Cleaning RK05 packs (Was: LGP-30 Memory Drum Update)

On Thu, 5 Jan 2017 08:22:05 -0500 (EST) jnc at mercury.lcs.mit.edu (Noel Chiappa) wrote: I'm sure I've discussed cleaning packs on this list before, but here goes again :) I've cleaned a LOT of RL02 and RK05 packs. Both are relatively easy to clean, but patience is definitely a virtue. 1) I clean the external surface of the pack with a damp cloth to eliminate dirt and dust. Then I dry off any dampness with a clean, dry cloth. 2) I open (unscrew or unclip depending on the model) the pack and carefully set the screws (if any) in a clean (dust free) plastic box. 3) I examine the pack surface for crashes - and if there are visible "hits" or "groves" in the pack, I discard it immediately. 4) Assuming the surface is good, I then use Lint Free Professional Swabs saturated with Pure Anhydrous Isopropyl Alcohol (99.953% pure) to clean the entire surface of the disk. 5) If there are any dirt buildup spots (NOT the result of a crash), I use Lint Free Professional Chamois Swabs, saturated with the above Alcohol, to gently clean up the spot. BTW, in my experience, this step is rarely required. 6) After cleaning, I use a Lint Free Texwipe to GENTLY clean the entire surface of any dust or other particulate. 6) I then clean all of the internal casing using Texwipe and the above alcohol. 7) I re-assemble the disk and examine it for any dust particles with a bright LED flashlight. If there are any visible dust particles, I use a filtered air supply to blow away the dust. NOTE: When replacing screws in packs, be super careful not to tighten the screws too hard. Tightening too much can strip the plastic threads and introduce plastic particulate on to the disk. I've cleaned over 40 RL0x and RK05 packs using this method - and all have subsequently worked perfectly. NOTE: All of the above products are available online or at any electronic supply house. The Pure Anhydrous Isopropyl Alcohol on the container says: "For cleaning fiber optics, semi-conductors, contacts, magnetic tape, medical equipment and other electronic devices. Zero residue". Cost here in Silicon Valley is about $8 for 1 Litre. Lyle -- 73 AF6WS Bickley Consulting West Inc. http://bickleywest.com "Black holes are where God is dividing by zero"