Best way of cleaning the A4000 motherboard

[Jose]

Ok dudes, I'm almost set to assemble an A4000 here :-o  :-D  Got the mobo and the case, as well as a 3640. I was thinking about cleaning the mobo first as its quite dusty, but I fear damaging the varnish layer. The dust probably doesn't matter cause the varnish protects the mobo. That makes me think that it wouldn't be necessary to clean it at all. Still what would be the best way to clean it? Ethanol? Why not?
.....

[Hattig]

Get a can of compressed air to blow dust out of all the nooks and crannies and whatever heatsinks you might have.

[Hyperspeed]

I've always thought it's better to suck up dust than to blow it
elsewhere with a can of air.

I like to use a vacuum cleaner with the bristle attatchment, taking
care to keep it regularly earthed to avoid static damage.

Then to keep the dust away, in your case I would say using a Dyson
HEPA filter fitted to the inside of the PSU fan would prevent any more
being sucked in.

Modern PCs have rubber insulation around the removeable parts to
insulate against noise and dust, they also have filters over inlets.

Do the more technical people thing vacuum cleaners hoses are too
dangerous with regards to static?

[Framiga]

erm . . .FYI the PSU fan blows out air and not suck in the case :roll:

@ Jose . . .ask to Patrik . . he is really a "Master" in PCB cleaning :-)

btw- thanks Patrik, my CSPPC is like new now

[Klatch]

Hyperspeed wrote:
>Snip<

Do the more technical people thing vacuum cleaners hoses are too
dangerous with regards to static?

Yes Vacuuming is dangerous to use, unless its designed to be used on electronics. We use a 3M vacuum at work and have had two fax machines destroyed by these vacuums.

I've always used Acetone to clean circuit boards after soldering on them. But acetone can remove the varnish given enough time. A pure isopropyl alchol (not the stuff you get at  the local store, but from a chenical place) should do fine, and not damage varnish, I'm not sure though if it was left on there. I wouldn't dip it in there but kind of a rinse using an old toothbrush or similar brush.

But, I believe if you just used a can of air, or have an air compressor handy (as the can of air is only good for short burst before freezing), I'd just blow it out, make sure there isn't alot of moisture spraying out from either.

plus with the air you can clean out power supply fans, and the case easier.

James

[Klatch]

Framiga wrote:
erm . . .FYI the PSU fan blows out air and not suck in the case :roll:

@ Jose . . .ask to Patrik . . he is really a "Master" in PCB cleaning :-)

btw- thanks Patrik, my CSPPC is like new now

I'm sure he was talking about the dust brought in by the air the PSU fans is blowing out.

So your both right. ;-)

 ;-)

[Framiga]

erm sorry but he was speaking to put a filter to the PSU fan!?!

At least a filter "could" be placed, to the opposite side of the PSU (the side that see INSIDE the case) but . . .not a good idea anyway.

All the dust that come in the PSU, is sucked from the various fissure-embrasures-gaps of the case and not so easy to fix.

Ciao

[Jose]

Thx for the suggestions.
I just went to my father's garage and used an air compressor but there's some dirt lef. I'll try to get isopropyl alcohol and use a toothbrush.

@framiga
Has Patrik posted that info on another thread?
I used the search function and browsed a bit throught the forums but couldn't find it...

[TjLaZer]

I have used a slightly damp soft cloth to clean the mobo ever so gently and that seems to work great.  Take your time and gently dab and wipe the board.  Cleans up real nice!

[Ilwrath]

erm . . .FYI the PSU fan blows out air and not suck in the case

Actually, on most stock A4000Ds, the fan DOES suck air into the case.  A real genius of Commodore design.  Bring the air through the hot PSU and then into the case.

It probably is recommended on these models to open the power supply and turn the fan so it faces the other way.

As for cleaning, compressed air is usually my preferred weapon, but I use isopropyl on more delicate or slightly corroded surfaces.

[HopperJF]

Vacuum cleaner?

 :-?

[patrik]

@Jose:

If you have troubles finding a cleaning fluid, this isopropanol based pcb cleaning fluid is very good.


/Patrik

[Jose]

@Patrik
Thx. I've already bought some stuff called  Kontakt at an electronics store. The thing cost me 6 euro... hope it's good.

[BoingBoss]

I agree with Ilwrath, but make sure that the alcohol is at least 95%.  Do not use the cheaper 50% alcohol / 50% water.  Also, when using the can of compressed air DO NOT SHAKE IT and KEEP THE CAN STRAIGHT.  Do not tilt the can more then 30 degrees.  You do not want the "compressed air" turning to its liquid form.  That liquid WILL corrode the motherboard and parts.  When the can gets real cold STOP USING IT.  Let it "warm back up" again, then you can continue blowing out the dust.  Blow out the dust in the power supply too, but MAKE SURE IT IS UNPLUGGED FROM THE AC AND DO NOT TOUCH THE HEAT SINKS !!!!!

[Framiga]

Hi Patrick,

let we see, how you have cleaned your CSPPC! it is a "state of the art" of cleanings IMHO.

I've obviously downloaded the 2 pictures (before and after the cleaning) but without your permission . . . i can't post here

Ciao :-)