Conductive Lubricant Application Procedure

***ScubaDadMiami*** · 17th June 2006, 20:13

I would like to know a little more about applying carbon based conductive grease properly with the Hammerhead. From reading prior posts, I see that it is suggested to put some where the spring makes contact with the cap (on the inside), and to put some on the threads of the cap (which I am guessing means the outside of the threads but I am not sure). First question, is there anything I have to do regarding protecting the o-rings from getting this on them? Will it harm them? What should I do about applying in consideration of the o-rings?

Next, should any be applied to where the spring makes contact with the battery? Should I put a dab on the battery itself to assure that it makes good contact with the spring? Related to this, what about the positive side of the battery? Should I put any there or on this contact for the handset?

I am using ProGold for keeping the contacts clean. Will this remove the lubricant? How often should I clean off the old lubricant (or can I leave it on without regard to time or number of dives)?

What is everyone using to keep the spring clean without filing it away? (I have the new bronze springs).

Hey, I want to get this right from the beginning. So, I am asking first. Thanks in advance.

Mark Chase · 22nd June 2006, 20:58

Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami)

I would like to know a little more about applying carbon based conductive grease properly with the Hammerhead. From reading prior posts, I see that it is suggested to put some where the spring makes contact with the cap (on the inside), and to put some on the threads of the cap (which I am guessing means the outside of the threads but I am not sure). First question, is there anything I have to do regarding protecting the o-rings from getting this on them? Will it harm them? What should I do about applying in consideration of the o-rings?

Next, should any be applied to where the spring makes contact with the battery? Should I put a dab on the battery itself to assure that it makes good contact with the spring? Related to this, what about the positive side of the battery? Should I put any there or on this contact for the handset?

I am using ProGold for keeping the contacts clean. Will this remove the lubricant? How often should I clean off the old lubricant (or can I leave it on without regard to time or number of dives)?

What is everyone using to keep the spring clean without filing it away? (I have the new bronze springs).

Hey, I want to get this right from the beginning. So, I am asking first. Thanks in advance.

Thanks for asking the question I was going to ask was well.

I am using Biox heated up in the microwave to clean my spring at the moment. Apart from that I am as in the dark as you.

ATB

Mark Chase

***jradomski*** · 23rd June 2006, 05:14

Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami)

I would like to know a little more about applying carbon based conductive grease properly with the Hammerhead. From reading prior posts, I see that it is suggested to put some where the spring makes contact with the cap (on the inside), and to put some on the threads of the cap (which I am guessing means the outside of the threads but I am not sure). First question, is there anything I have to do regarding protecting the o-rings from getting this on them? Will it harm them? What should I do about applying in consideration of the o-rings?

Next, should any be applied to where the spring makes contact with the battery? Should I put a dab on the battery itself to assure that it makes good contact with the spring? Related to this, what about the positive side of the battery? Should I put any there or on this contact for the handset?

I am using ProGold for keeping the contacts clean. Will this remove the lubricant? How often should I clean off the old lubricant (or can I leave it on without regard to time or number of dives)?

What is everyone using to keep the spring clean without filing it away? (I have the new bronze springs).

Hey, I want to get this right from the beginning. So, I am asking first. Thanks in advance.

step 1:
Clean all contact surfaces with progold or a vinegar solution. These are not delicate surfaces like the gold plated molex and banana conectors so no special precautions need to be followed. Keep vinegar solutions and progold off the annodizing of the handsets.
The SOCKET on the handset MUST be cleaned of all oxidation.. Failure to do this result in intermittent operation.

Step 2:
Put some conductive grease in the cap so that the spring can sit in it.. the grease will protect the socket, spring and cap from oxidation.

Step 3:
Sparingly apply grease across threads on cap.. the idea is to get just enough lubricant on the threads and in the gaps so when it is screwed down the voids will be filled.. If you heavily cover everything, the excess lubricant will be forced out and get all over the place.. LESS iS BETTER.

Most versions of this type of lubricant ARE O-ring safe.. In some applications it is used as the lubricant for the orings (mostly for EMI protection).. I do not know how it would effect the sealing in a pressure enviroment so I wouldn't PURPOSEDLY put it there, but I HAVE had it get on the orings of my Explorer and had no problems (discovered it on the next battery change)..

As long as the lubricant doesnt get contaminated, I would not worry about replacing it.. Just leave it there..

I don't think its necessary to put it on the spring/battery interface.. It couln't hurt, but this stuff is messy and I don't recommend using it more than necessary.. You DON'T want it to end up in the bottom of the battery compartment where it could short the positive terminal to the rest of the compartment.

I have used this type of lubricant for years.. Since I started using it ,I have never had my HS Explorer reset, and it stopped the intermittent lockups I used to get on the VR3. Once it is applied, you just need to inspect it for irregularities, and possibly some additional addition.

LukeN · 23rd June 2006, 13:21

So what is the purpose of this grease? Is it to just increase the elctrical contact on the battery cap to the housing?

***jradomski*** · 23rd June 2006, 18:48

Quote: (Originally Posted by LukeN)

So what is the purpose of this grease? Is it to just increase the elctrical contact on the battery cap to the housing?

Conductive grease insures the contact will not be broken (intermittently) due to pressure and temperature changes.. This is not just a HH issue, its a potential problem on any user replacable battery of this type..

I have had it happpen to me on a Vr3 and explorer.. On the explorer and HH it results in a reset, on a VR3 it usually causes a lockup (at least in my experience)..

LukeN · 24th June 2006, 09:26

Thanks Joe,
I thought that was the case, but I thought I should ask.

zmcave · 1st July 2006, 17:56

I tried to find the conductive grease on-line but came accross so many of them that just got me lost.

What type/brand are you guys using?

thanks,

Zé.

***jradomski*** · 1st July 2006, 23:10

Quote: (Originally Posted by zmcave)

I tried to find the conductive grease on-line but came accross so many of them that just got me lost.

What type/brand are you guys using?

thanks,

Zé.

do a search on Rebreather world.. there are already threads with recommendations..

17th June 2006, 20:13	#1 (permalink)
*ScubaDadMiami* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 2,220	Conductive Lubricant Application Procedure I would like to know a little more about applying carbon based conductive grease properly with the Hammerhead. From reading prior posts, I see that it is suggested to put some where the spring makes contact with the cap (on the inside), and to put some on the threads of the cap (which I am guessing means the outside of the threads but I am not sure). First question, is there anything I have to do regarding protecting the o-rings from getting this on them? Will it harm them? What should I do about applying in consideration of the o-rings? Next, should any be applied to where the spring makes contact with the battery? Should I put a dab on the battery itself to assure that it makes good contact with the spring? Related to this, what about the positive side of the battery? Should I put any there or on this contact for the handset? I am using ProGold for keeping the contacts clean. Will this remove the lubricant? How often should I clean off the old lubricant (or can I leave it on without regard to time or number of dives)? What is everyone using to keep the spring clean without filing it away? (I have the new bronze springs). Hey, I want to get this right from the beginning. So, I am asking first. Thanks in advance. __________________ Howard Packer IANTD CCR Instructor Miami Beach, Florida CCRDiveTraining.com
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22nd June 2006, 20:58	#2 (permalink)
Mark Chase RBW Member Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kent Posts: 2,867	Re: Conductive Lubricant Application Procedure Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami) I would like to know a little more about applying carbon based conductive grease properly with the Hammerhead. From reading prior posts, I see that it is suggested to put some where the spring makes contact with the cap (on the inside), and to put some on the threads of the cap (which I am guessing means the outside of the threads but I am not sure). First question, is there anything I have to do regarding protecting the o-rings from getting this on them? Will it harm them? What should I do about applying in consideration of the o-rings? Next, should any be applied to where the spring makes contact with the battery? Should I put a dab on the battery itself to assure that it makes good contact with the spring? Related to this, what about the positive side of the battery? Should I put any there or on this contact for the handset? I am using ProGold for keeping the contacts clean. Will this remove the lubricant? How often should I clean off the old lubricant (or can I leave it on without regard to time or number of dives)? What is everyone using to keep the spring clean without filing it away? (I have the new bronze springs). Hey, I want to get this right from the beginning. So, I am asking first. Thanks in advance. Thanks for asking the question I was going to ask was well. I am using Biox heated up in the microwave to clean my spring at the moment. Apart from that I am as in the dark as you. ATB Mark Chase __________________ See my "Doing It Chasey" video where I'm locked into a padded room, naked, with two ball bearings and within an Hour, I manage to lose one and break the other!!! Kevin Juergensen 16/11/08 [/quote]
(Online)

23rd June 2006, 05:14	#3 (permalink)
*jradomski* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Optima rEvo Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Classic Kiss rEvo Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: "Da" Bronx Posts: 3,115	Re: Conductive Lubricant Application Procedure Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami) I would like to know a little more about applying carbon based conductive grease properly with the Hammerhead. From reading prior posts, I see that it is suggested to put some where the spring makes contact with the cap (on the inside), and to put some on the threads of the cap (which I am guessing means the outside of the threads but I am not sure). First question, is there anything I have to do regarding protecting the o-rings from getting this on them? Will it harm them? What should I do about applying in consideration of the o-rings? Next, should any be applied to where the spring makes contact with the battery? Should I put a dab on the battery itself to assure that it makes good contact with the spring? Related to this, what about the positive side of the battery? Should I put any there or on this contact for the handset? I am using ProGold for keeping the contacts clean. Will this remove the lubricant? How often should I clean off the old lubricant (or can I leave it on without regard to time or number of dives)? What is everyone using to keep the spring clean without filing it away? (I have the new bronze springs). Hey, I want to get this right from the beginning. So, I am asking first. Thanks in advance. step 1: Clean all contact surfaces with progold or a vinegar solution. These are not delicate surfaces like the gold plated molex and banana conectors so no special precautions need to be followed. Keep vinegar solutions and progold off the annodizing of the handsets. The SOCKET on the handset MUST be cleaned of all oxidation.. Failure to do this result in intermittent operation. Step 2: Put some conductive grease in the cap so that the spring can sit in it.. the grease will protect the socket, spring and cap from oxidation. Step 3: Sparingly apply grease across threads on cap.. the idea is to get just enough lubricant on the threads and in the gaps so when it is screwed down the voids will be filled.. If you heavily cover everything, the excess lubricant will be forced out and get all over the place.. LESS iS BETTER. Most versions of this type of lubricant ARE O-ring safe.. In some applications it is used as the lubricant for the orings (mostly for EMI protection).. I do not know how it would effect the sealing in a pressure enviroment so I wouldn't PURPOSEDLY put it there, but I HAVE had it get on the orings of my Explorer and had no problems (discovered it on the next battery change).. As long as the lubricant doesnt get contaminated, I would not worry about replacing it.. Just leave it there.. I don't think its necessary to put it on the spring/battery interface.. It couln't hurt, but this stuff is messy and I don't recommend using it more than necessary.. You DON'T want it to end up in the bottom of the battery compartment where it could short the positive terminal to the rest of the compartment. I have used this type of lubricant for years.. Since I started using it ,I have never had my HS Explorer reset, and it stopped the intermittent lockups I used to get on the VR3. Once it is applied, you just need to inspect it for irregularities, and possibly some additional addition. __________________ Joe Radomski CCR Trimix Instructor Trainer ANDI Instructor Trainer Director #10 All posts are personal opinions and DO NOT reflect any affiliated agency unless specifically stated. Last edited by jradomski : 28th June 2006 at 17:25.
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23rd June 2006, 13:21	#4 (permalink)
LukeN New Member Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Prism Topaz Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Australia,West Aus Posts: 86	Re: Conductive Lubricant Application Procedure So what is the purpose of this grease? Is it to just increase the elctrical contact on the battery cap to the housing? __________________ Luke Nelson www.imagedive.com.au
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23rd June 2006, 18:48	#5 (permalink)
*jradomski* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Optima rEvo Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Classic Kiss rEvo Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: "Da" Bronx Posts: 3,115	Re: Conductive Lubricant Application Procedure Quote: (Originally Posted by LukeN) So what is the purpose of this grease? Is it to just increase the elctrical contact on the battery cap to the housing? Conductive grease insures the contact will not be broken (intermittently) due to pressure and temperature changes.. This is not just a HH issue, its a potential problem on any user replacable battery of this type.. I have had it happpen to me on a Vr3 and explorer.. On the explorer and HH it results in a reset, on a VR3 it usually causes a lockup (at least in my experience).. __________________ Joe Radomski CCR Trimix Instructor Trainer ANDI Instructor Trainer Director #10 All posts are personal opinions and DO NOT reflect any affiliated agency unless specifically stated.
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24th June 2006, 09:26	#6 (permalink)
LukeN New Member Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Prism Topaz Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Australia,West Aus Posts: 86	Re: Conductive Lubricant Application Procedure Thanks Joe, I thought that was the case, but I thought I should ask. __________________ Luke Nelson www.imagedive.com.au
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1st July 2006, 17:56	#7 (permalink)
zmcave www.rebreather.com.br Current Rebreather/s: Optima Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Optima Dolphin Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Brazil Posts: 189	Re: Conductive Lubricant Application Procedure I tried to find the conductive grease on-line but came accross so many of them that just got me lost. What type/brand are you guys using? thanks, Zé.
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1st July 2006, 23:10	#8 (permalink)
*jradomski* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Optima rEvo Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Classic Kiss rEvo Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: "Da" Bronx Posts: 3,115	Re: Conductive Lubricant Application Procedure Quote: (Originally Posted by zmcave) I tried to find the conductive grease on-line but came accross so many of them that just got me lost. What type/brand are you guys using? thanks, Zé. do a search on Rebreather world.. there are already threads with recommendations.. __________________ Joe Radomski CCR Trimix Instructor Trainer ANDI Instructor Trainer Director #10 All posts are personal opinions and DO NOT reflect any affiliated agency unless specifically stated.
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