maintaing sync cords?

Hi again, 

The camera equipment I've bought used has not been used for a while so the sync cord is in bad condition, the threads of the plugs is all green and needs a fresherup before I can take it under water again.

Anybody have any tips on how to maintain sync cords?

Mats

I'd suggest soaking them in warm water and using a tooth brush to clean them up. if they are really salted-up I've used a commercial salt remover called Saltex which is good. "Green" shouldn't be much of a problem to clean. It's usually hardened salt which is the issue.

PS: I'm assuming you've got and will put on the water-proof end caps on the cable first......

I'd suggest soaking them in warm water and using a tooth brush to clean them up. if they are really salted-up I've used a commercial salt remover called Saltex which is good. "Green" shouldn't be much of a problem to clean. It's usually hardened salt which is the issue.

 

PS: I'm assuming you've got and will put on the water-proof end caps on the cable first......

If the corrosion is on the threads, then putting the cap on sort of defeats the purpose since the cap covers the threads, No? I would use either vinegar or photography fixer (if you still have some) on a clean cloth to wet just the threads and then a brush to scrape off the corrosion. Then rinse with clean DI water on a clean cloth a few times to get the acid off.

Bill

If the contacts are corroded use rubbing alcohol (the 92% variety) and an eraser, carefully to clean them. Alcohol won't harm the wiring like one of the others might.

Jack

Over 2 years ago I managed jump off the boat without connecting the housing end of the strobe lead resulting in some corrosion.

Having cleaned it up there was some damage to the plating on the pins. I put a very small amount of copper grease on them to ensure a good electrical contact.

This was supposed to be a temporary fix for the trip but I'm still diving with it.

The camera equipment I've bought used has not been used for a while so the sync cord is in bad condition, the threads of the plugs is all green and needs a fresherup before I can take it under water again.

 

Anybody have any tips on how to maintain sync cords?

Mats,

If my sync cords were in "bad condition" I would replace them, because if the sync cords leaks it would flood the housing (with camera) and the strobe.

Elmer

If the corrosion is on the threads, then putting the cap on sort of defeats the purpose since the cap covers the threads, No? I would use either vinegar or photography fixer (if you still have some) on a clean cloth to wet just the threads and then a brush to scrape off the corrosion. Then rinse with clean DI water on a clean cloth a few times to get the acid off.

 

Bill

Doh. I must have had a senior moment then! Yeah, Bill is right of course. I don't know about fixer but white vinegar works well. You can use malt vinegar if you love the smell of English chips

It's not usually too difficult to clean the threads. But, yeah, probably better done without the caps on........

Mats,

 

If my sync cords were in "bad condition" I would replace them, because if the sync cords leaks it would flood the housing (with camera) and the strobe.

 

Elmer

Yes (many flash sockets are not waterproof and will allow water into the housing if flooded, AND such cords will inevitably fail at the worst possible moment. ALWAYS carry a spare syn cord and replace them as they show signs of wear/damage/corrosion. They are cheap in comparison to a dive trip!