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clean PCI cards

Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2020 3:08 am
by Interference
Hi guys,

I already read some threads about this topic but just want a confirmation from Gary or experimented "old users".

I noticed recently some "board communication error" coming from 1 of my 2 pci cards, this appears only when I Use the dsps: meaning my default project with only a few effects is always OK but when I load a synth or other plugs I get this communication error. So the conclusion Gary pointed in the past is either:

- One of the cards is dying
- try to clean the pci gold contact

So I would like to try this and just need a confirmation:

Is contact cleaner OK for this?
Is Isopropyl 99% OK?

I hope the card is not dying as I work on a big project actually and I am near the end... I will try this when this project will be finished. Then it will be the time to change my config but I would like to keep this old config if my pulsar and luna still work OK :)

Thanks for your help!

Re: clean PCI cards

Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2020 3:31 am
by valis
Contact cleaner is caustic. 99% isoprobyl is 'ok' but I still find a film usually that needs to be polished off, and 100% acetone works if you're careful where you get it on the pcb.

My preference is CAIG Deoxit. 100% for cleaning and then 5% for 'conditioning' (leaves an oil film to retard oxidation).

Re: clean PCI cards

Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2020 6:22 am
by garyb
Deoxit Gold does not have the oil. it's probably better for card edge contacts.

Re: clean PCI cards

Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2020 7:32 am
by Interference
Thanks guys looks like we've got a winner:

Deoxit gold

Hope it will make it!

Re: clean PCI cards

Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2020 11:50 am
by valis
Thanks Gary

Re: clean PCI cards

Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2020 2:19 am
by Spielraum
[soft before hard]
>additionally install a "bare" scopesystem eg "ScopeTest",
and check your error project.
>> just copy the requested files,
step by step ...
that can take a little time, but has always helped me.

>>>If the same message appears here, only then process your hardware!
>>>>good luck, i keep my fingers crossed

(external funds should be the absolute last resort)