Date   : Thu, 08 Feb 2007 19:55:04 +0000
From   : philpem@... (Philip Pemberton)
Subject: B 64k - is it a lost cause?

Tim Fardell wrote:
> I would definitely remove the modulator, and either thrown it away and 
> replace it or give it a clean separately. "Rust Eater" might help to 
> take the rust off the metal box.

You can strip them to bits with a bit of desoldering work. A Microjet-type 
mini flame torch may be useful for desoldering the shielding plates to get the 
PCB out.

> Is the dishwasher really a safe way to clean PCBs? My dishwasher 
> doesn't have a "warm" setting - it's 65 degrees C or nothing.

Yep. It's a common trick in the arcade repair 'biz':
<http://groups.google.co.uk/groups?q=dishwasher%20pcb%20clean>

Some more details here too:
http://themotionstore.com/leeedavison/68k/dart_pcb/preparation.html

You just have to watch out for vertically-mounted parts (especially 
capacitors) - they tend to get damaged. A safer way to do it would be to use 
the kitchen sink and a stiff scrubbing brush. Clean the sink out well 
afterwards and don't use the brush for cleaning anything food-related again!

Just make sure you leave it to dry for a while, otherwise instead of that 
wonderfull 'brr-bip' sound we all know and love, you'll probably get something 
similar to 'fzzz-BANG'...

I can't remember if the Mod-B had a CMOS battery-backed RAM for storing config 
settings - if it does, you'll need to reset it after you put the machine back 
together.

-- 
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