cleaning battery contacts in solid state devices

[spindown]

When solid state radios and cameras get older there seems
to be a barrier??? that forms on the battery contacts in these
devices and interferes with their operation. Even new batteries
don't seem to help. What can be done to clean these
contacts. Thanks Paul

[Janitor Tzap]

When solid state radios and cameras get older there seems
to be a barrier??? that forms on the battery contacts in these
devices and interferes with their operation. Even new batteries
don't seem to help. What can be done to clean these
contacts. Thanks Paul

One thing that you can use is just a simple pencil eraser on the battery contacts, and the contacts on the batteries.

Or you can get some of the wonder contact cleaner kit.
DeoxIT ProGold Kit

But it's not cheap.
$14.99 at Radio Shack.

I used this on the contact plugs and jacks on my video equipment, and stereo equipment.
Works really well.


Signed: Janitor Tzap

[MrAl]

Hi,


Another idea is to apply an antioxidant compound BEFORE any oxidizing starts to take place,
like when the device and batteries are brand new.
One such compound is called NOALOX (check spelling) and this is applied to the contacts
before the batteries are inserted, but also on the battery contacts also.
This kind of substance (im sure there are other brands too) keeps the contacts from
oxidizing in the first place so it helps quite a bit with these problems.
One drawback is that it is a paste like toothpaste, and it never dries, so when you
take the batteries out to replace them at some point you might end up getting some
of it on your hands again. It's a little sticky, but most of the time it's inside the
battery case so it doesnt bother anything.

[Janitor Tzap]

Hi,


Another idea is to apply an antioxidant compound BEFORE any oxidizing starts to take place,
like when the device and batteries are brand new.
One such compound is called NOALOX (check spelling) and this is applied to the contacts
before the batteries are inserted, but also on the battery contacts also.
This kind of substance (im sure there are other brands too) keeps the contacts from
oxidizing in the first place so it helps quite a bit with these problems.
One drawback is that it is a paste like toothpaste, and it never dries, so when you
take the batteries out to replace them at some point you might end up getting some
of it on your hands again. It's a little sticky, but most of the time it's inside the
battery case so it doesnt bother anything.

That stuff is messy.
The contact cleaning & oxidization protection kit that I recommended.
Is fairly easy to use.
First spray a few drops of the cleaner onto a Q-tip swab.
Clean the contacts.
Once the contacts are clean.
Spray a few drops of the oxidization protectant onto a Q-tip swab.
Then rub it onto the contacts.
Wait two or three minutes before you try it.

Caig Lab's also makes even simpler version.
DeoxIT D100L.

Just dab it on, then wipe off the oxidation.
After the contacts are clean.
Leave a light film of the D100L on the contacts.
This preserves, lubricates & improves conductivity of the metal.
You can find it at most Automotive Parts Stores.


Signed: Janitor Tzap

[MrAl]

Hi Janitor,

Ok, maybe i'll try some, it looks interesting.

Yes, the other is a bit messy, but once it is in the case it doesnt matter too much.
Just have to remember when you open it up again. Lasts indefinitely though.
Works with bulbs in cars too.

[sofaspud]

You can buy an eraser at the hobby shop that is used for cleaning a slot car track. Fixes essentially the
same problem. A relay-contact burnishing tool can also be used when the oxide gets heavy. It's very
similar to a miniature fingernail emory board, which you might already have on hand. {no pun intended}

[haklesup]

For that matter sand paper cleans the contacts but unlike the chemicals dosen't leave any protectant and may expose the base metal by removing the plating so its not recommended escept for severly corroded (presumably by a leaked battery) contact. Most important is to not touch the contacts with your fingers as the human contamination is a prime source to start the corrosion process (besides a leaked battery).

[Fixxer]

They used to sell these at Radio Shack. I found them online and bought a dozen. They work excellent for cleaning battery contacts and dull copper circuit boards. The only problem is the fiberglass strands break off, but once you know that, it's not a problem. I use them quite frequently in PC board repair.

Here's the thing:
http://www.promotorcarproducts.com/sandingpen.htm

And here's how to get it:
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=n ... r+prep+pen