Would I fry anything (or myself)

demogo

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If I wiped down the top of my MCR power brick with a slightly damp washcloth to remove grime?

Obviously the game would be off while I was doing this.

Is there a flavor of "game off" that is important here? Is the interlock switch sufficiently "off"? I could also unplug the game if that would be helpful.

I don't want to damage the game or myself and I know there is voltage there and some big assed caps that would be happy to discharge themselves given the opportunity.

Thoughts? Opinions?
 
Those 110VAC fuses would be the only area to worry about if the game was still plugged in. I'm pretty sure they go dead when the interlock isnt on though. Stilll, I'd unplug the game incase you lean into the interlock while your cleaning.

I wouldnt spray anything on the block wither. Spray the rag.
 
Why would you want to do this my friend?? Are you in that 'thrillseeker' category?

I am thinking as long as the fuse holders and the wire contacts are clean, you're good to go. Unless of course you have OCD...
 
Why would you want to do this my friend?? Are you in that 'thrillseeker' category?

I am thinking as long as the fuse holders and the wire contacts are clean, you're good to go. Unless of course you have OCD...

Because they're barely visible through the grime/dust. In fact, I assume they're there because the game is operating. :)

I'm far from OCD but these things just look pathetic in their current condition.

I'll post a before and after picture. :)
 
Because they're barely visible through the grime/dust. In fact, I assume they're there because the game is operating.

I'll post a before and after picture. :)

You mean like this?


SDC12043.jpg

SDC12060.jpg

SDC12044.jpg

SDC12063.jpg
 
Yeah, something like that. :)

I think my before pic will be worse though. As will my after pic because I'm not planning to spit shine it. :)
 
I would unplug it. Some games have an auxiliary power plug that is powered anytime the game is plugged in.

ken
 
I would unplug it. Some games have an auxiliary power plug that is powered anytime the game is plugged in.

ken

Sounds like a plan -- I will.

Right now I'm labeling all of the connectors just on my spare main wiring harness -- there are 18 connectors just on that harness!!!

There are a handful of other harnesses that go in the game too...
 
If you decide to fry yourself, please let me know so I can come over with my Camcorder :)

Guess I should have taken better pics of mine.

Galaga%20024.jpg


Galaga%20034.jpg
 
How did you clean yours? It looks really good!
 
Well the wires and fuse holders etc, I sprayed with 409 and got the tooth brush after them. Then wiped them down with a damp cloth, rinse the cloth and repeat.

As for the transformers themselves, I blew them off with a compressor, and did a wipe down with a damp cloth. Then with a combination of tin foil, and masking tape I masked everything off and painted the black areas black again.

Then just sanded down the plywood base, and remounted everything.

Just kind of a quick job.

I would like to make some new decals for Atari Bricks, and then have those re-coated with zinc dichromate but that's a project for another time.
 
If you paint the transformers, go to an autoparts store and get the hi-temp black enamel. Some paint stores may also have it as BBQ/ Stove paint. Regular black enamel can peel at the temperatures the transformers can hit.

ken
 
Mission complete!

You can actually see all the components on the transformer block now.

I attacked the power block with compressed air, wiped it down with a cloth dampened with lysol general purpose cleaner, a toothbrush sprayed with the same for the fuses, wires, etc. Then wiped it down it with a damp cloth (water), then got in there with the (new) shop vac and sucked up all of the dust bunnies. Then hit the power brick around the fuses with a hair dryer set on low for a few min to dry up anything I'd missed.

Result: cosmetically the inside bottom of the cab went from an F to a C. It's not sanded, nor is it repainted or squeaky clean but you can at least see everything now and it works fine after testing.
 
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