superficialt Posted December 1, 2022 Share Posted December 1, 2022 One of my Helix (Floor)'s footswitches is misfiring. I performed the process of taking the unit apart and trying to clean the contacts in the switch which definitely helped a lot but has not eliminated the problem. I'm going to try it again but wondered if any gurus had suggestions for the best thing for cleaning in these switches. Last time I just used isopropyl alcohol but if there's something better I'll order some in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PierM Posted December 1, 2022 Share Posted December 1, 2022 Any contact cleaner is fine, as CRC or WD40 Contact Cleaner. Dont overflood the switch. If it keeps misfiring then it's starting failing and needs to be replaced. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superficialt Posted December 1, 2022 Author Share Posted December 1, 2022 OK, thanks. I'll give it another go with some dedicated contact cleaner. I might need to start brushing up my soldering skills and prepare for a new tactile switch install at some point soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theElevators Posted December 1, 2022 Share Posted December 1, 2022 I cleaned my Helix LT: used liquid deoxIT on microswitches. It became as smooth as butter after that. I don't recommend WD 40 -- it's too messy. Anything in a can can spray all over the place, and you may wind up having trapped droplets/other stuff in your scribble strip screens. Plus I'm pretty sure that's how the repair shop killed one of the 1/2 LED lights -- by spraying stuff. That's why liquid deoxIT is easy -- one drop in, press the microswitch a bunch of times -- done. Don't need to use a towel to block the stuff from getting anywhere, and your LEDs won't get damaged. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HonestOpinion Posted December 2, 2022 Share Posted December 2, 2022 Anyone had any luck treating the switches externally, without opening the device? Now that trick I want to know! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PierM Posted December 2, 2022 Share Posted December 2, 2022 On 12/2/2022 at 7:26 AM, HonestOpinion said: Anyone had any luck treating the switches externally, without opening the device? Now that trick I want to know! It's impossible to reach the tactile switch from the outside. The inside is being isolated by a plastic ring (which is part of the same ring that does glow with the led lights) installed around the mechanic Footswitch, and the tactile switch is being engaged by a tip at the very end of the mechanic switch. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PierM Posted December 2, 2022 Share Posted December 2, 2022 On 12/1/2022 at 1:23 PM, theElevators said: I cleaned my Helix LT: used liquid deoxIT on microswitches. It became as smooth as butter after that. I don't recommend WD 40 -- it's too messy. Anything in a can can spray all over the place, and you may wind up having trapped droplets/other stuff in your scribble strip screens. Plus I'm pretty sure that's how the repair shop killed one of the 1/2 LED lights -- by spraying stuff. That's why liquid deoxIT is easy -- one drop in, press the microswitch a bunch of times -- done. Don't need to use a towel to block the stuff from getting anywhere, and your LEDs won't get damaged. WD40 specialist contact is translated into air VOCs after few minutes, so there is no residue at all. (tecnically it's 100% volatile) I've been using this stuff in any kind of electronics and repairs, there is no such thing as "killed a led". With a dielectric strenght of 25000 Volts there is no possible currents involved. WD 40 is just a brand, but of course if you spray the WD40 lubricant, than that's doing a mess indeed...but just because it's the wrong product. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theElevators Posted December 3, 2022 Share Posted December 3, 2022 On 12/2/2022 at 1:26 AM, HonestOpinion said: Anyone had any luck treating the switches externally, without opening the device? Now that trick I want to know! Honestly, this is not a difficult DIY job -- you can take your Helix apart and clean out the switches. Some tips from me: watch a video on how it's done. Helix is built like your typical Chinese gadget: looks solid from the outside, but inside is all microscopic pcb stuff with cheap components. In particular, the little button plungers are not held by anything, if you flip the unit upside-down they will all fall and you will not find them. you need a big table with a towel for this job -- can't do it on your lap. I use Tupperware / bowls / shot glasses to store all the parts, like screws/bolts/nuts. Sort all your screws by height, etc. Take a picture of what's inside before you start taking things apart -- that way will know how it used to be. A tablet is very useful for these. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brue58ski Posted December 5, 2022 Share Posted December 5, 2022 This is what you'll find in many professional shops. I've worked in broadcast media for 40 years and every place I worked at used this https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-D5S-6-DeoxIT-Contact-Cleaner/dp/B00006LVEU/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1E6TT47I10ZFI&keywords=deoxit&qid=1670244079&sprefix=deoxit%2Caps%2C322&sr=8-2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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