Re: Dirty Insides WAS: GS Keyboard Cleaning

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

Jason Xiros writes ...
> 
> I wish to restore my old GS computer, but it has sufferred from years of
> storage in a dirty shed and the motherboard, case, keyboard and drives are
> all covered in dust, crud and dead insects. I know the beast still works
> (turned it on and let it boot) but it needs alot of TLC before it goes
> into regular use.
> 
> QUESTION:   What is the best method to use to clean the motherboard, etc?
> 
> I can vacuum the dust out and blow through the rest with compressed air,
> but suspect there will still be gunk left behind. Is there some suitable
> solvent I can wipe things over with? Obviously, it will need to be safe to
> use around the chips, etc.

     Probably, you should remove the Power Supply, remove all plug in
cards, pop off the front mini-panel (push the tabs on bottom of the
case), and pull the motherboard. It will be much easier to clean the
motherboard and power supply; and, you will be able to dunk all of your
case parts in hot soapy water and get the case really clean.

Note: when removing the motherboard you need to remove a nut or two
which may be hard to see under grime.

     Using cotton swaps spritzed with a good household cleaner (like
Fantastik, Windex, etc.) is a good way to clean a circuit board. You can
use a small jewler's screwdriver with the tip wrapped in a wisp of
cotton to clean in tight places.

     By the way, unless you live in an apartment (where RF interference
could be a serious problem), you may want to consider popping off and
ditching the metal shielding attached to different parts of the case.
Cleaning and drying is much easier and you have less worry about
shorting something when replacing the motherboard. 


> What about the heads in the disk drives? (I've
> got four DISK II units connected to two cards) Can you still get 5 1/4
> inch cleaning disks??
 ....

     Yes, from Radio Shack. Cotton swaps + rubbing alcohol works okay if
you do not mind removing the drive cover.



Rubywand