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Caring for Connectors
Cleaning
Alcohol should be used in liquid rather than spray form. If a spray must be used,
always spray the alcohol onto a cloth or swab, never directly into a connector.
Very dirty connectors can be cleaned with pure alcohol. Other solutions that contain
additives should not be used.
Carefully avoid wetting the plastic support bead (which is easily damaged by
alcohol) inside the connector and blow the connector dry immediately with a gentle
stream of compressed air.
Precision 7 mm Connectors
When precision 7mm connectors have been cleaned with the center conductor collet
removed, insert the collet and clean the mating plane surfaces again.
When the connector is attached to a small component, or to a cable, calibration, or
verification standard, the easiest way to do this is to put a lint-free cleaning cloth flat
on a table and put a couple of drops of alcohol in the center of the cloth. It should be
noted that it is not necessary to remove the collet to use this cleaning method.
Retract the connector sleeve threads so that the connector interface is exposed.
Gently press the contact end of the connector into the cloth moistened with alcohol,
then turn the connector.
Dirt on the connector interface will be scrubbed away by the cloth without
damaging the connector. Blow the connector dry with a gentle stream of compressed
air.
This cleaning method can be adapted even for fixed connectors such as those
attached to test ports. Simply fold the cloth into several layers of thickness, moisten
it, press it against the connector interface, and turn it to clean the connector. Blow
the connector dry with a gentle stream of compressed air.
Appendix D
149
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