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Thread ID: 63327	2005-11-05 19:29:00	Cleaning dust from inside a computer	Strommer (42)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
402123	2005-11-05 23:49:00	Use a regular vaccuum cleaner if it has a slot to reduce its sucky power - don't have the nozzle too close to any components, and have a small soft artists paintbrush to lightly loosen any stubborn build-up. Keep the power cord to the PSU plugged into the wall socket, but have the switch OFF. Use a finger or the paint brush to prevent fans from spinning wildly. Rapidly moving air over components CAN cause damaging static, so keep the vaccuum nozzle at least 10 or so cm's from any chips.	Greg (193)
402124	2005-11-06 00:45:00	There are a lot of urban myths around . Destructive static from vacuum cleaners is one of them . Static on the "suck" end and not on the "blow" end? I'm not allowed to use the appropriate words to express my oipinion of that here . :D The suggestion of using the 3000 psi air from a diving tank does have one minor problem: static charge . :( Static is produced by the friction of a high speed jet of dry gas against the nozzle . (Normally you "crack" a cylinder of welding gas before fitting the regulator, to make sure there's no crud in the connector . That is a major no-no with hydrogen . That has such a wide range of flammability that it can ignite immediately, from a static discharge to the brass cylinder valve . ) There are a few things associated with computers that vacuum cleaners are not good for . (Picking up spilled toner is one . . . that's so fine it will go through the filters into the motor, where it meets the hot windings, and melts . ) . They are good at collecting dust . Static charges would have to work hard to damage components soldered in or plugged into a motherboard . They are at "equipotential" as far as "static" is concerned . It's taking components out of a bag and touching the pretty gold bits that does the damage . That's when your 100 pF discharging through 1500 ohms (the "Human Body Model") does the damage .	Graham L (2)
402125	2005-11-06 01:45:00	The only thing I could see with the vacuum is the air humidity level resulting in static jump. Presume tetrafluoroethane is dry and a good insulator but have found that unless you keep it the recommended 25cm away plus wave the can you will get a very cold frothy mess with moisture from the surrounding air.	FrankS (257)
402126	2005-11-06 23:37:00	Thanks everyone for responding to my question. I think I'll tell the $2 Shop head office that they need to sell canned air ! Not using a synthetic bristle brush seems to be a good idea although air seems to be a safer method.	Strommer (42)
402127	2005-11-08 02:37:00	hhmm?? air? I never thought of that... I always used a bucket and some soapy water, usually washing up detergent, but sometimes if I'm feeling really rich I chuck in some of my car wash mixture. Then I splosh all the parts around until they are crystal clear.... by the way, my pc wont boot up at all anymore?! I don't know what has happened! I tried everything, cleaned it all again... but alas... to no avail. I'm using my mothers computer now, but it seems kinda dusty, I better give it a nice bath too! :2cents:	bizzack (7739)
402128	2005-11-08 03:16:00	hhmm?? air? I never thought of that... I always used a bucket and some soapy water, usually washing up detergent, but sometimes if I'm feeling really rich I chuck in some of my car wash mixture. Then I splosh all the parts around until they are crystal clear.... by the way, my pc wont boot up at all anymore?! I don't know what has happened! I tried everything, cleaned it all again... but alas... to no avail. I'm using my mothers computer now, but it seems kinda dusty, I better give it a nice bath too! :2cents: All jokes aside, you can actually wash PC boards with water & detergent, and provided you rinse well and dry thoroughly (warm oven for a few hours) you will do no harm at all. Restoring electronic equipment that has been through floods or other immersions during fires etc is a thriving business and the reliability achieved is good enough for insurance companies to get into the act. Take a look at www.relectronic-remech.com they are the experts world-wide and will restore pretty much anything, not just electronics. Use the UK site and click on service delivery. Cheers Billy 8-{)	Billy T (70)
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