Latching relays

[Fred (FL)]

Hi - I did the same soldering-iron corner meltdown,
on my K2 #54xx.

I build golf clubs, for me and friends on the side -
and have my dual-bottle set of golf club shaft
epoxy adhesive.  I figure if it can hold a driver
head on a grahphite shaft - when a big bruiser like
me  hits the ball - it can seal that little hole
I made in the corner of one of those latching
relays.

I mixed up a small amount of A & B Epoxy adhesive,
well.  Then with a small wooden swab - I put a nice
1/8" drop of the mixed epoxy glue over the hole
in the relay.  Golf club shaft epoxy sets up in
like 3 hours, and to max in overnight.

I know Don won't agree with me - but I'm quite
positive - that this epoxy-over seal, is darn
near as tight and solid as the original case.
Its probably better material than what they make
those latching relay cases out of!  One would
need a chisel to break it loose.  And it is as
sticky, as sticky can get!

Good luck -
PS - pretty much any quality, A & B Epoxy Adhesive
will work.  I just happen to have all these bottles
of golf club shaft stuff

73, de Fred N3CSY
St. Lawrence River, northern NY


       
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[Don Wilhelm-3]

Fred,

I certainly will not disagree with your success, nor that the epoxy will
provide a good seal.

BUT, you were fortunate that the relay did not have any internal damage.
  When the case of a relay is melted (even a small amount), there is a
chance that the inside of the plastic can be distorted and will
interfere with the movement of the contacts inside the case.

So now you know the reason I would day to replace the relay - it is the
'safe' answer and will work in all cases.  It is difficult to discern
whether internal damage occurred or not.  So try patching the case if
you prefer, but do be aware of the other consequences.

If you do use some sealant, watch out for the thin sealants that may
migrate inside the relay case and coat the contacts - if you find that
it worked before you sealed it, and does not work after the sealing, you
should relate those two events, so say 'AH S**T' and simply order
another relay.

73,
Don w3FPR

Fred (FL) wrote:
> Hi - I did the same soldering-iron corner meltdown,
> on my K2 #54xx.
>
SNIP

>
> I know Don won't agree with me - but I'm quite
> positive - that this epoxy-over seal, is darn
> near as tight and solid as the original case.
> Its probably better material than what they make
> those latching relay cases out of!  One would
> need a chisel to break it loose.  And it is as
> sticky, as sticky can get!
>
> Good luck -
> PS - pretty much any quality, A & B Epoxy Adhesive
> will work.  I just happen to have all these bottles
> of golf club shaft stuff
>

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[Bill Steffey NY9H]

At 07:04 AM 6/26/2007, Don Wilhelm wrote:

>BUT, you were fortunate that the relay did not have any internal
>damage.  When the case of a relay is melted (even a small amount),
>there is a chance that the inside of the plastic can be distorted
>and will interfere with the movement of the contacts inside the case.


After a k2 and several tuners, and several KA amps...i must admit I
thought it was
a requirement to have a solder burn on at least one relay case. (mojo
you know).

Guess it matters if it is a burn or a melt,,,,,, or what does the
word IS really mean.

73,

bill   ( can you tell I'm waiting for my k3)

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