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Author Topic: Cleaning amps  (Read 2505 times)

Brian Houchin

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Cleaning amps
« on: August 19, 2005, 09:53:39 AM »

Besides blowing out "bar crud" with compressed air, how many of you out there have taken amp covers off and tried cleaning the components inside?  What type of cleaner did you use to get all the interior components clean?
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Ivan Beaver

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Re: Cleaning amps
« Reply #1 on: August 19, 2005, 11:22:44 AM »

The same compressed air.  Be careful not to use too high a pressure so that you knock parts off.  It is also a good idea to wipe the fan down with a rag and alcohol.
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Mike {AB} Butler

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Re: Cleaning amps
« Reply #2 on: August 19, 2005, 12:36:31 PM »

Just be careful to not let the comressed air cause any ventilation fans to spin, however. Remember that motors in reverse can act as generators of electricity, and can cause damage to both the motor of the fan, or to components hooked up to it for speed control..
Regards,
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Tom Reid

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Re: Cleaning amps
« Reply #3 on: August 19, 2005, 12:50:22 PM »

Compresed air from the wrong source may contain water, or other contaminants.

Those little cans are probably cool, but don't get the garage compressor hooked up and think you're helping.  If the compressor is not equipped with a good drier/strainer mechanism, you may be squirting water at high pressure into the amp.

Also, compressed in no means equals high pressure.  Sure you can sandblast the house with the Honda compressor, but be a little gentle with amps and bicycle inner tubes.
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Chris Hindle

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Re: Cleaning amps
« Reply #4 on: August 19, 2005, 03:18:11 PM »

I start with a shop-vac, persuade some of the cruddier deposits with an old toothbrush, and generally follow-up with the can of compressed air. This is a yearly maintenance procedure.
Heat is your amp's enemy.
Dirty heat sinks (and 'air tunnels') don't do any good.
Chris.
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Elliot Thompson

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Re: Cleaning amps
« Reply #5 on: August 19, 2005, 03:20:42 PM »

Hooch wrote on Fri, 19 August 2005 14:53

Besides blowing out "bar crud" with compressed air, how many of you out there have taken amp covers off and tried cleaning the components inside?  What type of cleaner did you use to get all the interior components clean?


Twice a year, I clean all my amplifiers. I generally start
early in the morning, so, I can finish around 6 pm.

I use a vacum on reverse, and, a paint brush. Fans are
disassembled and, cleaned thoroughly.

As for Capacitors, Transformers, and Heatsinks, I use
a semi-damp paper towel.

No cleaners! Just water on the Paper Towel.

Some amps are easy to clean like QSCs, and, some, are a
nightmare, like Crest Professionals. Crowns aren't bad.

However, the 5000's are murder.

Februaury, was the last cleaning, so, I'll need to clean
them by September. I figure after Labor Day.


Best Regards,


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Elliot

Stavross (Sam Buck)

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Re: Cleaning amps
« Reply #6 on: August 19, 2005, 03:53:01 PM »

Wow twice a year

I have to clean mine out damn near every 5-6 weeks, and I can actually hear when they need a cleaning.

Damn dirty stinky smokey bar anyway.

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Elliot Thompson

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Re: Cleaning amps
« Reply #7 on: August 19, 2005, 10:37:31 PM »

STAVROSS wrote on Fri, 19 August 2005 20:53

Wow twice a year

I have to clean mine out damn near every 5-6 weeks, and I can actually hear when they need a cleaning.

Damn dirty stinky smokey bar anyway.




My amps are not around smoke, so that plays a major factor.

If its becoming too much of a hassle, you can always get a
Crown K2.

Best Regards,

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Brian Houchin

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Re: Cleaning amps
« Reply #8 on: August 20, 2005, 02:33:31 PM »

Thanks to everyone for the replies and ideas!  I'm going to try and get the amps out of the racks and get them cleaned up this week.
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