Contact spray on mic packs in high-humidity environment

D

Daniel Postilnik

Junior
Jan 14, 2011
304
1
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37
San Francisco, CA
Hi folks,

I'm looking for ways to increase the working life of the mic packs and headsets in use at a chain of fitness studios. The classes in which the headsets/packs are being used become very humid, mostly from sweating humans, which is occasionally exacerbated by A/C issues. Currently the SOP is to spray the mic pack connector (T4, Shure ULX1) and the end of the headset (Shure WH20) with contact cleaner once a week and exercise the plug into the connector 15 times after spraying.

However, I'm noticing there is still a significant level of corrosion building up. I have suggested to some that it might be a good idea to spray the connections gently at the end of each 45 minute class. Mic packs are rotated, but sometimes one may end up being used back-to-back.

Are there any dangers to using contact spray this frequently, as long as the unit is powered down?

Thanks.
 
Re: Contact spray on mic packs in high-humidity environment

How long are they lasting? and are the packs fine other than the connector?

the connectors on the beltpack are VERY easy to replace (less than 5 mins, no soldering, all you need is a screwdriver) and not that expensive.

And it sounds like you're probably going through headsets quick enough that they'll be garbage before the connector needs fixing.

Jason
 
Re: Contact spray on mic packs in high-humidity environment

Jason Lavoie said:
How long are they lasting? and are the packs fine other than the connector?

the connectors on the beltpack are VERY easy to replace (less than 5 mins, no soldering, all you need is a screwdriver) and not that expensive.

And it sounds like you're probably going through headsets quick enough that they'll be garbage before the connector needs fixing.

Jason
Click to expand...

I didn't realize you could replace the connector so easily. I guess that would be worth trying. And if the issue is with moisture or corrosion inside the pack (as it probably is with one I just got a call about; at first it turned on, blinked PEAK, then turned off, and now won't turn on at all), then no amount of contact cleaner is going to protect it.

The headsets do get trashed, and they are considered consumables. I just started this job so I'm still getting a sense of the expectations for the mic packs.
 
Re: Contact spray on mic packs in high-humidity environment

Daniel Postilnik said:
Hi folks,

I'm looking for ways to increase the working life of the mic packs and headsets in use at a chain of fitness studios. The classes in which the headsets/packs are being used become very humid, mostly from sweating humans, which is occasionally exacerbated by A/C issues. Currently the SOP is to spray the mic pack connector (T4, Shure ULX1) and the end of the headset (Shure WH20) with contact cleaner once a week and exercise the plug into the connector 15 times after spraying.

However, I'm noticing there is still a significant level of corrosion building up. I have suggested to some that it might be a good idea to spray the connections gently at the end of each 45 minute class. Mic packs are rotated, but sometimes one may end up being used back-to-back.

Are there any dangers to using contact spray this frequently, as long as the unit is powered down?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Dielectric grease on the connector prior to mating should help keep the moisture out...
 
Re: Contact spray on mic packs in high-humidity environment

Rob Timmerman said:
Dielectric grease on the connector prior to mating should help keep the moisture out...
Click to expand...

+1

Contact cleaners generally leave no residue and will in fact sometimes speed up the corrosion process. Greases and contact lubricants protect from corrosion, and in a harsh environment one really need to pretend one is in a salty marine environment and act accordingly. Some products will of course turn some plastics and adhesives into goo if applied generously, so a bit of caution is needed.
 
Re: Contact spray on mic packs in high-humidity environment

Scott Helmke said:
The standard approach for sweaty theatrical shows is to cover the entire pack, including the connector, in an unlubricated condom. An alternative would be a rubber exam glove.
Click to expand...

It should be noted that this approach requires the pack to be inverted to be most effective (and means you can't use the clip on the pack). Won't help with humidity, but works well against liquid sweat.
 
Re: Contact spray on mic packs in high-humidity environment

The health club I deal with uses a some kind of neoprene belt + pouch for the wireless packs. They don't use a condom or glove, but there's really not so much moisture damage since they're using a water resistant pouch. The most common problem is the wire getting worn out where it comes out of the connector.
 
Re: Contact spray on mic packs in high-humidity environment

Put the condom on first, then put the clip back on. I haven't had any functionality issues from the clip prongs poking through back into their little mounting holes.
 
Re: Contact spray on mic packs in high-humidity environment

Folks,

I've decided on a two-product solution.

To clean the salt residue that accumulates on the connector I will use a strong alcohol and apply with mascara brush:
Isopropyl Alcohol | MG Chemicals

After the residue is cleaned, or when new mic packs are put into rotation, I will apply a coating of clear silicone grease with mascara brush:
Silicone Grease | MG Chemicals

The grease was recommended by Rob Timmerman. I decided to use the alcohol because I'm seeing more of a salt residue than serious oxidation.
 
Re: Contact spray on mic packs in high-humidity environment

Daniel Postilnik said:
Folks,
I've decided on a two-product solution.
Click to expand...

Sounds good, I normally buy the isopropyl/isopropanol out of a petrol station, as it is readily available and quite cheap. I always have a bottle handy, because it can be used to save most electronic equipment that has gotten wet. Even a pint of beer into a mixing desk can sometimes be fixed by chasing it with a couple of litres of isopropanol.
 
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