[TenTec] Omni C Bandswitch Wafers Gone Bad

[Glenn]

Hi Mike,


It's often just oxidation of the contacts on the wafers. Get a can of DeOxit, remove the covers and in a well ventilated area, spray DeOxit into the small openings on the FRONT and BACK
of the wafers, as you exercise the switch from one end to the other. It may take 2 good applications but it should clear the problem, most of the time; sure beats removing wafers.


DeOxit is expensive and it does not take much if you can get on the contact easily. In the case of those wafers, you can not. You will see the wafer covers turn as you turn the band switch. Shoot Deoxit in several different places as you rotate the switch. You will waste a fair amount of the DeOxit in this case since you cannot get to each contact. Fortunately, there is enough pressure in the can that when you spray into the small openings the fluid get's deep into the switch. With a few generous applications you will have all contacts covered. 


DeOxit will puddle and pour out, so don't do this over the wife's kitchen table. This is a good job to do outside on a sunny day. You can see better and the spray will not get on anything. Avoid getting any on the front panel or display lens. I don't think it will hurt the paint but I don't take chances.


While you have the covers off, clean other mating connector/cable locations with DeOxit as well. Make all screws are snug that are providing ground returns. 


Perhaps the last owner was not able to use 80 and 160 meters due to antenna limitations.


Typically DeOxit sells for $13 to $15 per can for the D5 formula which is what you should get.


73,
Glenn WA4AOS


DSM Labs (dot com )





-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Bellow <w2ti10 at gmail.com>
To: tentec <tentec at contesting.com>
Sent: Sat, Dec 10, 2011 6:19 am
Subject: [TenTec] Omni C Bandswitch Wafers Gone Bad


Hi All
Just received a really nice Omni C with the dreaded bandswitch issue,No 
80 or 160 unless you keep going back and forth with the switch till you 
see the display working,Any replacements for these white plastic 
devils??or any good hints out there.

Tnx Mike
W2TI
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