[Elecraft] CAIG DEOXIT or Servisol Super 10

Discussion:

makidoja

2013-06-17 18:31:25 UTC

Hi All

Elecraft Tech have advised to try cleaning the contacts in my K3 with Caig Deoxit, problem is here in the UK it?s really really expensive, like it should some in a solid gold tin!!!

So my question is will Servisol Super 10 be a good substitute for Caig Deoxit, I know servisol has been used in service rooms for many many years for removing tarnish and lubricating contacts

Whats your thoughts?

Looks like i?m in for a K3 strip, clean contacts and rebuild, shame these contacts are such a weak point on such a great transceiver!!!

Jim M0CKE

Sent from Windows Mail

Don Wilhelm

2013-06-17 20:02:09 UTC

Permalink

Jim,

I have used several cleaning/lubricating compounds on electrical
contacts with success over the years. The easiest is to use a light
coating of any light lubricant ( similar to 3 in 1 oil) on the male
pins. The insertion and removal of the contact surfaces in the presence
of the lubricant will wipe away corrosion at the mating points, and the
residual lubricant helps to discourage further oxidation.

I know I may take some flak from those who are hesitant to use anything
other than compounds recommended for electronics, but I have never
experienced any difficulties. Just apply the lubricant sparingly and
mate then disconnect the pins a few times for best results.

73,
Don W3FPR

Post by makidoja
Hi All
Elecraft Tech have advised to try cleaning the contacts in my K3 with Caig Deoxit, problem is here in the UK it?s really really expensive, like it should some in a solid gold tin!!!
So my question is will Servisol Super 10 be a good substitute for Caig Deoxit, I know servisol has been used in service rooms for many many years for removing tarnish and lubricating contacts
Whats your thoughts?
Looks like i?m in for a K3 strip, clean contacts and rebuild, shame these contacts are such a weak point on such a great transceiver!!!

Richard Fjeld

2013-06-17 20:31:16 UTC

Permalink

I agree with Don on this. For years, I have cleaned my battery connections and coated them with petroleum jelly before connecting them. The small amount of resistance from the lubricant is much less than that from the corrosion that soon develops in the connections without it. I've never had a problem with this method. (I stay away from grease with chemicals in it.)

Caig Deoxit is good stuff. I used some today in my car. It is spendy in U.S. as well. I'm not familiar with Servisol.

Dick, n0ce

----- Original Message -----
From: Don Wilhelm
To: makidoja at gmail.com
Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Sent: Monday, June 17, 2013 3:02 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CAIG DEOXIT or Servisol Super 10

Jim,

I have used several cleaning/lubricating compounds on electrical
contacts with success over the years. The easiest is to use a light
coating of any light lubricant ( similar to 3 in 1 oil) on the male
pins. The insertion and removal of the contact surfaces in the presence
of the lubricant will wipe away corrosion at the mating points, and the
residual lubricant helps to discourage further oxidation.

I know I may take some flak from those who are hesitant to use anything
other than compounds recommended for electronics, but I have never
experienced any difficulties. Just apply the lubricant sparingly and
mate then disconnect the pins a few times for best results.

73,
Don W3FPR

Mel Farrer

2013-06-17 21:25:16 UTC

Permalink

It was standard practice at AT&T to clean and coat the large 2 VDC battery terminals with petroleum jelly.? I still use it especially on the standby generator and automotive batteries.

Mel, K6KBE

________________________________
From: Richard Fjeld <rpfjeld at embarqmail.com>
To: don at w3fpr.com; makidoja at gmail.com
Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Sent: Monday, June 17, 2013 1:31 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CAIG DEOXIT or Servisol Super 10

I agree with Don on this.? For years, I have cleaned my battery connections and coated them with petroleum jelly before connecting them.? The small amount of resistance from the lubricant is much less than that from the corrosion that soon develops in the connections without it.? I've never had a problem with this method. (I stay away from grease with chemicals in it.)

Caig Deoxit is good stuff.? I used some today in my car.? It is spendy in U.S. as well.? I'm not familiar with Servisol.

Dick, n0ce

? ----- Original Message -----
? From: Don Wilhelm
? To: makidoja at gmail.com
? Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
? Sent: Monday, June 17, 2013 3:02 PM
? Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CAIG DEOXIT or Servisol Super 10

? Jim,

? I have used several cleaning/lubricating compounds on electrical
? contacts with success over the years.? The easiest is to use a light
? coating of any light lubricant ( similar to 3 in 1 oil) on the male
? pins.? The insertion and removal of the contact surfaces in the presence
? of the lubricant will wipe away corrosion at the mating points, and the
? residual lubricant helps to discourage further oxidation.

? I know I may take some flak from those who are hesitant to use anything
? other than compounds recommended for electronics, but I have never
? experienced any difficulties.? Just apply the lubricant sparingly and
? mate then disconnect the pins a few times for best results.

? 73,
? Don W3FPR

? On 6/17/2013 2:31 PM, makidoja at gmail.com wrote:
? >? Hi All
? >
? >
? > Elecraft Tech have advised to try cleaning the contacts in my K3 with Caig Deoxit, problem is here in the UK it?s really really expensive, like it should some in a solid gold tin!!!
? >
? >
? > So my question is will Servisol Super 10 be a good substitute for Caig Deoxit, I know servisol has been used in service rooms for many many years for removing tarnish and lubricating contacts
? >
? >
? > Whats your thoughts?
? >
? >
? > Looks like i?m in for a K3 strip, clean contacts and rebuild, shame these contacts are such a weak point on such a great transceiver!!!
? >
? >
? >

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KA1OZ

2013-06-17 22:12:25 UTC

Permalink

Even in the world of experts there are divergent opinions on which
method is best and which can bite you in the end. During my years as a
transmission technician with Sprint (formerly Southern Pacific
Communications) the word was to _not_ use petroleum jelly as it can
damage the jars (cases) of some batteries (2 volt cells, actually).
No-Oxide grease was the order of the day.

In the case discussed here, I venture to say that Don's experience ought
to be significant and a guiding light. The added virtue is the lower
cost. Light oil ought to do the job nicely so long as you don't over
use it.

73 de Dick, ka1oz
Elecraft K3/100K #859
GAP Titan-DX Vertical
G5RV Doublet

It was standard practice at AT&T to clean and coat the large 2 VDC battery terminals with petroleum jelly. I still use it especially on the standby generator and automotive batteries.
Mel, K6KBE
________________________________
From: Richard Fjeld <rpfjeld at embarqmail.com>
To: don at w3fpr.com; makidoja at gmail.com
Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Sent: Monday, June 17, 2013 1:31 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CAIG DEOXIT or Servisol Super 10
I agree with Don on this. For years, I have cleaned my battery connections and coated them with petroleum jelly before connecting them. The small amount of resistance from the lubricant is much less than that from the corrosion that soon develops in the connections without it. I've never had a problem with this method. (I stay away from grease with chemicals in it.)
Caig Deoxit is good stuff. I used some today in my car. It is spendy in U.S. as well. I'm not familiar with Servisol.
Dick, n0ce
----- Original Message -----
From: Don Wilhelm
To: makidoja at gmail.com
Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Sent: Monday, June 17, 2013 3:02 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CAIG DEOXIT or Servisol Super 10
Jim,
I have used several cleaning/lubricating compounds on electrical
contacts with success over the years. The easiest is to use a light
coating of any light lubricant ( similar to 3 in 1 oil) on the male
pins. The insertion and removal of the contact surfaces in the presence
of the lubricant will wipe away corrosion at the mating points, and the
residual lubricant helps to discourage further oxidation.
I know I may take some flak from those who are hesitant to use anything
other than compounds recommended for electronics, but I have never
experienced any difficulties. Just apply the lubricant sparingly and
mate then disconnect the pins a few times for best results.
73,
Don W3FPR

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
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Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
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Bill K9YEQ

2013-06-17 23:02:41 UTC

Permalink

Don,

Nice suggestion. I have worked on lots of corroded stuff over the years for outdoor, very nasty weather situations. I like your solution. I have used DeoxIT in the small brush bottle with fabulous success. The connectors appear very clear once applied, but there is no content listed on the package as to what chemistry is used to actually remove the oxide. There are lots of chemicals that work, but nothing like adding a little inhibitor (oil) and scrub the connector by reseating it few times. I will continue to use DeoxIT until I find out its actual content, thinking it actually does something, plus, for the uses I have, it is relatively cheap in my shop. I sure would like to know what is the 100% concentrate on the package.

73,
Bill
K9YEQ

-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
Sent: Monday, June 17, 2013 3:02 PM
To: makidoja at gmail.com
Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CAIG DEOXIT or Servisol Super 10

Jim,

I have used several cleaning/lubricating compounds on electrical contacts with success over the years. The easiest is to use a light coating of any light lubricant ( similar to 3 in 1 oil) on the male pins. The insertion and removal of the contact surfaces in the presence of the lubricant will wipe away corrosion at the mating points, and the residual lubricant helps to discourage further oxidation.

I know I may take some flak from those who are hesitant to use anything other than compounds recommended for electronics, but I have never experienced any difficulties. Just apply the lubricant sparingly and mate then disconnect the pins a few times for best results.

73,
Don W3FPR

Post by makidoja
Hi All
Elecraft Tech have advised to try cleaning the contacts in my K3 with Caig Deoxit, problem is here in the UK it?s really really expensive, like it should some in a solid gold tin!!!
So my question is will Servisol Super 10 be a good substitute for Caig
Deoxit, I know servisol has been used in service rooms for many many
years for removing tarnish and lubricating contacts
Whats your thoughts?
Looks like i?m in for a K3 strip, clean contacts and rebuild, shame these contacts are such a weak point on such a great transceiver!!!

Jack Smith

2013-06-17 23:30:55 UTC

Permalink

The MSDS says Caig DeoxIT is 95% naptha and 5% "trade secret."

Internet lore claims the 5% "trade secret" portion is largely linoleic
acid (from flax seed).

GC Electronics has a much less expensive similar product called
"DE-OX-ID" which is 60% Aliphatic Hydrocarbon, 35% Kerosene with the
remaining 5% being more hydrocarbon solvents according to its MSDS. It's
what I use.

Naptha is light end hydrocarbon, with both linear and aliphatic chains.
Lighter fluid is mostly naptha by the way.

Last bottle of DE-OX-ID I bought cost about $6 for 2 oz in a brush
applicator cap bottle. It's gone up a couple bucks since then, and there
may be a problem with additional shipping surcharges since it's
flammable. (Earlier this year, I was charged $10 to ship a 2 oz bottle
of red Glyptol varnish for that reason.)

Jack K8ZOA

Post by Bill K9YEQ
Don,
Nice suggestion. I have worked on lots of corroded stuff over the years for outdoor, very nasty weather situations. I like your solution. I have used DeoxIT in the small brush bottle with fabulous success. The connectors appear very clear once applied, but there is no content listed on the package as to what chemistry is used to actually remove the oxide. There are lots of chemicals that work, but nothing like adding a little inhibitor (oil) and scrub the connector by reseating it few times. I will continue to use DeoxIT until I find out its actual content, thinking it actually does something, plus, for the uses I have, it is relatively cheap in my shop. I sure would like to know what is the 100% concentrate on the package.
73,
Bill
K9YEQ
-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
Sent: Monday, June 17, 2013 3:02 PM
To: makidoja at gmail.com
Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CAIG DEOXIT or Servisol Super 10
Jim,
I have used several cleaning/lubricating compounds on electrical contacts with success over the years. The easiest is to use a light coating of any light lubricant ( similar to 3 in 1 oil) on the male pins. The insertion and removal of the contact surfaces in the presence of the lubricant will wipe away corrosion at the mating points, and the residual lubricant helps to discourage further oxidation.
I know I may take some flak from those who are hesitant to use anything other than compounds recommended for electronics, but I have never experienced any difficulties. Just apply the lubricant sparingly and mate then disconnect the pins a few times for best results.
73,
Don W3FPR

Post by makidoja
Hi All
Elecraft Tech have advised to try cleaning the contacts in my K3 with Caig Deoxit, problem is here in the UK it?s really really expensive, like it should some in a solid gold tin!!!
So my question is will Servisol Super 10 be a good substitute for Caig
Deoxit, I know servisol has been used in service rooms for many many
years for removing tarnish and lubricating contacts
Whats your thoughts?
Looks like i?m in for a K3 strip, clean contacts and rebuild, shame these contacts are such a weak point on such a great transceiver!!!

Bill K9YEQ

2013-06-18 00:59:02 UTC

Permalink

Jack,

Thanks a ton for the update. The acid is the most important compound, and I would suppose the Naptha cleans off the oxidants once the chemistry has done its job. I should make my own given how cheaply the contents can be acquired.

73,
Bill
K9YEQ

-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jack Smith
Sent: Monday, June 17, 2013 6:31 PM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CAIG DEOXIT or Servisol Super 10

The MSDS says Caig DeoxIT is 95% naptha and 5% "trade secret."

Internet lore claims the 5% "trade secret" portion is largely linoleic acid (from flax seed).

GC Electronics has a much less expensive similar product called "DE-OX-ID" which is 60% Aliphatic Hydrocarbon, 35% Kerosene with the remaining 5% being more hydrocarbon solvents according to its MSDS. It's what I use.

Naptha is light end hydrocarbon, with both linear and aliphatic chains.
Lighter fluid is mostly naptha by the way.

Last bottle of DE-OX-ID I bought cost about $6 for 2 oz in a brush applicator cap bottle. It's gone up a couple bucks since then, and there may be a problem with additional shipping surcharges since it's flammable. (Earlier this year, I was charged $10 to ship a 2 oz bottle of red Glyptol varnish for that reason.)

Jack K8ZOA

Post by Bill K9YEQ
Don,
Nice suggestion. I have worked on lots of corroded stuff over the years for outdoor, very nasty weather situations. I like your solution. I have used DeoxIT in the small brush bottle with fabulous success. The connectors appear very clear once applied, but there is no content listed on the package as to what chemistry is used to actually remove the oxide. There are lots of chemicals that work, but nothing like adding a little inhibitor (oil) and scrub the connector by reseating it few times. I will continue to use DeoxIT until I find out its actual content, thinking it actually does something, plus, for the uses I have, it is relatively cheap in my shop. I sure would like to know what is the 100% concentrate on the package.
73,
Bill
K9YEQ
-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
Sent: Monday, June 17, 2013 3:02 PM
To: makidoja at gmail.com
Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CAIG DEOXIT or Servisol Super 10
Jim,
I have used several cleaning/lubricating compounds on electrical contacts with success over the years. The easiest is to use a light coating of any light lubricant ( similar to 3 in 1 oil) on the male pins. The insertion and removal of the contact surfaces in the presence of the lubricant will wipe away corrosion at the mating points, and the residual lubricant helps to discourage further oxidation.
I know I may take some flak from those who are hesitant to use anything other than compounds recommended for electronics, but I have never experienced any difficulties. Just apply the lubricant sparingly and mate then disconnect the pins a few times for best results.
73,
Don W3FPR

Post by makidoja
Hi All
Elecraft Tech have advised to try cleaning the contacts in my K3 with Caig Deoxit, problem is here in the UK it?s really really expensive, like it should some in a solid gold tin!!!
So my question is will Servisol Super 10 be a good substitute for
Caig Deoxit, I know servisol has been used in service rooms for many
many years for removing tarnish and lubricating contacts
Whats your thoughts?
Looks like i?m in for a K3 strip, clean contacts and rebuild, shame these contacts are such a weak point on such a great transceiver!!!

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email
list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
______________________________________________________________
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Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
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list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Mike WA8BXN

2013-06-18 00:20:22 UTC

Permalink

Ron D'Eau Claire

2013-06-18 01:59:22 UTC

Permalink

I use DeOxit too. I bought a 24 mL bottle 12 years ago and in spite of using it on hundreds of connectors the tiny squeeze bottle is till 90+% full! In short, you may pay a lot but it's for a supply that will last a lifetime (and you may well pass it on in your will). A tiny drop does the job!

73, Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bill K9YEQ
Sent: Monday, June 17, 2013 4:03 PM
Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CAIG DEOXIT or Servisol Super 10

Don,

Nice suggestion. I have worked on lots of corroded stuff over the years for outdoor, very nasty weather situations. I like your solution. I have used DeoxIT in the small brush bottle with fabulous success. The connectors appear very clear once applied, but there is no content listed on the package as to what chemistry is used to actually remove the oxide. There are lots of chemicals that work, but nothing like adding a little inhibitor (oil) and scrub the connector by reseating it few times. I will continue to use DeoxIT until I find out its actual content, thinking it actually does something, plus, for the uses I have, it is relatively cheap in my shop. I sure would like to know what is the 100% concentrate on the package.

73,
Bill
K9YEQ

Ian White

2013-06-18 07:02:24 UTC

Permalink

The OP was asking about substitutes for Deoxit that less expensive and more readily available in the UK. Following a mild outbreak of intermittent-contact errors on my own quite early K3, someone recommended Contralube 770 (available from Maplin, code N73HL). Contralube is a clear gel which comes in a plastic tube with a convenient long-reach nozzle, and is widely used as a corrosion protector for outdoor electrical terminals.

I applied a <very small> quantity of Contralube 770 to the male connector pins only, by first smearing it thinly along the edge of a QSL card and then wiping the card onto each row of pins from two sides. This ensures an even, thin distribution. (The final amount is much too thin to see on the pin, but I just noticed on the data sheet that Contralube 770 contains a UV-fluorescent dye, so that would be a good way to check for even coverage.)

Take very careful ESD precautions when doing this job, because many connector pins are connected directly to ESD-sensitive parts.

The whole job took about an hour, and all I can say is... the K3 hasn't failed again. It's impossible to know how much of that benefit has been due to the Contralube, and how much was due to the self-cleaning effects of disassembly and reassembly; but the Contralube has certainly done no harm.

(Meanwhile, in a much more challenging application, larger quantities of Contralube have been doing a very good job of protecting the screw terminal strip for the SteppIR. Despite heavy moisture, there is no sign of intermetallic corrosion.)

73 from Ian GM3SEK