DEC PDP-8/e Omnibus backplane lubrication

[Don R]

If the contacts are gold then I would suggest Caig ProGold followed by Caig Shield S5.  Use sparingly as it’s highly conductive and may lead to some strange results from spraying it too freely.

You might also consider one of Caig’s Non-Conductive Buss Lubricants.  

Don Resor

Sent from someone's iPhone

> On May 11, 2021, at 7:38 AM, W2HX via cctalk <cctalk at classiccmp.org> wrote:
> 
> I would use caig deoxit. They have a version that has lubrication properties. I think it is the "S" series.
> Eugene
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: cctalk <cctalk-bounces at classiccmp.org> On Behalf Of Tom Hunter via cctalk
> Sent: Monday, May 10, 2021 11:14 PM
> To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts <cctalk at classiccmp.org>
> Subject: DEC PDP-8/e Omnibus backplane lubrication
> 
> What is the best type of lubricant for Omnibus backplanes?
> It can be a struggle to insert and remove PDP-8/e boards into the Omnibus.
> There is a risk of damage to the brittle bakelite connector housings on the Omnibus PCB.
> Traditional contact sprays should work but have two problems:
> 
> 1) they remain wet and over time will attract and retain dust
> 2) the solvent and lubricant *may* weaken or attack the bakelite
> 
> There are some PTFE (Teflon) based lubricant sprays which create a dry film. Would this type of spray work?
> 
> Any suggestions on what I could use that reduces the strain on the Omnibus and the PCBs during insertion/removal without creating new problems?
> 
> Thanks and best regards
> Tom Hunter
>