Wired lav capsule leak

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Philip Ulanowsky

Freshman
Aug 2, 2014
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I just went to check my gear for some upcoming interviews and found that a AA had leaked in a wired Sony lav capsule. There is almost no white build-up on the contacts; instead, the chamber has a kind of viscous coating that has interacted with the black paint or surface of the plastic battery holder, so that under the battery the insulated wires (red) were exposed when I wiped the black paint/plastic residue from the chamber with a Q-tip. I have yet to test; the insulation looks OK, but I wanted to ask if this is a matter for repair (if worth it; I paid $50 for the mic on Ebay some years ago), or if I can recoat chamber over the wires myself with something, after cleaning it up.

Thanks.
 
Re: Wired lav capsule leak

Gee, 126 views and no response?
I did test the mic, and it is working. On closer inspection, I discovered that there are three insulated wires and that they are protected by a clear plastic covering, which apparently blocked the leak. The blue corrosion I found near the ends, though not, for the most past, on the contacts, appears not to have done visible damage; I haven;t tried to dissassemble the entire mic; out of my league.

I guess time will tell. I just thought someone else might have some experience with this issue.
 
Re: Wired lav capsule leak

I'd say you got your $50 out of it years ago. If it works, keep using it, but I'd have a hardwired back at the ready, as you always should. In the mean time, do a proper cleaning of the corrosion: http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-out-corroded-batteries/ . And in the future always remove batteries from it when it's not being used, especially when it's going to be long enough to corrode like that.
 
Re: Wired lav capsule leak

Batteries can leak at any time, without much warning. It happens. It's good practice to remove them if the equipment isn't being used for any period, but isn't always practical.

When they do leak, the best you can do is clean out as much of the material as possible. If you can open up the device, it's even better, as you can get in and clean more out. Usually the damage isn't too severe, although it can cause certain plastics to erode or warp. Metal can usually be cleaned, although it may then be more susceptible to corrosion in the future, so keep an eye on the contacts.

If you only spent $50 on the mic, it's not an end of the world loss if it dies on you.
 
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