Contact cleaner

[Storyline]

We are getting intermittent error messages on our Garmin radar. I have spoken at length to some guy in Garmin tech support.

He was virtually certain that from the error messages w are getting that our problem is with the Cat5 cable that runs from plotter to radome. Before we start swopping out the plugs I want to try to clean them up. Can someone recommend some suitable spray/liquid/whatever that will do the job the best please ?

TIA Paul

(have to say that I was dubious when we moved from Raymarine to Garmin but the support so far from Garmin has been really good)

 

[Billjratt]

We used this - http://uk.farnell.com/Search?catego...atch|b|plid|&gclid=CJmA3Prgk80CFUs6GwodU-YOzA in the electronics sector last century, I assume it's still valid.
I'm sure we'd all be interested in the error messages you were getting and how much info was available to diagnose the problem. Has the separate power to the digital radome has been verified?

 

[MikeCC]

Exactly as your post subject says - contact cleaner is the stuff to look for.

However, you might also want to do a simple continuity check on the cable. Easiest with one of the cheap and cheerful network cable testers.

 

[Storyline]

Hi Bill.

The error messages are 'Radar Service Lost' and occasionally 'Lost Connection'.

The 12v supply is certainly OK on the inboard end but I have not been in the radome yet.

Edit: The yacht centre where we keep Storyline has a superb workshop with highly skilled engineers and riggers etc but one thing surprises me and that is when our mast is unstepped every season when we come out for the winter the mast wiring is just left exposed. It may be that they think it is better to have it out in the open where it only has rain water and plenty of ventilation rather than wrapped up where it could suffer from damp. I must admit that on the rare occasions when I am around to unstep the mast I carefully wrap all the wiring in a weatherproof container with bags of silica gel in just in case.

 

[Momac]

I would use this .............
http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/servisol-electronic-cleaning-solvent-200ml-re70m

.

 

[prof pat pending]

I use this one

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/contact-cleaners/3883814/

 

[nigelmercier]

The link to a Maplin (spit) product is not a contact cleaner.

Personally I would first replace the plugs, then clean the socket contacts with a cotton bud soaked in (1) water and washing up liquid, then (2) alcohol then (3) Contralube.

If you want to short-cut, then any alcohol and oil based cleaner will do, I use this one.

 

[Tammany]

I worked in the electronics repair industry and we used Rapide DP-60. Does what it's supposed to an easily available on ebay too.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/250ml-Electrical-Contact-Cleaner-Switch-Clean-Aerosol-Spray-Can-Dirt-Remover-new-/152047977420?hash=item2366c403cc:g:Xx0AAOSwgApXCRLU

 

[Storyline]

Thanks Nigel - surprisingly though it seems I have a feeling I might not have thought of cleaning the socket !

 

[davidpbo]

As well as the chemical cleaning agents, I use one of these:
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/pcb-c...0656E267374613D4669627265676C6173732070656E26

The brass bristles might be better for the socket.

A couple of rubs with some very fine wet and dry would probably suffice. I am surprised the yard leave the contacts exposed when the mast is stepped. Covered but with some ventilation would be best in my opinion.

 

[septiclecky]

Try one of those fibreglass pens for you plugs as have used a similar item for cleaning up DC motor commutators

 

[[70521]]

I often use a pencil eraser to "clean" contacts.

 

[nigelmercier]

I often use a pencil eraser to "clean" contacts.

+1 especially one that feels gritty. The fibreglass ones are good, but produce nasty splinters and get soiled quickly.