Dusting Amps?

[smglbrth]

Do any of you guys/gals take the covers off and dust the inside of your amplifiers? I, usually once a week, dust the tops of all my equipment but the dust inside the amp is starting to bother me. Figured it won't hurt anything but thought I'd get some opinions on this.

Besides, I miss seeing the clean, shiny inards although the big blue caps still look good!

[F1nut]

Blow your gear out with compressed air. Never put your hand inside any piece of gear that's still plugged in or just recently unplugged. There are voltages in them that will kill you.

[organ]

I agree with F1nut. One wrong move can give you a powerful shock which can be fatal.

I clean mine once a year by using compressed air.

[danger boy]

I think cleaning or blowing it out once a year is fine...... I don't want to be to obsessive compulsive about it you know.

[Lasareath]

Also when you buy used amps and gear. I just bought a used 3 channel amp and I haven't even plugged it in yet. I'm going to Costco to buy a 4 pack of compressed air and then i will blow it out and take pictures for the "Show me your guts" thread.

Sal

[smglbrth]

Thanks for the replies. The only compressed air I have is from a small air compressor but don't know if I should use that as it could have a little moisture in the lines as it warms up when it runs. I've never seen any moisture coming out of the lines when blowing less sensative stuff but I sure do see it when I empty the tanks after each use! (air compressor as in it can run roofing nail guns and such)

I have read before that the big caps can keep quite a jolt of juice so I didn't plan on actually touching anything inside.

Nice to see others that actually think of such things. I don't know how many times I've seen big receivers and amps in rigs where persons are just choking them for air...

I've never purchased any of those "air in a can" things. How much are they?

[ShinAce]

About $10 but has a thin tube you can attach to the nozzle to get into nooks and crannies.

[rayslifecycle]

+1 on the compressed air cans - they work great for all electronic gear - from TVs to Keyboards - From CPUs to Cassette Decks - clean equipment is happy; cool equipment....

You are correct sir that your air compressor will spout some water into your gear - if you go to a local art supply store however - or even a auto-paint supplier - they sell a little contraption to remove the water on its way out of the nozzel.......

[F1nut]

I have a large compressor in my shop with an inline Sharpe moisture trap. Not once have I had any water come out of the moisture trap drain plug.

Anyway, should any water pass thru your compressor, it will be vaporized and should not be an issue just blowing out the dust from a piece of gear.

[treitz3]

Please note, do NOT use 200 lbs. of pressure! Anywhere between 30-40 should be good provided you don't get too gawd awful close to the components.

[Lasareath]

I've never purchased any of those "air in a can" things. How much are they?


At Costco (and maybe BJ's) you can get 3 or 4 cans for $9 to $12. I've seen both versions forsale.

Much better deal then going to Radio Shack and buying a can.

[VR3]

My amps have no vent holes..

After 4 years or their operation, I cant even get dust on my finger...

CDP - same way...

Preamp has some though, I blow them out ocasionally if I feel the need

[ward91]

yep i don’t have to use an air can as we have a compressor in the cellar but I’ve heard that when u tilt them excessively moisture/propellant? Comes out.
I have also found it sometimes necessary to use a soft brush with built up dust on older gear (to read stuff) but with newer gear (equipment that’s been in relatively clean rooms) this shouldn’t be necessary.

Ive been recommended that, Equipment that gets fairly heavy use and has a constantly engaged fan ( pro audio amps, pc’s ect) should be dusted at least once a year.

+1 on not touching stuff

[smglbrth]

You know, I've never thought much about a moisture trap for the compressor but suppose it wouldn't hurt to have one installed for just about everything I use a compressor for! (This would probably be cheaper in the long run)

Yes, not "high" pressure. I found this out the hard way with another situation so now I only use around 30-35 PSI for delicate work. For all other avenues it's 90 PSI MINIMUM!