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6000 Series Preventative Maintenance

Tim N9PUZ
Tim N9PUZ Member ✭✭
edited June 2020 in FLEX-6000 Signature Series
I have a Flex-6400M that has performed very well since it was purchased. Like a computer, it has fans, slots for airflow, etc. Is there any recommended procedure for periodic maintenance? Should it be checked inside for dust? Blown out with air? Vacuumed out? Fan blades cleaned?

I have an anti-static bench mat, proper tools, etc. at home and have access to most anything imaginable for electronic repair at work.

Tim N9PUZ

Answers

  • Robert Lonn
    Robert Lonn Member ✭✭
    edited March 2020
    Tim, an interesting question!! My Desktop Gaming Computer has 4 fans in it. Plus the main input front fans have a cover and dust filter.. I need to clean that about twice a year. Also the fan on the Microprocessor is cleaned out once a year.. I shut off my computer, use a vacuum cleaner to **** up the dust when I **** it out with a can of compressed air..

    As for the Flex,, Only a simple inspection can give you your answers. My Flex is about 2 years old... Back in January I decided to open it up and take a peek. Everything looked relatively clean inside. Used my can air to give it a short air cleaning and put it back together.. The more the radio is ON, the more chances dust will get inside. I shut my 6600M off when not in use.

    Now SO MUCH depends on your environment. I have no pets and not much dust here in San Diego. I also have a Winix Plasma Air all room Air Purifier that I run 7 X 24 to minimize dust in the shack.. That helps but does not eliminate radio gear, desk top and STUFF from getting dusty.. 

    Robert

    https://winixamerica.com/product/c535/?gclid=CjwKCAjwvOHzBRBoEiwA48i6ArM4pi5s2cDNaUdy2LF9B8p27u5BLTALQOX25ThB0kOjAan7erYUvBoC5z8QAvD_BwE




  • WX7Y
    WX7Y Member ✭✭✭✭
    edited June 2020
    I'm sure you know this but just be careful with these two methods of cleaning,
    If you use canned air to **** out the radio HOLD the fan blades from spinning and DON'T let them over speed shortening the life of the Fans drastically.
    If you use a vacuum make sure it is designed for Electronics otherwise the Static Electricity inherent to a vacuum WILL fry the radio.  
    Bret
    WX7Y

  • Tim N9PUZ
    Tim N9PUZ Member ✭✭
    edited March 2020
    I plan to inspect later in the week. I have my shack in an unfinished basement. It's moderately clean, but still a basement.
  • Tim N9PUZ
    Tim N9PUZ Member ✭✭
    edited March 2020
    If cleaning is needed I'll most likely use air like you clean a normal computer with. I am aware of not wanting to spin the fans but I appreciate you mentioning it for the benefit of others who may be following the thread.
  • Tim N9PUZ
    Tim N9PUZ Member ✭✭
    edited March 2020
    Robert, that room aircleaner looks pretty interesting. Might help out with my alergies !
  • Robert Lonn
    Robert Lonn Member ✭✭
    edited March 2020
    Correct, I should have mentioned the vacuum cleaner to use... Holding the plastic tip away from critical components is important or use the one I use, but in all cases be smart about how you do it.

    ESD Safe,,

    https://www.globaltestsupply.com/product/scs_electronics_vacuum_497ajm?gclid=CjwKCAjw3-bzBRBhEiwAgnnLCmVx5_vg6McEoifuIWVtpxGaJAvlcgCwQyxyepLiUxSBG6wzyHjuLBoC4usQAvD_BwE
  • Robert Lonn
    Robert Lonn Member ✭✭
    edited March 2020
    Tim, this just went on sale today!!!! Save some$$$

    https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/winix-true-hepa-6300-2-air-cleaner-with-plasmawave-reg-technology/1046459602?keyword=winix-true-hepa-air-purifier&mcid=EM_Productcampaign_202003_AllergyShop_Offer&rid=1162125702&S_HASH=9f4f5714d1b489c693db8a8c5ffa05db8936c64b5dcf45c0d9bdaf3ee1c385db
  • henrylance
    henrylance Member ✭✭
    edited March 2020
    Is the force of the air stream, from canned air strong enough to get the deep / hidden dust, out of the fans.  Is there one brand o canned air that is better than others.  Somehow, i seem to remember that some are purer than others.
  • Robert Lonn
    Robert Lonn Member ✭✭
    edited March 2020
    I have been using Canned Air that I get at Costco. With can air, the issue is the can will get COLD rather fast.. So burst of air for say 5-10 seconds is normal. After a bit the air pressure will go down a lot, seems normal for most of these I have used... And always keep the can level, dont turn it say upside down. If that happens then a cold MIST will spray from the can... 

    On Line you get 12 cans, but they sell 6 cans in the store. Plus canned air is available at lots of places if you only need a single can.. 

    https://www.costco.com/dust-off-compressed-gas-duster%2c-12-pack.product.11228077.html
  • henrylance
    henrylance Member ✭✭
    edited March 2020
    Thank you,  k4wh
  • Tim - W4TME
    Tim - W4TME Administrator, FlexRadio Employee admin
    edited March 2020
    Please read the HelpDesk article: How to properly clean the FLEX-6000 Cooling fans
  • Doug
    Doug Member ✭✭
    edited March 2020
    Tim, Doug K9CRT over here in Decatur, IL. I removed the cover from my 6400M (bought 2 yrs ago) and inspected it. I didn't find much dust, lint, etc and my radio is on most of time (LAN use) and is in a finished basement. I really don't think you have much too worry but a inspection when you have time will put your mind to rest. Good luck, good DX and stay safe in this crazzzzzzzzzzy world. I might add I cleaned my fan with an old tooth brush but it is very difficult to get in there. I also used some Q-tips to sort of clean up not only the fan but else where. Like I said really not much there.
  • KC2QMA_John
    KC2QMA_John Member ✭✭
    edited March 2020
    Maybe someone at flex can make a video on how to properly clean/maintain a flexradio including fans?
    May make for less helpdesk tickets on this issue. 

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