[AMPS] Looking for parts..

[Ian White, G3SEK]

Rich Measures wrote:
>In a choke fire, 
>Teflon makes unpleasant phosgene gas. 

Hydrogen fluoride, actually - but almost equally unpleasant. I don't
know exactly what gases epoxy makes after being burned, but those ain't
pleasant either.

If you want to make phosgene (COCl2) in the shack, the easiest way is to
use a chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent (anything with -chloro- in the
name) and let the vapor get into the the EPROM eraser or the PC board UV
box while the UV tube is on. That'll do it.

Phosgene smells something like concentrated rotten apples, and HF smells
pungent (bites your nose and throat). Fortunately both are noticeable
enough in low concentrations that you can get out without harm.

On the other hand, if you open the PA box after a choke fire, or the
EPROM eraser after filling the box with phosgene, lean over and then
take a deep breath...  well, just don't!
 
73 from Ian G3SEK          Editor, 'The VHF/UHF DX Book'
                          'In Practice' columnist for RadCom (RSGB)
                           http://www.ifwtech.demon.co.uk/g3sek

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