Ref: 03250339
Title: Failures due to Edge Connector Corrosion; Proper Cleaning
Date: 2/15/88

Copyright 3Com Corporation, 1991.  All rights reserved.

Read/write and other intermittent failures may be caused by
corrosion of PCB edge connectors.  On the tape unit, for example,
an accumulation of R/W errors causes an 03 media error.

Sometimes just changing a cable which requires reinserting a
connector will make the problem disappear for the time being.
However, we recommend cleaning and lubricating the connectors.

The failure mode is called "fretting corrosion."  TexWipe makes a
product called "GoldWipe" which does an excellent cleaning job.
It is extremely important to use the correct product as the gold
contacts MUST be LUBRICATED after cleaning or you are likely to
experience real problems after a number of months.

The TexWipe product is a combination cleaner/lubricant and meets
most in-plant safety standards.  Other manufacturers may make a
similar product, but check to be sure it is a cleaner AND
lubricant designed for use with gold contacts.
