Eton E1 Question

[Schroedingers Cat]

I recently was loaned an Eton E1 AM/FM/SW portable. The radio has not been used recently because of horrible electronic noise that is now almost impossible to eliminate.

The case was sticky and dusty. I finally had to take a damp rag and wipe it down. The case is still sticky. It leaves a sticky residue on the fingers. Has anyone else had this problem? What causes the case to be sticky? High temperature storage? Exposure to semi outdoor environment in a garage or breezeway?

The knobs are all right.

Any suggestions on cleaning?

 

[nocomradio]

I've seen that residue before on other things that were stored for long periods. I think its a combination of condensation and things like chemicals from other items released when they are subjected to wild temperature swings. It condenses on the item, then the condensation dries and leaves behind that funk.

One thing I use pretty regularly for cleaning is Castrol Super Clean. It is a very strong detergent/degreaser. Test it first to be sure it won't harm the finish you are going to clean, particularly with silk screened letters and transfers. Some paints don't like it either. It will clean about anything dirty though. Also be sure to use gloves, as it will really dry your skin if you get it on your hands for any length of time.

If a radio is really dirty and needs some major attention, I've actually completely taken them apart and then washed the cases in hot soapy water. Its a lot of work, but they look like brand new afterward.

 

[rbrucecarter5]

I recently was loaned an Eton E1 AM/FM/SW portable. The radio has not been used recently because of horrible electronic noise that is now almost impossible to eliminate.

The case was sticky and dusty. I finally had to take a damp rag and wipe it down. The case is still sticky. It leaves a sticky residue on the fingers. Has anyone else had this problem? What causes the case to be sticky? High temperature storage? Exposure to semi outdoor environment in a garage or breezeway?

The knobs are all right.

Any suggestions on cleaning?

This sounds like cigarette smoke damage - I've encountered slightly tacky orange deposits from nicotine, but never openly sticky - so yours must have had severe exposure. I don't think normal exhaust fumes would have a sticky component like that. It is possible if the case was exposed to strong organic solvents it could be partially dissolved, but most of those organic solvents are hard to get now.

In cases of extreme cigarette exposure, time is of the essence particularly with new Pb free solder formulations. Corrosion of the solder joints and etching of exposed PC board traces - even vias - could be occurring. I'd tear the radio completely down - some scrubbing time with dishwashing liquid like Dawn should eventually get the nicotine off. Because the smoke is pretty corrosive, you may lose some silkscreening and decorative metalization, etc. But you have to halt the damage by getting it clean. Be sure to clean everything - case, knobs, etc. - because any residue you leave can cause further damage in the future.

The PC board itself was probably cleaned with a water soluable flux, but be careful because water sensitive components may have been added after the board cleaning. If you are sure nothing on the board will be hurt by water -you can use it to rinse the board. I know nothing about your radio but it is a safe bet you need to be careful with things like unsealed pots and tuning capacitors. If you have any doubt at all, clean with a Q-tip and alcohol. Make it the 90% pure type, which still leaves 10% moisture but you will at least have something reasonably effective at cleaning. Be careful with polystyrene plastic components like tuning capacitors - the alcohol may attack them. So work around them and get the alcohol off fast if you make a mistake.

If the solder connections are completely black, you should clean them first to get as much of that black material off as you can - it is very corrosive. Then think about re-flowing every joint. I've had cases so severe I've de-soldered with solder wick and re-soldered with new solder. It is labor intensive, but you need to get the PC board stabilized, where corrosion won't continue after you are done. If you have orange nicotine on the board - it is extremely tenacious. Keep cleaning until it is gone - it is slightly conductive especially in high humidity.

Once you have the electronics stabilized and mechanical cleaning done, then you can re-assemble. If you know it is going back into a hostile smoke filled environment (your or somebody in your household is addicted), I've conformally coated them. There are a number of sprays on the market - they delay the inevitable damage for a while. But electronics and smoke don't mix - the best plan is to limit exposure.

 

[kilokat7]

This seems to be a common issue with the E1. This discussion over on RR may interest you, post #8 in particular:

http://forums.radioreference.com/hf-mw-lw-general-discussion/227065-how-many-radios-enough.html

 

[Schroedingers Cat]

It belongs to people who live over by the WTMJ and WISN towers. There are farms all around their house. Maybe from insecticide solvents, although I've spent a lot of time in Organic Chemistry labs and it doesn't smell like any solvent I've smelled, or insecticide. They have a small orchard that they spray. But there is no residue at all on the knobs. I tend to think it's some reaction with the case plastic. They don't smoke. Haven't for many years, and I can tell.

 

[Icangelp]

Plastics is my life!

While it is possible that an additive may be leaching from the rigid plastic case parts, it is an unlikely culprit. Possibly coming from the paint used to cover cosmetic issues.

This is the problem with much of what is made in China. Despite what you are told or what the specifications/certifications say, you never know what was used in the manufacture of the product. You have to actually go there and trace every component and every material, every time.

Climbing down from soap box.

 

[Schroedingers Cat]

As good a radio as the Eton is, I wish it had a ferrite rod antenna for AM BCB as it is difficult to null out stations without an external antenna like a small loop, and even that would be unwieldy in a portable environment. I had tested it before it got sticky. Now I feel like I need a shower after touching it.

Thanks for all your answers. The knobs being completely clean were the key to figuring that it wasn't the environment or neglectful care that was responsible. Still performs quite well, although some ceramic filters would be helpful on FM.