rec.autos.simulators

I've got a Thrustmaster T2 gas pedal on the blitz, and several people
recommended cleaning the pots. I opened up the bottom of the unit and see
two circle-shaped things with tape on them and red and white wires. What do
I do? I'm very low-tech, can
someone help out?

Also, is "DeoxIT" the right stuff to clean my pots?

One more, "pots" stands for potentiometers right?

Tom

Not sure if I'm responding to a 'Tom' or a 'Melissa'!
However....answers are provided below.......
--
Regards,

Bruce.
----------------------------------

Grab a spray can of "electronic contact cleaner"....there are quite a few
brand-names but ask at your local electronics outlet.  The can should have
one of those tubes that can be plugged into the spray button.

Spray some of the liquid into the hole(s) on the pot
(yes...'potentiometer') and wiggle the knob backwards and forwards so that
the wiper surfaces are cleaned.  You should spray enough so that liquid
dribbles out of the device, flushing out any carbon dust (from the wiper
ring) and any dirt and dust deposits.

I'm very low-tech, can

I'm certainly trying to!

See above about brand-names but whatever you do *DO NOT* spray a lubricant
into the pot.....no WD40 or any of that type of stuff should ever be
sprayed into pots.........it cleans absolutely nothing and attracts more
gunk than you can poke a stick at.

Now, Grasshopper........go for it!! :-)

Yep!

-----------

Bruce - I'm Tom - I wrote the message, and the post you put up was one that
someone wrote to me before. My problem is that I don't know what the pot
looks like. I've got my T2 open and I see these circular things with
masking
tape over them. Am I supposed to remove the tape and squirt it in there?
I don't see any moveable parts. Should I just push the pedal back and forth
after I squirt in the juice?

% Bruce - I'm Tom - I wrote the message, and the post you put up was one that
% someone wrote to me before. My problem is that I don't know what the pot
% looks like. I've got my T2 open and I see these circular things with
% masking
% tape over them. Am I supposed to remove the tape and squirt it in there?
% I don't see any moveable parts. Should I just push the pedal back and forth
% after I squirt in the juice?

The pots are usually slivery-metal cylinders and should have a couple of
wires connected to them.  On one (for the pedals) there should be a
small shaft with a gear attached (the gears may only be geared on half
of the "circle").  Use the "tube" attachement for your switch cleaner
and spray the cleaner inside the unit.  I usually use the openings where
the wires are attached to the lugs.  When the cleaner starts to come
shooting back out, stop spraying and then move the pedals several times
through their full motion.  This will work the cleaner over all the
contacts.  For good measure go through this process one more time before
you seal up the unit and head back out to the track.

If the above doesn't get you going, contact Thrustmaster's Support site
and requestion new pots (or you can get a RMA and send the unit in for
them to replace them from you -- as it will require some soldering).

http://www.thrustmaster.com/support/servmail.htm

--
**************************** Michael E. Carver *************************
     Upside out, or inside down...False alarm the only game in town.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<[ /./.  [-  < ]>=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Hi all,

 go to http://www.lfrs.com
and into utilities or something like that. You'll find t2fix.zip file there.
Download it, unzip it and read the document. It's about cleaning the pot
in the wheel, but it's the same thing for the pots in the peddals.

Wouldn't know. I used sewing machine oil.

Yupp.

Regards,

Tadej Krevh
TSW Monkey Grand Prix Co-manager
TSW Monkey Grand Prix Technical Director
LFRS clas B (http://www.lfrs.com)

You used SEWING MACHINE OIL???????

I suggest that you clean them again, this time with a proprietary brand
electronic contact cleaner, as soon as possible.  What they are now doing
is attracting and holding every bit of dust and dirt that comes near them!!
--
Regards,

Bruce.

Yikes!
I WAS gonna try an' be cute and suggest SOS pads, but with this I'd better not!

Joe

Hi,

yes, I used sewing machine oil :)
And it works just great. I've cleaned my pots 3 or 4 months ago (they
were in a really bad shape) and my wheel still works like new.

Now way, I am not opening that thingie again. I really hate the glue TM
puts on their screws :) and as I said, there is no need to do that.

Erm, I've closed the pots when putting them back ;)

Regards,

Tadej Krevh

I cleaned mine on my grinder in the garage. Now I can't find the
goddam things, just this 'lil pile of metal shavings.

Rick

Thanks for the info Bruce.  I originally followed the WD-40 advice
offered by persons unknown and blamed the short life span on cheap
parts.  Went to radio $hack last night and got some Tuner Control
cleaner & lube and the Wheel is working great again.  Hadn't thought of
it collecting dust as I figured it was enclosed in it's own pot & the
wooden box that I made my wheel of (complete with sawdust, sigh).  

   Steve-S

Ps.  Humble apologies to everyone to whom I suggested WD-40.

Okay.....your loss.
If the pedal unit is on the floor then believe me when I say that dirt
and dust is getting into the actual potentiometer unit.  Also believe me
when I tell you that you have not "cleaned" the carbon ring/brass wiper
by using sewing machine oil: you have lubricated the components and left
an efficient dust-attracting residue.  The carbon ring will be eroded
away in half the time as it would under normal usage and cleaning.  It's
accuracy will also degrade and you will have to "clean" it more often.

This information comes to you free-of-charge from an ex-electronics
technician.
--
Regards,
---
Bruce.

The Grand Prix Legends Historic Motor Racing Club:-
http://www.netspeed.com.au/brucek/legends/

No problem, Steve.
Glad you could use a few words of wisdom from an oldie! :-)
--
Regards,
---
Bruce.

The Grand Prix Legends Historic Motor Racing Club:-
http://www.netspeed.com.au/brucek/legends/

David Martin