DEC PDP-8/e Omnibus backplane lubrication

[dwight]

We used to use DC #4.
As an example, I had a ZX81. I added a RAM pack and had to be real careful about wiggling or moving the AX81. I put DC #4 on the pins. One could drop the computer with the RAM attached and it wouldn't lose a bit.
I don't like deox as it has chemical actions that continue over time.
DC #4 is totally inactive, although, it does leave a film of the filler over years after the silicon oil evaporates but is not that hard to clean.
Dwight


________________________________
From: cctalk <cctalk-bounces at classiccmp.org> on behalf of Lyle Bickley via cctalk <cctalk at classiccmp.org>
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2021 3:43 PM
To: cctalk at classiccmp.org <cctalk at classiccmp.org>
Cc: W2HX <w2hx at w2hx.com>
Subject: Re: DEC PDP-8/e Omnibus backplane lubrication

I've been successfully using Deoxit and related products for many years,
after I learned of them from government projects where I was a consultant.

In a specific case: My PDP-8/E has 32K of core memory in four banks (original
DEC). Several years ago, it developed random memory errors. I did all the
usual things - made sure the OTT connectors and edge connectors were clean,
that there was no observable "dirt" in the back-plane, etc. I reinstalled the
memory - and it worked - for a while. Then the random error returned. Not
often - but often enough to be irritating.

I then used (sparingly) "ProGold" (now Deoxit Gold) on all the edge
connectors. After re-installation, the memory was "perfect" (no diagnostic
errors). Now some ten years later, I've never once experienced another memory
error on my PDP-8/E.

That was enough to convince me empirically that the product worked as
advertised.

Ever since that experience I've used Deoxit Gold on many pieces of test
equipment and vintage computer gear and have never experienced anything but
good results.

Cheers,
Lyle
--

On Tue, 11 May 2021 18:23:53 +0000
W2HX via cctalk <cctalk at classiccmp.org> wrote:

> Very interesting. In probably 30 years I've been repairing equipment and
> among the dozen or so electronics forums I belong to, you may be the first
> person I've run across to throw some shade on that product. I've never heard
> any concerns or warnings about it. And there are some rather reputable
> companies using it. Including HP, GE, Honeywell, Tektronix, etc. I feel I'm
> in good enough company with those folks to continue using it.
>
> https://caig.com/all-testimonials/
>
> But please share your experience with it so others can form their opinions.
> Eugene
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: cctalk <cctalk-bounces at classiccmp.org> On Behalf Of Al Kossow via
> cctalk Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2021 1:12 PM
> To: cctalk at classiccmp.org
> Subject: Re: DEC PDP-8/e Omnibus backplane lubrication
>
>
> > I would suggest Caig
>
> I would suggest researching and understanding what their snake oil does
> before using any Caig product.
>
>



--
73   NM6Y
Bickley Consulting West
https://bickleywest.com

"Black holes are where God is dividing by zero"