contact cleaner

Mike Kozak

what would be a good contact cleaner to use for cleaning the volume, tone control knobs? I bought a Kenwood KA-7300 dual power amp off eBay a while back and need to get the snap crackle pop out of the controls.

Thanks.

billbillw

I would recommend nothing other than DeOxit 5% flushing spray. Available from PartsExpress.

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=341-200

That size bottle will last you for years. I use it to clean/preserve all my switches, volume pots, balance/treble/bass, input selectors, RCA terminals, speaker terminals, etc. Some people like to do an additional treatment with the ProGold (now called Deoxit Gold) to preserve the contact. I usually only do this for RCA and Speaker terminals, but this is definitely an optional step. The basic Deoxit treatment will last for quite a while by itself.

In case you don't know, the general procedure for treating volume/balance/control pots is to open things up to where you can get in behind the pot. Usually there is 1 or 2 holes on the back. Use the extension tube to get the deoxit directly inside the pot. Spray a good amount of the fluid inside. 2-3 second shot. You should see excess coming out. Don't worry about cleaning up overspray unless it gets on a finished surface. The actual spray is non-conductive so it won't short things out. After spraying, move the control knob back and forth through its ENTIRE range repeatedly for about a minute (40-50 times back and forth). That should do the trick. I like to let things dry out for about an hour before buttoning things up.

If you have a multi-meter, service manual, and the knowledge how, this is also a good time to check for DC offset and bias current on the amp. If you don't know what I'm talking about, there is an excellent thread over at AudioKarma in the Vintage Electronics section.

Mike Kozak

Thanks Bill, I will buy some today. The Amp does sound good, I need to open it up and blow out the dust and clean it out I guess

Mike Kozak

I cannot seem to find the thread, can you direct me to it? Thanks!!!!

billbillw

Mike Kozak wrote: »

I cannot seem to find the thread, can you direct me to it? Thanks!!!!

http://audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=5634

Mike Kozak

thanks, youa re the best bill!!!!!

billbillw

Mike Kozak wrote: »

thanks, you are the best bill!!!!!

That's what she said :cool:

(if you watch the Office, you'll get it)

ajanzalone

The shipping is almost $10.00 on a $12.00 product?

There must be a local store that carries this product?

Tony

Ricardo

Radio Shack

ajanzalone

Ricardo wrote: »

Radio Shack

Thanks

billbillw

Ricardo wrote: »

Radio Shack

Not in all stores. Call your store before driving there.

billbillw

ajanzalone wrote: »

The shipping is almost $10.00 on a $12.00 product?

There must be a local store that carries this product?

Tony

Might only be a $12 product, but its liquid in a metal can. It has significant weight. Nothing is cheap to ship these days unless its less than 1lb.

It boils down to this. If it fixes a problem with your audio equipment and extends the life (or avoids a repair visit), isn't it worth $22? Like I said, 1 can of this stuff will last you for years of casual use. I've been using the same can since 2005 and it still seems mostly full.

If the cost seems too much, there is a smaller can available. The smaller can has the option of 1st class mail shipping for much cheaper.

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=341-202

But beware, this is only a 15g can. The other can is 5 ounces. In case you forgot, 1 oz=~28g. So for double the cost, you are getting 10x the product.

Mike Kozak

I paid 21.89 including shipping from Amazon. Should arrive on the 23. not bad IMO