Adventures in Retrobrite - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 29, 2017, 03:41:23 am
content: Absolutely fascinating video and a huge thanks to David (8-bit guy) for giving all those methods a crack in the name of Science.I have a bunch of machines which have been waiting for Retrobrite treatment but I've been waiting for the most economical way to do it that won't destroy my investments. Some of the methods shown here are worthy of trying, especially in the Australian summer where UV levels and temperatures are higher. I'd like to explore the Ozone method a bit more because large, resealable bags are fairly easy to find.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2017, 12:32:17 am
content: Yeah, the ozone method does look promising, especially for large items. The hot water and peroxide method was surprising. I hadn't seen that before.

author: djos
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 30, 2017, 08:30:37 am
content: Great video from 8-bit guy as always.I personally use the Napisan Vanish w/ peroxide laundry products plus the hot Aussie sun (when it's out - currently winter here) and cover with cling-wrap:I find the detergents help remove any nicotine stains and oils built up on the plastic and have never had streaking as a result. The price is good too, 1.75 Litres for $19 AUD and it goes a long way.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2017, 05:58:14 pm
content: That'd probably work well with the hot pot method, too.

author: djos
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 30, 2017, 08:56:55 pm
content: Quote from: bitseeker on August 30, 2017, 05:58:14 pmVery true, I might attempt to retr0bright my Tandy 1000ex keys this weekend if I have time.

author: djos
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 31, 2017, 08:35:52 am
content: So I ended up working from home today due to my daughter being unwell ... and what do you know, it was a nice sunny 16c day with not a cloud in the sky.So I thought I'd retr0bright my 1000 EX keys. However I did it the old way using a baking tray, Alu Foil, cling wrap and sunlight with some left over Vanish Crystal White. It was mostly very successful with only the tiniest hint of yellowing remaining on a few keys ... it isnt even noticeable once they are back on tho and my EX looks almost new now.before:after:It looks great ... although I am ashamed to say that I made one monumental cock up which is pissing me off greatly. I didnt think to put the strainer thing on the plug hole and while rinsing off the Vanish, I washed the two tiny plastic bits (above the F1/F12 keys) down the friggin sink ... I'm so dirty with myself right now!!!

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 31, 2017, 08:50:38 am
content: djos, that looks great and all done in Australia's winter sun as well! (It was a lovely day though.)I know a guy in Sydney who has a literally several metric tons of vintage computer gear. I could ask him if he has any identical machines? Having spares of vintage computers around probably isn't a bad idea.PM me if interested.

author: djos
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 31, 2017, 08:54:35 am
content: Quote from: Halcyon on August 31, 2017, 08:50:38 amThanks mate, Im definitelyhappy with the colour improvement and thanks for the offer.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2017, 05:33:52 pm
content: Quote from: djos on August 31, 2017, 08:35:52 amD'oh! As soon as something slips into the drain like that, immediately turning off the water might still provide a chance it's in the P-trap.

author: djos
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 31, 2017, 08:49:32 pm
content: Quote from: bitseeker on August 31, 2017, 05:33:52 pmWhat's a P-trap?

author: RGB255_0_0
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2017, 09:18:01 pm
content: Quote from: djos on August 31, 2017, 08:49:32 pmWould be equivalent to U-bend in our language.https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trap_(plumbing)

author: djos
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 31, 2017, 09:23:53 pm
content: Quote from: RGB255_0_0 on August 31, 2017, 09:18:01 pmcheers, by the time I realised it was too late, they were gone.

author: AllMacs
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 31, 2018, 04:03:05 pm
content: I have done a bit of experimenting myself. And I am wondering why David thinks the ozone is a contributor. Does hydrogen Peroxide break down to ozone?As far as the actually reaction responsible for the brightening, I do not think it is the UV light doing it, per se. But rather the the reaction of the UV waveform and the heating of the plastic.I think the peroxide breaks down by the reaction of UV light or better the radiation of it. But the major chemical reaction with the Bromide is a result of heat.

author: jh15
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2018, 02:21:04 am
content: I have an ozone generator from ebay I used to totally get rid of horrid cigarette smoked used car I bought. 20 mins, and gone totally. Thought next summer heat would bring it out ot but it was gone!20 mins and smell gone totally forever. I was recently with flu season in mind, was going to dig it out and see if using it on microphones would help keep flu schmoo from spreading in a community radio station.I'll make a box for that, and throw in some aged apple crap or something.

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2018, 06:38:14 am
content: The ozone method especially interests me, as it seems to, if done properly, be a method with no consumption besides power.Here's my idea:What about a plastic box, storage container, doesn't have to be air tight, but it wouldn't be a bad idea. One hole, cut for power leads and sealed with hot snot. This plugs into an ozone generator inside the box (a cheaper unit without a tube could be used) and then something like a load of UV LED strips mounted around the box. The idea here is that the oxygen inside the box gets converted into Ozone (could be on a timer, just to keep ozone levels up) and then the UV light applies whatever principle is behind this operation. It could be stuck in a basement, or somewhere else away from regular human interaction for safety. The idea is you can just lob large items into it, and do it without consumables.

author: ebastler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2018, 04:48:20 pm
content: Quote from: jh15 on February 03, 2018, 02:21:04 amHeck, I didn't realize ozone is so aggressive! 20 minutes to get rid of a whole used car?!I'd rather not use it on my old Mac Plus then...

author: jh15
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2018, 07:05:10 am
content: I'll dig it out out and get a picture, and maybe find the ebay link.Until I found garlic spray on the lawn totally eliminated mosquitoes in my house lawn by a swamp, it was the most miraculous thing I have found in my old age.Besides spacex