[Amps] Washing equipment

[Van K7VS]

I learned of this method back in the late sixites and have used my 
dishwasher, bathtub and a restaurant commecial washing system over the 
years.  With everything from collins r390a's to heath.

PLUS in the mid eighties there was a terrible flood in the Marysville/Yuba 
City area at which time I owned a radio station there.  Flew down and 
extracted  equipment with help from the staff.  Most of it was completely 
under water as we had six-seven feet in the building.  I washed everything 
from satillite receiving equipment (for network stuff) to control room audio 
boards, turntables,  cart play/record stuff et al.  That time I was able to 
get into a closed out of business restaurant and used their commercial 
dishwasher unit which was conveyer type wash/rinse unit.  We were back on 
the air within 48 hours from the Restaurant with mostly the equipment 
salvaged from the flood.  Fortunately the 5 KW transmitter was located on 
the second floor of the flooded faclility.  So guess I can also attest to 
the tek process.  Van, K7VS  Medford, Oregon

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <N7KA at comcast.net>
To: "Amps" <amps at contesting.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2006 5:32 PM
Subject: [Amps] Washing equipment


> The following is experience, NOT A RECCOMENDATION.  I AM NOT LIABLE FOR 
> ANYONES PROBLEMS.
>
> Years ago, the 1960s. I washed MANY Tektronix scopes as a normal routine 
> for a complete service, both at the factory in Beaverton, OR and in a 
> mobile lab (Mobilescope in S. Calif).  I do not remember losing a scope to 
> water or moisture in that time.
>
> I do not remember the chemical solution that was used or the 
> concentration.  I do know that I did not do an immersion, instead used 
> water under pressure ala the car wash.
>
> The scope were blown dry with air as much as possible and placed in an 
> oven to dry for about 24 hours.  AND YES, I GOT QUITE WET AT TIMES.
>
> During the wash process CARE was taken to NOT direct water at the bottom 
> of the power transformer (it had holes not always filled with terminals). 
> Tubes were removed prior to the wash as well including the CRT.
>
> There are several ham friends of mine who can atest to this method of 
> cleaning (W7NI, W7SAO, K6XT, AI7B, I worked with all except K6XT) at the 
> factory or in field service.
>
> Todays equipment I am not sure I would do the same.  The transformer and 
> meters I would definitely remove if I chose to wash anything.
>
> BTW, I lubed switch detents (remember lubriplate?) and used contact 
> cleaner as well in the process.   You should have seen the the 
> transformation from a dirty scope to a like new appearnace.  All this was 
> done prior to any other service work being performed except for a quick 
> power up to determine quote for work to be performed.
>
> Today, wash away AT YOUR OWN RISK, DO NOT IMMERSE, and hope it works for 
> you.  De-ionized water would be a benefit if available.
>
> 73 de Arne N7KA
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