My initial experience with Deoxit

[ianoid]

I just got Deoxit (118ml D5L 5% solution) and Deoxit Shield (118ml s%L 5%) in the mail. I have only tried the Deoxit. I cleaned some carts- it did nicely by visual inspection, although I don't know how much better than alcohol might have, given this subjective measure.

I took my pile of around 20 old dead 2600 carts that I've been lugging around for ages and cleaned them again with Deoxit. Mind you I had cleaned these each extensively with alcohol (70% isopropyl, whatever I got at Walgreens) and they remained dead. I did manage to resurrect two cartridges. It did nothing for my precious dead Bomb Z-tack and my precious dead Video Gems Missile control.

I'll probably use it on more stuff and I'll try to update my success with it. It's not a cheap or locally available product, so I'll try to give you an idea if it's worth it. As a seller and a collector, I intend to use it gratuitously, and I'll probably be happy with it, particularly since it is designed for us on contacts. That peace of mind is enough for me.

[Gapporin]

On a vintage audio board I used to lurk at, they swore by Deoxit on fixing anything -- knobs with bad contact, cleaning out insides, etc. Myself, I haven't used it, nor have I found a place to purchase it from.

What I have used, however, is that Contact Cleaner/Lubricator from Radio Shack which seems to do just as good a job. But I would like to get some Deoxit sometime, just to see how it holds up, and if it is really the "miracle cleaner".

[DogP]

Actually, the Radio Shacks around here sell it ( http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2104746&cp=&sr=1&origkw=deoxit&kw=deoxit&parentPage=search ). They sell the Deoxit and Progold combo for $15. Not too bad since it does work well, but they are really small cans. For stuff that doesn't really need a good cleaning or isn't already having problems, I usually just use the stuff from the $4 large can of contact cleaner from Lowe's.

DogP

[ApolloBoy]

I occasionally use Deoxit, mainly for clearing up debris from switches and buttons. It works alright for games, but it tends to leave behind a sticky residue that attracts dust.