cleaning volume & selector controls on my preamp
Aaron
Posts: 1,853
The volume and balance controls on my preamp (Carver C-2) have been scratchy ever since I got this summer. Finally I decided it was time to remedy this. I went to Radio Shack and picked up a can of "tuner control" which they recommended over the stuff meant for corrosion. It sounds like this stuff is better suited for the job since it has a lubricating element. Anyway, when I put this stuff on I got it everywhere. It was impossible to modulate the nossle. It's probably been 12 hours since I did this and it doesn't look all that dry. It looks shiny. I think what I'm seeing is the lubricant. I wiped as much of it off as I could, but it just seems to come back. Strange. So, my question is, am I in danger of frying anything if I fire it up?
Aaron
Aaron
Post edited by Aaron on
Comments
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Aaron I would never let you touch any of my equipment with the problems you have! BTW how are the bose? Just kidding, bro. It is really hard to give you an answer with out a better description of what you took apart. If it is just on the face plate use some mild detergent or maybe alcohol if you deem it safe on the equipment, even WD-40(less lube). Does the can say anything about getting it on circuts, if that is where it is. It may not be lube but a protectant, ya know.
IMO trust yourself your no dumby :rolleyes:. You give more answers for tech questions then ask them. Think of it as your PC and what you would do.Chris
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I one time had a scratchy (from dust) volume control potentiometer. I used the very same RS Tuner Cleaner.
IT WORKS GREAT.
You are in no danger of frying anything - in my opinion.
As a young lad, I also used this stuff (sparingly) to clean out
a scratchy TEAC EQ. Results were not as good.
Actually, this was a good thing. I put that EQ where it always
belonged - in the trash can. It was one hissy EQ - even when new. -
Chris, what can I say? I guess I just don't have luck buying used equipment. It's not me, honest! The only thing I did to the preamp was take the cover off. Then I just shot all of the selector switches and pots. Like I said, you can't modulate the spray head on that thing at all, so I got the cleaner/lube all over the place including the circuits. It doesn't say anything on the can about it being a problem, though. I guess I'll just do my best to clean it up. Then I'll fire it up and see if we get some fireworks! If so, I guess I'll need a new preamp. Heheh.
Aaron -
Well, I cautiously hit the power button and listened for sparks and looked/smelled for smoke, but alas it seems all is well. No more scratchy volume or balance controls AND for some magical reason the channel dropping problem has vanished! Yeah me! I'm the man! That or I'm really lucky.
Aaron -
Aaron= carver repair east!
scott:cool: -
I obviously am not the great repairman that I thought I was. The right channel has once again dropped out. No big deal, really. Just switch to the tape monitor and all is well. I thought I was cool there for a second.
Aaron -
Aaron-Is that Japanese for it doesn't work AGAIN? I forget was it your receiver which started smoking and smelling, smelling and smoking! Just bustin on ya bro. With what you know about PCs and audio. I would let you check under the hood of my eqipment if I had a problem I needed help with.:rolleyes:
I really think the stuff your calling lub may be a protectant. Many times when I have gone ino apeice of equipment it has a shinny slippery substance on it.Chris -
Yes Chris, I'm fluent in Japanese, as you can tell. And yes, it was my receiver that started smoking and then had a funky smell. It seems to have gotten past that stage of life and matured a bit. OK, that stuff I put in the Carver is a protectant AND a lubricant so I guess we're both right.
Aaron -
I should have mentioned... before using tuner cleaner, my first step would be a can of compressed air - like the type used in photography equiment.
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Use the compressed air to blow the dirt out? I'm pretty sure that this stuff blew all the dirt out. This stuff comes out of the can so fast the damn thing has recoil! We're talking serious muzzle velocity here, people! I could shoot the stuff across the room. No Chris, I'm talking about the can of tuner cleaner.
Aaron -
