cleaning a controller PCB

[dnguyen800]

I have a beatmania controller that has some gunk on the solder points where it connects to the turntable (the part with the buttons is detachable from the turntable part). So how do you clean a PCB? Are there special cleaners or can you use soap and water and let it dry thoroughly? I don't want to use any cleaners that would desolder the points, unless it's better to do that.

 

[Arakon]

to desolder, that cleaner would have to be 350°C hot

your best bet is rubbing alcohol. nailpolish remover works too, tho. for actual contact pads (i.e. the buttons), use soapy water.

 

[ExCyber]

Realistically, some of the nastier types of compounds might dissolve the glue that keeps the tracks attached to the substrate; isopropyl alcohol should be fine, though.

 

[dnguyen800]

Thanks for the info, I'll probably use the 90% isopropyl alcohol and a cue-tip to clean it.