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Old 2nd Feb 2017, 2:23 pm   #1
MrBungle
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Default How can I clean Philips test gear push switches or should I just replace?

My PM2524 DMM has got rather iffy ohms and volts switches at the moment. I've decided I need to do something about it as TBH it's getting annoying stabbing them over and over to get it into the correct mode. Eventually they do settle into the correct mode but I'd rather not go through this.

Ergo, how do I clean the switches in it or is it a replacement job?

The switches are the good old latching push ones with a return bar as per the following pictures:

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I've got exactly the same type of switch on my PM3217 scope and one is a bit iffy but I don't have the courage to dismantle that to replace them as they are hidden inside the vertical attenuator casing.

Edit: I had a parts mule ready to grab on the well known auction site but they took it down. Probably sold it!
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Old 2nd Feb 2017, 3:44 pm   #2
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Default Re: How can I clean Philips test gear push switches or should I just replace?

Replying to myself. I found some WD-40 contact cleaner in the cupboard while looking for something else. Checked it on some plastic to make sure it is residue free. Found the little white caps can be popped off. Squirted some in and poked the switches for a couple of minutes each. Good as new!!!

Note: NOT standard WD40!
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Old 2nd Feb 2017, 4:36 pm   #3
Humber888
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Default Re: How can I clean Philips test gear push switches or should I just replace?

I've found Servisol Super 10 switch cleaning lubricant works very well on similar HP 'scope push button switches. Probably very similar to your contact cleaner.
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Old 2nd Feb 2017, 8:07 pm   #4
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Default Re: How can I clean Philips test gear push switches or should I just replace?

Quote:
Originally Posted by MrBungle View Post
Replying to myself. I found some WD-40 contact cleaner in the cupboard while looking for something else. Checked it on some plastic to make sure it is residue free. Found the little white caps can be popped off. Squirted some in and poked the switches for a couple of minutes each. Good as new!!!
That's the issue, finding a way to make sure that the cleaning fluid gets into 'the works'. Seems you found it! Otherwise, if all else fails in terms of finding an entrance hole, spray based contact cleaners can be directed towards tiny gaps between the various parts of switches and it does find its way in although it is a very inefficient way of doing it, lots of fluid ends up lying around all over the place. I usually dab that excess up with tissues and cotton buds. But yes, the cleaning fluid does find its way in through the cracks if all else fails, I've done that many a time.
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Old 2nd Feb 2017, 8:17 pm   #5
MrBungle
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Default Re: How can I clean Philips test gear push switches or should I just replace?

Annoyingly they did stick capacitors right up the bum of the switches which was interesting to get around. All evaporated cleanly which was nice.
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Old 2nd Feb 2017, 9:28 pm   #6
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Default Re: How can I clean Philips test gear push switches or should I just replace?

It always amazes me how "WD40" promotes switch cleaning leaving low resistance contacts (as above) and yet at the same time is suitable for waterproofing and promoting good insulation on car HT leads etc.
I remember a few years ago writing off a Pye M294E 2 way vhf radio because it was so intermittent and unreliable after the user sprayed wd40 inside to clean a crackly volume control.
I am not saying I don't believe it works, just puzzled.
Rob
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Old 2nd Feb 2017, 9:57 pm   #7
julie_m
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Default Re: How can I clean Philips test gear push switches or should I just replace?

It's not the same stuff.

This is a proper contact cleaner, not the mineral oil blend usually associated with the name WD-40.
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Old 2nd Feb 2017, 10:23 pm   #8
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Default Re: How can I clean Philips test gear push switches or should I just replace?

I would agree it's VERY important to do a test spray on plastics in particular. It doesn't happen often but it can be devastating to watch all those important little plastic bits crumble and wilt in front of your eyes. It's a good few years since it happened to me but I am still overcautious with switch cleaners, especially ones I am not familiar with.
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Old 2nd Feb 2017, 10:35 pm   #9
MrBungle
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Default Re: How can I clean Philips test gear push switches or should I just replace?

Definitely. I sprayed it on about six different things before I went near the meter. Left no residue or damage on anything.

Also again this is specialist contact cleaner branded by WD40, not original Water Displacement 40. From halfords. Originally bought it as the headlamp contacts on the stalk on my car were periodically trying to murder me in the middle of the night. http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...&storeId=10001
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Old 2nd Feb 2017, 11:12 pm   #10
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Default Re: How can I clean Philips test gear push switches or should I just replace?

Learn something new every day!
Cheers. Rob
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