Cleaning Dirty BNC and Battery Connectors
SYMPTOMS
Intermittent readings that can be misconstrued as loose connectors, false data, and even a faulty battery.
CAUSE
The module and battery connectors can get very dirty given the typical environment in which the instruments are used. Carbon dust and other conductive material mixed with grease etc can cause shorts across the pins and sockets of the connectors.
SOLUTION
A visual inspection should be enough to determine the condition of a connector. Cleaning the connectors is all that is required to return the instrument to service. To clean the connectors use isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or similar, a cotton swab and a small, stiff-haired brush. Once the offending material has been removed use an air line to blow away the last of the dirt and evaporate the alcohol. Special attention should be given to the gold-plated central termination as although this has some 'spring' pressure associated with the mating of the two surfaces, the electrical signals to be connected are very small. Care should be taken not to use a cleaning fluid that will have a corrosive effect on the plastic components of the BNC connector or the instrument end-cap.
Last Reviewed: 2 November 2007