Look what I found

[Bryce]

Well there's lots of discussions here and elsewhere  regarding putting PCBs in the dishwasher. But ignore these if you value your precious CPCs. The long term damage of dishwasher salt will only become obvious after a few months. You can rinse them with fresh water, but I find this just turns the dust into sticky gunk that's even more difficult to remove. I prefer using a dry paint brush to brush off as much as possible. If it really has baked on dirt, then I use this:

http://www.reichelt.de/Sprays-fuer-die-Leiterplatte/KONTAKT-360/index.html?;ACTION=3;LA=2;ARTICLE=9526;GROUPID=4073;SID=11Tbkvin8AAAIAADl1-jM423d0aa9e46badc213a5dcc631411a62

the same company (CRC) also do sprays for cleaning the casing such as this one:

http://www.reichelt.de/Reinigungssprays-im-PC-Bereich/KONTAKT-241/index.html?;ACTION=3;LA=2;ARTICLE=9499;GROUPID=4072;SID=11Tbkvin8AAAIAADl1-jM423d0aa9e46badc213a5dcc631411a62

Bryce.

[MaV]

Well there's lots of discussions here and elsewhere  regarding putting PCBs in the dishwasher.

I don't like the idea of water at all, much less putting PCBs in a dishwasher.
If I had to do it this way, I'd use at least distilled water.

What about oxidation of the metal surfaces? After all most parts are soldered onto the PCB, you can't remove them.


A paint brush might suffice. I don't expect it to be a 100% clean after treatment.

If it really has baked on dirt, then I use this:
- snip -
the same company (CRC) also do sprays for cleaning the casing such as this one:
- snip -

Thanks, Bryce. Some useful advice, as always. I'll have a look.

MaV

[Gryzor]

Bryce is right about the dishwasher. Concerning the insides, I've never come across a machine so dirty that it can't be done by a piece of cloth. There are anti-static ones out there, two.

About the case, window cleaners work like a charm...

[redbox]

I prefer using a dry paint brush to brush off as much as possible.

I opened up my 6128 Plus today and was horrified to see lots of gunk on both sides of the motherboard.

I remembered this thread and was quite skeptical, but I got a soft haired paint brush and was amazed that with lots of gentle brushing the majority of it came off and it's pretty much looking like new.

Great tip - thanks!

Took a couple of pics:

[redbox]

Further to this, has anyone tried Retr0bright on a Plus case or keys?

Or have any ideas as to achieve this an easier way?  I see some people have mentioned using toothpaste or just Oxyclean/Vanish on it's own, but can't find anything comprehensive.

[Bryce]

RetroBright works fine on Beige coloured cases, but I'd be skeptical about using it on a classic 6128, with the Plus it probably works well.

Regarding the paintbrush cleaning you did: It looks really good now, but some of the gunk in the first picture looks like solder oxidation as if the CPC was stored somewhere damp. You may have contact problems later, nothing that can't be solved by touching up the solder joints, but only if you're having random crashes or other problems. Remember Rule No.1: If it's not broken don't fix it.

Bryce.

[redbox]

RetroBright works fine on Beige coloured cases, but I'd be skeptical about using it on a classic 6128, with the Plus it probably works well.

I am sorely tempted but am not sure about the chemicals involved[nb]I asked at the pharmacy for H202 and got lots of strange looks - but I was wearing this t-shirt - only bought it 'cos it was £5 and I like Banksy...![/nb], plus you need a healthy dose of sunlight and people have had really mixed results.

Just put my case in and keys in the dishwasher (35 degrees only) and it came out really clean so am pleased.  Plus it's my frenchy keyboard one and I'm going to make some key stickers for it so not sure if it's worth the Retr0bright hassle to be honest.

some of the gunk in the first picture looks like solder oxidation as if the CPC was stored somewhere damp

I did think this, but this Plus is working really well so I will leave it alone for now 

Can't wait to get this Plus fully operational - it's got an internal 3.5" drive with sideswitch, will have the S-Video output installed and also am making a hole in the case so the cartridge can have a ZIF socket for swappable ROMs.  Might also put a reset switch in whilst I'm at it... 

Only thing is that I can't fit the S-Video modulator like Devilmarkus has because the extra .5" of the disc drive means there's not enough room there.  Might put it sideways on so the socket is next to the disc drive and then move my sideswitch somewhere else such as next to the keyboard - unless you have any better ideas for mounting points for the modulator (couldn't see any really myself)...?

[Bryce]

Yeah, trying to buy Peroxide while wearing a Banksy T-Shirt probably wasn't a great idea. I'm a big fan of Banksy, but I try to choose something else from my wardrobe when I go chemical shopping. Although my Marilyn Manson T-Shirt didn't go down well either Some people you just can't please no matter what you do.

Regarding the modulator, there's not really any alternative. If you don't have a problem with the connector being at the side, then I'd do as you said and put it beside the drive.

Bryce.

[MaV]

Did some cleaning today with my two "replacement boards".

Kontakt LR works nicely. I'll post results tomorrow as it was to dark for a good picture, and I left the boards on the balcony.

[Border 7]

Hey Russkie

Which issue of TAU do you have?

I have some as well and (when time permits) I thought it would be a good idea to scan in the ones I have here:

http://cpcwiki.eu/index.php/The_Amstrad_User