Small aquadag patch flaking (15" B&W monitor)

JC Arcade

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Small aquadag patch flaking (15" B&W monitor)

I'm getting some repaired monitor boards back this weekend, and I went to unpack the tubes I had stored in the meantime and noticed one of the tubes had some flaking aquadag (see pic).

aquadag.jpg


I did some searching here, and based on the few threads I read, it sounds like *some* flaking is okay, but I'm not sure what is an acceptable amount. Is the amount in the pic an "acceptable" amount? Also keep in mind that the HV cage for this monitor sits right behind where that flaking is.
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i would wash the tube with simple green and a hose and lightly scrape all the loose aquadag off and when dry reapply new aquadag. it's very simple and super quick to do. i have found that if you have some loose there is more lifting which isn't doing it job so better to fix it now.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Conductive-...344770?hash=item4157965742:g:vqMAAOxyQj9RLlAL

i buy direct from this company on the east coast because i used to buy it in bulk. don't buy more than one because it won't be good once unsealed and one will do at least a couple tubes or more. don't use the brush included because its too small so i use a 1/2 brush or very small foam brush. (i prefer the 1/2 inch bristle brush for apply to the tube)
 
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+1 to what security0001 said.

I've bought that same dag from that same seller, and used it on a couple of tubes with no problems. (I'm not sure if or how long it takes to go bad, but I haven't seen that happen).

I put the tubes right in the sink, yoke and all, hose them down with Greased Lightning, gently brush in and around the yoke with a soft long-bristled paint brush, then rinse with hot water.

You can use something more scrubby on the body of the tube (I just use a stiffer brush), as it doesn't hurt to remove the dag, since you're going to repaint it anyway. Just make sure you mark or otherwise note where the dag ends around the borders, so you know where to repaint it to. I have painted entire tubes with the included brush, but a slightly bigger one is probably not a bad idea.

Also, use Goof Off or 100% acetone (in the nail polish aisle at Walmart) to remove the red waxy grease around the anode hole. It will all come off if you dissolve it and wipe off with multiple paper towels. Just keep soaking and wiping until all of the red is gone.
 
Actually, looking at your pics again, are you sure that's the dag that's flaking? Or is it just dried red grease? (Or is it the grease with the dag stuck to it?)

From where it is on the tube, and the pattern of the dag around it, it almost looks like it's just grease, as the dag doesn't go all the way around (which you'll see more clearly if you wipe away the dirt). In which case you may be able to get by just removing the grease and dirt. I'd wash and dry it (and let any dag come off, if it wants to) then see what shape it's in.
 
The outer aquadag is not that critical... some flaking is inconsequential. Just clean that up and you'll be fine. And like Andrew said, what you see flaking there may not even be the dag.
 
Thanks for the feedback guys. FWIW, here's a pic from a different angle...

aquadag2.jpg
 
i would clean it off to verify but it doesn't look like the aquadag.
 
Yeah, that's not dag. Just wipe the dust off with a damp paper towel (or vacuum it off), then remove the red waxy grease with Goof Off, and you'll be good to go. The dag is probably fine.
 
It was dielectric grease, just to help seal the anode cup to the tube, and prevent any air gaps, where HV could technically arc, though there isn't really anything close enough for it to arc to. I suppose it's more of a safety measure, as IF there was a gap, and IF you passed your hand close enough to it (or dropped something on the tube), you could get zapped. But practically speaking, that's not likely to happen. There are cases where Atari overengineered things somewhat (which is understandable), but 35 years later, and especially for home use, we now know these things aren't really needed.

You technically can replace it if you wanted (as you can get silicone dielectric grease at any auto parts store), but it isn't really necessary. I clean it off of all of my tubes and run them dry with no problems.
 
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