Branson EC Electronic solution for ultrasonic cleaners; Does it work?

[zebulon1]

Hey,
Has any used this solution for cleaning the switches? It is designed for use in ultrasonic cleaners.
Its a product from Branson: "EC Electronic solution".
I should of posted in the DIY forum.

 

[markthefixer]

well, it would probably leave the switch ready for 100% deoxit ... i.e. "clean corrosion" as I have been known to say.

(and I do have a consumer ultrasonic cleaner - was marketed as a reloading accessory)

 

[john stumpf]

i wonder if you used deoxit d5 as a substitute how THAT would work?

 

[ConradH]

Read the MSDS on it. Seems overly hazardous. Are you going to use it in a UC? I'd probably go with Alconox, followed by a good rinse.

 

[zebulon1]

I am wondering if it's possible to clean the switches as a assembly using the UC. Mark is saying it will clean but leave a film of clean tarnish which defeats the main purpose of pure contact.
The older switches are accessible but the later ones are difficult to take apart.
I'll look into your suggestion.

 

[zebulon1]

Well, I received the Branson EC ultrasonic cleaner and did a comparison switch cleaning.
The contacts in the foreground were removed from the switch and the contacts in the background remained installed in a switch assembly. Both were submerged and cleaned simultaneously in the UC using the Branson EC.

The contacts that remained in the switch appears as it did before I started the experiment.
The contacts that I had removed from the switch did show some improvement over the start of the experiment.
Both contacts began the test in about the same original condition.

So, this experiment is a bust. Hoping to find a thorough, tested procedure too clean the hard too Deoxit, late model push-on, push-off switches.

 

[john stumpf]

are those contacts silver plated?

 

[ConradH]

I've used diy oleic acid type cleaning solutions, but they may not be effective enough on silver contacts. Here's an interesting take on cleaning silver coins with more aggressive stuff- http://www.coinworld.com/news/precious-metals/2013/12/silver-dips-unrecommended.all.html
IMO, DeoxIT or manual polishing is still the best bet. Ultrasonics are good for many things, but they aren't a panacea. Also, be careful with closed contacts as they may get local wear in the UC, depending on the power level.

 

[zebulon1]

Your point about the closed contacts is understood and the link is informative.
The experiment drove home the idea of manually cleaning the switches, an acceptable chore.