Seafarer Voyager Depth Moisture Ingress

[davidpbo]

The venerable Seafarer Voyager Depth Gauge has suffered severe moisture ingress over the winter. In commision it is somewhat protected by the spray hood, on the trailer it is not. I didn't pay too much attention to the misting on the screen it has always done that occasionally then cleared and stayed clear. I did not want to investigate it in case that killed it.
However the time has now come when something has to be done

Amazingly prior to removal from the boat yesterday, it appeared to be working apart from low level tone from the external alarm and some possibly eratic readings. When I got it home and opened it it was obvious that it was more than a bit of moisture, the circuit boards were wet.

I have disassembled the unit and the components are currently in the oven using the defrost setting which circulates air only heated by the oven lamp so virtually ambient.

Has anyone moved the the display (viewed from rear).

This is the pcb which shows serious signs of corrosion on the solder contacts.
Suggestions for removing? I am thinking contact cleaner and gentle brushing with a toothbrush.

If it has died, is there another display that can be used with the existing transduder? Cable terminates in a TV aerial UHF connector.

Does anyone have an old working display I can buy?

Does anyone have a cover for one?

When I reassemble it, should I get any indication that it may be working, e.g. display working, without the transducer connected as that is still in place on the boat.

 

[davidpbo]

The moisture has been dried out the oven on defrost shifted it quickly. I am leaving it to air overnight.

What should I use to augment the rubber seal around the outside I have silicone grease, I can maybe get some clear PU40. Geocel The Works? I suppose I could use some silicone but I am not overly fond of it.

 

[davidpbo]

Sealed, re-installed and seemingly working fine.

On the the bench without the transducer the display did come with random readings when the set button was pressed.

I used a v.thin bead of silicone to seal it.

 

[davidpbo]

After 24hrs I did notice some signs of moisture on the rear of the glass.

I am wondering if the neutral cure silicone I used a little of to seal the case together may give off some moisture whilst curing. Anyone know?

I may ask in the Lounge as well.

 

[garvellachs]

I doubt that much water is given off when silicone cures but I don't know; but I'd be more concerned that it may not be designed to be completely sealed? While you don't want water dripping in, any cooling when it's sealed will result in condensation unless the air can exchange? Some instruments have a hole in the back to avoid this, others need to be switched on to dry them out etc.

 

[davidpbo]

I did manage to clear the condensation by leaving the UHF transponder? cable off. We will see whether it is still clear when I return after 2 weeks. The only sealing I did was the joint between the front and back of the box where the rubber seal was.