Electronics. PCB salvage.

[Hadenough]

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I inherited an elderly 1986 Robertson autopilot with the new to us boat. The main unit in the wheelhouse works fine but the remote control doesn't. It powers up but doesn't operate. On opening up the unit I found the state shown in the photos. I'm no electronics bod but would like to clean it up to see if it can be salvaged. What is best? Cotton wool buds and what? WD40? ACF-50?
BTW the powdery stuff is from the aluminium case and apart from the three diode thingies that appear rusty the rest of it seems ok.

 

[sarabande]

one had a feeling that PCB is no more, it has ceased to be conductive, it is bereft of electrons, it rusts in pieces.

Ok, a lot of that is superficial corrosion, but I'd bet that some of the delicate components are internally knackered as well.

 

[Hadenough]

I've no doubt you are right but having time on my hands and being obstinate I want to clean it up to have a closer look. Question was, what is best to use to clean it with?

 

[elton]

I use tape head cleaner (isopropyl alcohol) with cotton wool buds for PCBs. Maplins sell it.

 

[AngusMcDoon]

I use tape head cleaner (isopropyl alcohol) with cotton wool buds for PCBs. Maplins sell it.

That will remove grease, but the problem isn't grease. The problem is it is corroded. One of these will remove it, if anything can...

http://uk.farnell.com/duratool/d02266/pen-pcb-cleaning-fibreglass-4mm/dp/2102028?Ntt=fibreglass+pen

 

[Hadenough]

Thanks, I'll get both and see how it goes.

 

[nigelmercier]

Wash in hot water with a little washing-up liquid. Rinse with clean water, then demineralised water. Rinse with IPA, or clear meths. Blow dry with air line if possible, or use compressed air can. Leave somewhere warm for a few days.

 

[Big John]

Wash in hot water with a little washing-up liquid. Rinse with clean water, then demineralised water. Rinse with IPA, or clear meths. Blow dry with air line if possible, or use compressed air can. Leave somewhere warm for a few days.

I would agree with Nigel but try to keep water away from the "pots" they will take some time dry if water gets in. Also be very carefull with the LCD screen. You must make sure the PVB is perfectly dry before applying power.

 

[nigelmercier]

I would agree with Nigel but try to keep water away from the "pots" they will take some time dry if water gets in. Also be very carefull with the LCD screen. You must make sure the PVB is perfectly dry before applying power.

The IPA and air should dry out the pots, but I agree than an LCD can be a problem.