Fader full cleaning...

[phantomrage]

So the database shows a simple cleaning, etc... Nothing fancy.

I have a fader that has been stripped of all lube, due to electronic isopropyl alcohol being spilled into it. Leaving it clean, but very ruff and not moving.

My plan it to pull it from the PCB and clean lube the parts listed in the database.

Now for the question. Are the carbon tracks dry or were they lubed?

Would this be a good lube to apply to the carbon tracks if needed?

DeoxIT F100L-L25C

[anyhorizon]

Don't mess with the carbon tracks. They should be clean but no lube.

Peter

[anyhorizon]

Just as a follow up, if you do want to clean the fader tracks, use distilled water and a cue tip (I think that's what you call them) to wipe away the dirt. Use the clean end of ct to wipe away residue. Let the fader settle for 15 mins or so.

Peter

[phantomrage]

Thanks Peter.

Will let you know how it turns out when I get a chance to pull the board apart. (Being on call 24/7 with the railroad can be a pita)

[phantomrage]

Has to be a lube of some sort in the faders or the friction would wear down the plastic.

After cleaning and putting it back together it's worse then when i started. Sure the action is smooth but it's so stiff the motor can not move it.

Edit. The band was twisted at the end. Fader smooth, but still seems odd nothing is on the carbon tracks to keep the brushes from digging into the tracks over time.

Anyhow, cleaned like the database said. Very small and fine brushes. I would not suggest this unless you are very good at dealing with small stuff.

[anyhorizon]

Don't know what all those specks are but methinks you need a new fader.

Peter

[Old School]

Hi Phantom,
You might want to read this thread http://music-electronics-forum.com/t27696/ There is a guy on there who says that without lube the sliders dig into the carbon tracks over time and cause noise.


Have a blessed day in Christ,
Mike W.

[phantomrage]

All those specs are dust and ick from the fader....

After the cleaning it works just fine and has no noise. Tho I don't think there ever will be noise from a digital board since the fader controls the op amp voltages or digital gain. It may jump around erratically at some point.

As for lube, i just wiped it off with a clean q tip, and left the small abount of lube or whatever was on the carbon tracks.

I am not going to use that fader for now until i can find some new replacement ones. After that, I will sacrifice a few on finding the best way to rebuild and make them silky smooth and last... till then, i don't want to risk to much damage. This was a frozen fader, and now it works like the rest of them.

[phantomrage]

Here is a thought. I wonder is a non motorized alps fader would work as parts to rebuild our d8b faders?

The carbon track pcb and sled/brushes I am sure are used in other faders..

[anyhorizon]

Maybe. Just remember the fader is linear taper, not log.

Peter