[R-390] RF deck cleaning

[Pete Williams]

G'day list------- I'll support the kerosene cleaning technique ----- done it
a  couple of  dozen times or more with nil side effects .. Apart from the
personal satisfaction (doubtful) of  complete tear down  and dousing in
favorite brew, the  results are fine  and  any discolorations imperceptible
and probably no worse than when first assembled .

Proceedure ----- remove  all xfmrs, slug racks,---Take the bare chassis out
on the back lawn where the weeds are , and with a  container of kerosene ---
I use mineral turpentine (similar) used for paint thinning which is non oily
or  corrosive - lavishly and enthusiastically brush and  slosh the liquid
around and thru the mechanism .

Having done that to ones  satisfaction, a prolonged high pressure  hosing
from the domestic water supply completes that part of the  exercise. 

 

Usually I dry it out in the hot  sun or put in the  kitchen oven on gentle
heat if  weather inclement !---done on Wednesdays  as missus out that
morning.

Reassemble----------. Deoxit on RF switch, clean pins on coils ------ fine
oil -ex sewing machine grade on gears etc having freed up rollers and
reoiled. Loosen up trimmers on RF coils and careful not to crack-- a little
heat from solder iron works if  stuck

With nearly 2 dozen refurbished over the years and including my own. there's
been no complaints  or obvious side effects 

We're  not about to use in military environment so  apart from the
satisfaction aspect,  there's little trade off benefit  from exuberance in
spotliness.

 

Cheers

Pete VK3IZ