Cleaning face panel of tektronics scope?? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Ario
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2023, 01:44:58 pm
content: Hi there,I received a tectonics 2230 oscilloscope as a present from one of my senior co-workers. It is 100% operational after replaceing a blown rifa suppression capacitor. I also cleaned the inside properly, since the scope has not really been used since like 1993.I would like to also clean the plastic face a bit, but I am not sure which chemicals I would be able to use without damaging the plastic or its prints?Any suggestions would be appreciated. I did try some isopropanol alcohol on a small patch, but it does not work very good to actually clean the plastic.Regards

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2023, 05:08:15 pm
content: Water with a little bit of dish soap is a good place to start. If something more aggressive is required, then a plastic safe solvent like naphtha (lighter fluid) is good.Be careful cleaning the knob skirts where they are marked. The markings are delicate.

author: Ario
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2023, 05:59:12 pm
content: Hi DavidThank you. I will start tommorow, and post the results. ExcitedBy the way the scope does not have the GPIB/RS232 comms card. Would you know where I could look for one?The other option is to make a pcb board myself to add RS232 functionality.Regards!

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2023, 08:34:32 pm
content: I'd stay away from (petrol based) solvents. These are very likely to wipe out the lettering and/or damage the plastic surface (been there, done that). What works well is stuff that is sold as 'Simple green' in the US and 'St Marc' in Europe. This is a strong de-greaser but doesn't attack plastics. The typical use of St Marc is to clean surfaces before applying paint. Most of the dirt on test equipment is grease & dirt from fingers.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2023, 09:35:18 pm
content: Quote from: Ario on June 23, 2023, 05:59:12 pmThe cards show up on Ebay periodically. I do not remember if it is the 2230 or 2232 or both, but some of the cards also include more memory for waveform storage.

author: Ario
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2023, 01:05:15 pm
content: Hi David,Thank you I will have a look on eBay.!

author: Ario
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2023, 01:08:17 pm
content: Hi Ntcnico,I will have a look thanks, I have not yet started. Would have to find a local product thougth, since the south african rand is quite weak at the moment, to import a product is going to cost to much. If I can find the right product I will rathere wait a bit untill I do!

author: TERRA Operative
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2023, 04:00:03 pm
content: DON'T USE ANYTHING STRONGER THAN DISH SOAP AND WATER ON THE BLACK LETTERING ON THE TRANSPARENT PART OF THE DIALS!! It's really delicate!It'll clean the numbers right off! Ask me how I know......For the actual plastics, case parts, knobs, and faceplate etc, I wash with standard dish soap and water with a small soft brush, then once it's dry, I'll go over with isopropyl alcohol to get anything the soap couldn't clean off.Sometimes I'll stick non-painted/screen-printed plastics and faceplates in the dishwasher when the wife isn't looking.