cleaning qbus enclosures

From: Chad Fernandez <fernande_at_internet1.net>
Date: Thu Aug 2 04:08:19 2001

Bill,

I don't know your experience with this kind of thing, hopefully it won't
sound to basic. I clean almost all my computers as they usually need
it. It's amazing how much newer a good cleaning can make a computer
look. One of these days, I should write a short faq, or how-to, on
this... it's probably the only subject that I am half qualified to do so
:-)

Unfortunately I've never cleaned a qbus backplane, so I can't really
say. Mine, in my BA213, didn't seem to need it. I guess I'd try the
vacuum first?

On textured plastic use Comet, but don't press too hard, and don't let
it get too dry or you'll scratch the surface. Use with a rag or tooth
brush. Don't use too hard a brush if from some other source.

On boards that don't have to many nooks and crannies stick them in the
dish washer, but without soap, or very very little. The soap tends to
corrode bare metal. I then hang on to them securely and fling the water
off, as best I can, then stick them in front of a fan. If you have an
air compressor you can stick all board in the dishwasher, and then blow
them off.

Anything smooth you can use a rag with dish soap, or laundry soap.

If it is coated steel and ended up rough, resist the temptation to wipe
it with a rag. You will have a article covered in rag colored lint.
You'll have to experiment here. You'll probably want to get your hand
oils off, because it can etch into the steel with time. If it is
completely disassembled just wash it like you would the dishes, and
rinse it off. *Blot* off as much of the water as you can and stick it
infront of a fan.

Small parts can be cleaned with a tooth brush and Fantastic very easily.

Never under estimate how large an item you can clean with a tooth brush
:-)

Anything loose can be vacuumed of course. Compressed air works great
for power supplies and drives.

I took my Vax to the car wash :-) Well only the the plastic panels from
the BA213, actually.

Chad Fernandez
Michigan, USA


Bill Bradford wrote:
>
> I've got a stack of 11/03 / 11/23 qbus enclosures on my workbench
> out in my garage, and I've *never* seen hardware so *dirty* - this
> has a good 10-15 years worth of dust and dirt on it.
>
> Any suggestions/tips for cleaning and reassembling older equipment?
> Is there a FAQ anywhere? I know Dave M. mentioned using some kind of
> alcohol to clean backplane slots on his -8E...
>
> (I know, first rule: "document where everything goes")
>
> Bill
>
> --
> Bill Bradford
> mrbill_at_mrbill.net
> Austin, TX
Received on Thu Aug 02 2001 - 04:08:19 BST