Hi every body
I have been using WD 40 on the pins of decoders and on the socket,I have been advised this could be detritmental to decoder preformance and life. I makes inserting a decoder a lot easier,I hope I am ok.
regards
PATRICK
I suppose if you are in a very humid climate a water displacement (WD) formula will keep the humidity ok. I am not familiar with the electrical qualities of WD specifically, but the Amzoil equivalent (metal protector - MP for short) is electrically conductive and can set up all sorts of extra electronic resistances and capacitances when sprayed on a circuit board. That can cause flaky performace and even failure. Another issue with both MP and WD is that part of the carrier evaporates leaving a sticky substance that likes to attract dust, dust holds in heat and can cause failure. Finally there might be other chemicals in the aerisol carrier that over time could eat away at the copper/brass tracings on the electronic circuits (since 1979 we don't have to worry about fluorocarbons, but what took their place?). I am certain a qualified Chemist amoungst us will jump and and provide the details, but I am always hestitant to use any liquid around electronic circuits.
It sounds to me like the WD-40 is not being used for a water displacement but a lubricant. In that case there are much better products (real lubricants) that could be used. Check out the electronic section of a local hobby store to see the various products and get advice.
How often does one really need to insert and extract a decoder?. Seems like a fairly large risk for a very low pay back.
Also some of the chemicals do strange and not so wonderful things to plastic.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
Hi Guys.
I have been using a pen type dispenser, and get just a tiny amount on the pins of the decoder.
Can't say I ever heard of this one. If the room is so humid that you need the water displacement properties of WD-40, then you're going to have issues with every other metal part of your locos and wiring.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
WD-40 was never meant to be used as a lubricant. It was designed to be used as a water/moisture displacement in aerospace equiptment. W(water) D(displacement) - 40(fortieth formula to be tried).
Dick
Texas Chief
Thanks for the advice.
I use wd 40 to ease the fitting of the decoders,I will have to think of another product.
David.
I think as an infrequent fitter of decoders there is a fear factor when you push in the pins,there is for me.
A tiny drop of wd 40 eases that fear and they just slyde in, and out some of the sockets i have found to be very thight.
Thanks for all the help you give to the members of the forum.
Patrick
Patrick,
You're using the wrong product for the wrong reason. As others have already posted, WD-40 is a water-displacement product, not a lubricant. That's why it's the wrong product to use for your purpose.
Also, those pins are supposed to be tight. That's what gives you both a solid mechanical connection, and a good electrical connection. Defeating that tightness is the wrong reason to use WD-40 or any other product/lubricant on those pins.
I've got somewhat large hands, and can be rather ham-fisted at times. But I've never damaged anything while plugging in a decoder.
The solution to your "fear factor" is simply to be sure the pins and socket are properly aligned, press evenly so the plug goes into the socket straight, and support the socket from the bottom if necessary.
That's all I ever do, and I've never had a problem.
Steve
Thanks Steve.
I think i have got the message,take your time and have plenty of light.
fingalrailroad Thanks Steve. I think i have got the message,take your time and have plenty of light. PATRICK
Yup, you've got it!
As a matter of fact, I just installed Digitrax DH123PS's in two Atlas Trainman GP38-2's and that's exactly what I did - Removed the non-dynamic hatch and the dummy plug, took a good look to be sure I had the decoder plug properly aligned, and then a firm but careful push straight down. Another visual inspection to be sure the plug was completely and evenly seated, then re-install the hatch and I was done.
Even with taking a few seconds to be sure the plug was aligned, it still probably took more time to type the description than to do the actual install.