Need Freon TF Substitute for Head Cleaning - test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org

11 Jul 2000

...
 The Cipher manual calls for using Freon TF as the
head-
cleaning solution. IIRC, this is a banned substance. I
looked through the Allied Electronics catalog, and they
don't carry any products that contain it. 
It may be banned for manufacture and sale to "consumers", but existing
stock does exist (at a hefty price) at many local electronics stores.

...
 The manual specifically states I'll get read errors
if
I use anything containing alcohol. 
I've been cleaning heads for decades using reagent-grade isopropyl alcohol.

Be wary of the "rubbing alcohol" you get at a local drugstore - the 80%
or 93% stuff may very well contain some oils.

...
 What cleaning substance can be safely used as a
substitute
for Freon TF? 
There *are* some parts on tape drives that aren't supposed to be cleaned
with alcohol.  Some rollers and vacuum column sensors fall into this category.
(Actually some of the vacuum column sensors aren't supposed to be cleaned
with anything ever...)

Tim.