's band
>> switch: 5% or 100%?
>>
>> Dumb Question #1: Is spraying the cleaner on and allowing it to
>> evaporate sufficient or is it most effective to employ some mechanical
>> abrasion...say with a lint-free electronics swab or pick?
>>
>> TIA for your patience...  I just want to get the rig back in FB order
>> the right way...and not add to my frustration.
>>
>> 73, Happy New Year!
>> Michael
>> WN5T
>>