Whiskers on Roberts Radio (table model) chassis - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

stephanie · 10th Apr 2006, 5:01 pm

Has anyone who owns one of these Roberts RM-33 (and similar) radios noticed the rapid growth of "whiskers" on the metal frame that holds the main PC board and power supply components?

When I went over mine about 6 months ago, I wiped the metal frame down with some tissue moistenened in naptha (cigarette lighter fuel).

I opened it up yesterday by request of our resident NASA expert (the guy studying this stuff) and dear God, they've come back.

I went to open up my RM-20 and it also has the same problem, as far as I could peek in without pulling the guts out.

Anyone think that possibly cleaning the metal and then coating it with some sort of paint or primer might stop this from re-occurring?

ukcol · 10th Apr 2006, 6:25 pm

Hi Stephanie

I've just taken the back off my RM33 and all the metal works looks clean with no sign of whiskers.

I wonder how much environment effects whisker growth. My RM33 is kept in my workshop, which is a large wooden shed that I keep heated at a low temperature to prevent condensation. Perhaps whisker growth is sensitive to temperature and/or humidity?

stephanie · 10th Apr 2006, 6:29 pm

I don't know. I know my '33 lived in someone's bathroom. I don't know where the 22 came from - I got it off E-bay, but it's full of cobwebs so it may have been stashed in some loft or basement for a few years. The back covers on both are noticeably warped.

Both, however are now kept in my living room, a relatively warm and comfortable area.

10th Apr 2006, 5:01 pm	#1
stephanie Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: New Bern, North Carolina, USA Posts: 346	Whiskers on Roberts Radio (table model) chassis Has anyone who owns one of these Roberts RM-33 (and similar) radios noticed the rapid growth of "whiskers" on the metal frame that holds the main PC board and power supply components? When I went over mine about 6 months ago, I wiped the metal frame down with some tissue moistenened in naptha (cigarette lighter fuel). I opened it up yesterday by request of our resident NASA expert (the guy studying this stuff) and dear God, they've come back. I went to open up my RM-20 and it also has the same problem, as far as I could peek in without pulling the guts out. Anyone think that possibly cleaning the metal and then coating it with some sort of paint or primer might stop this from re-occurring?

10th Apr 2006, 6:25 pm	#2
ukcol Rest in Peace Join Date: May 2003 Location: Harlaxton, Lincolnshire, UK. Posts: 3,944	Re: Whiskers on Roberts Radio (table model) chassis Hi Stephanie I've just taken the back off my RM33 and all the metal works looks clean with no sign of whiskers. I wonder how much environment effects whisker growth. My RM33 is kept in my workshop, which is a large wooden shed that I keep heated at a low temperature to prevent condensation. Perhaps whisker growth is sensitive to temperature and/or humidity?

10th Apr 2006, 6:29 pm	#3
stephanie Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: New Bern, North Carolina, USA Posts: 346	Re: Whiskers on Roberts Radio (table model) chassis I don't know. I know my '33 lived in someone's bathroom. I don't know where the 22 came from - I got it off E-bay, but it's full of cobwebs so it may have been stashed in some loft or basement for a few years. The back covers on both are noticeably warped. Both, however are now kept in my living room, a relatively warm and comfortable area.