And as a some-what related aside. Turn off VHF before removing RAM-Mic. Blows the RAM Mic. Don't ask me how I know (x 2)...
David F. Risch, J. D. Gulf Stream Associates, LLC (401) 419-4650 ________________________________ From: CnC-List <cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com> on behalf of Josh Muckley via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 12, 2018 11:47 AM To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Cc: Josh Muckley Subject: Re: Stus-List Best way to clean Ram-mic connector pins? I have had numerous issues with pins and socket connections in the past. I do not have the magic bullet answer but instead a few things which in combination with one another have solved my problems. -Cooper (and other metals) can be effectively cleaned of oxidation with white vinegar (or other available mild acid solutions). Apply conservatively and rinse thoroughly. I like rinsing with distilled water and then high percentage alcohol. -CRC and other companies make a contact cleaner spray. I don't have any particular experience with them since I never seem to have jt available but the galley vinegar is close by. -If the pins are corroded, imagine what the sockets look like. I have found that an acetylene torch cleaning file set OR a micro drill bit set is invaluable. In a pinch I've also used single strands of old wire rope and even guitar strings. Again, mild acid, rinse, dry. -Sometimes the pin holes (socket) get weakened and slightly wallowed. A jeweler's screwdriver can sometimes get down between the plastic body and the metal pin to gently close the socket SLIGHTLY. -Corrosion happened because of moisture. Eliminate the cause of the moisture and you will likely never have the problem again. Most electronics manufacturers will tell you "clean and dry" connections... To which I say, make a better connector so that they stay "clean and dry". Many contacts are gold or nickel plated and typically won't corrode...until the metal on metal interface wears through the plating. So once you have corrosion you know 2 things. The OEM failed to produce a water tight connector and the contacts are no longer corrosion resistant. This is where I justify using dielectric silicone grease. The grease will lubricate and rejuvenate whatever watertight gasket was provided by the OEM. Additionally, application of grease to the female side of the connector ensures that water and air will no longer be able to interface with the metal contacts, specifically those where the plating has been worn away. Some people argue that "dielectric" means non-conductive, and they are correct. They also argue that the grease attracts dirt, again correct. These are absolutely things that need to be weighed but as long as the connector is being kept tight dirt isn't an issue. As long as the pins and sockets have a good mechanical interface the metal on metal pushes through the grease. In addition the grease will lubricate and may minimize further wear on the remaining plating. -If all of these options fail, don't forget the OEM for warranty or repair service. -Finally, check out mouser.com<http://mouser.com> for all types of connectors. You probably would be able to find a match to the OEM but you can certainly find an alternative and quite possibly one which is better than the OEM. Good luck, Josh Muckley S/V Sea Hawk 1989 C&C 37+ Solomons, MD On Tue, Jun 12, 2018, 10:59 AM Hoyt, Mike via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com<mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com>> wrote: Persistence has a Standard Horizon GX2150 VHF with a cockpit mounted Ram mic. The connection is becoming intermittent and I have noticed oxidization in the boat side socket. What is the best way to clean the oxidization from these pins? I think the pins are copper and the oxidization is green and likely the source of my poor connection. I wish to clean but not damage the plastic housing or short the connectors when the ram mic is plugged in. Am assuming the brain trust has dealt with this many times before Thanks Mike Persistence Halifax, NS _______________________________________________ Thanks everyone for supporting this list with your contributions. Each and every one is greatly appreciated. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to send contribution -- https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
_______________________________________________ Thanks everyone for supporting this list with your contributions. Each and every one is greatly appreciated. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to send contribution -- https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
