DEC PDP-8/e Omnibus backplane lubrication

Paul Birkel pbirkel at gmail.com
Wed May 12 06:05:57 CDT 2021


Heading back to the OP topic, lubrication and reduction in insertion force (given presumptively clean contacts), I've read good things about NyoGel 760G Dielectric Synthetic Grease.  "Used for lubrication and protection of electrical contacts."

Safety sheet: https://www.nyelubricants.com/datasheet/SDS_US_English_NYOGEL+760G.pdf 

-----Original Message-----
From: cctalk [mailto:cctalk-bounces at classiccmp.org] On Behalf Of Tom Hunter via cctalk
Sent: Monday, May 10, 2021 11:13 PM
To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts
Subject: DEC PDP-8/e Omnibus backplane lubrication

What is the best type of lubricant for Omnibus backplanes?

It can be a struggle to insert and remove PDP-8/e boards into the Omnibus.
There is a risk of damage to the brittle bakelite connector housings on the
Omnibus PCB.
Traditional contact sprays should work but have two problems:

1) they remain wet and over time will attract and retain dust
2) the solvent and lubricant *may* weaken or attack the bakelite

There are some PTFE (Teflon) based lubricant sprays which create a dry
film. Would this type of spray work?

Any suggestions on what I could use that reduces the strain on the Omnibus
and the PCBs during insertion/removal without creating new problems?

Thanks and best regards
Tom Hunter



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