Pots for MOIST environment

[dwizum]

Be sure you're using high quality pretinned wire. The tinning acts as a barrier to prevent the copper from being exposed to the environment, and can help stop corrosion from happening near the solder joint. I've had projects in moist environments where the copper corroded up inside the insulation near solder joints. Swapping to good pretinned wire eliminated that problem.

Also, it might make sense to use a washable flux and actually wash it off (with IPA). Standard electronics flux isn't the nicest chemical on the planet and definitely won't help your case.

 

[crobasster]

 

[Zooberwerx]

Almost forgot: don't forget to seal the lead channel in any dedicated flip-up battery boxes. This cold wave reminds me that we're attempting to "weather seal" against the elements (sweat!) first & foremost. I'm brainstorming a method of adding a gasket to the inner aspect of the control cover or recessed receiver (body). I'm leaning towards a rubber tape (think: pinstriping size) but what I'm finding is too thick.

Riis

 

[BassCajon]

I'm brainstorming a method of adding a gasket to the inner aspect of the control cover or recessed receiver (body). I'm leaning towards a rubber tape (think: pinstriping size) but what I'm finding is too thick.

I was thinking the gasket can be made by transferring the shape of the cavity to flat rubber neoprene stock and cut with a pair of scissors. Trim around it til it fits well, then add a thin bead of silicone to stick it on.. But then theres the blurb clearance to think about so you might need to compensate by making a thinner metal contrl plate like on some Danelectros.
I have heard that recessed shelf referred to as a "blurb" over two decades ago. I have used the term since and I still don't even know if it actually checks out.

 

[Zooberwerx]

I was thinking the gasket can be made by transferring the shape of the cavity to flat rubber neoprene stock and cut with a pair of scissors. Trim around it til it fits well, then add a thin bead of silicone to stick it on.. But then theres the blurb clearance to think about so you might need to compensate by making a thinner metal contrl plate like on some Danelectros.
I have heard that recessed shelf referred to as a "blurb" over two decades ago. I have used the term since and I still don't even know if it actually checks out.

I was hoping to find something that could be effectively re-purposed: compressible and adhesive so there's no mess. The closest I could find is the FlexSeal tape (...as seen on TV!!) but unsure of the thickness. Also found some on-line which is 1/64" thick and intended for automotive repair. A well-stocked engine repair shop may have some scrap.

I'll start using "blurb", as well.

Even if we do get the cavity sealed, there's a couple outliers that remain vulnerable, spec'ly battery terminals and the solder connections on pickups. Hey...I've got the gear necessary to draw a vacuum to ensure integrity!

Riis

 

[BassCajon]

Yeah a thin bead of silicone can still really get messy, i agree. Easier said than done.
Flex seal tape would probably be better as its widely available in different sizes.
For the terminals, what about that liquid electrical tape that was brought up around here recently? The one by Gardner bender is waterproof. Not sure if they all are.

As for blurb, it was said to me by a professional luthier.

 

[mrperkolator]

I work for an electronics company. Gear we design spends years outdoors in every environment, including jungles.

Whatever you do, you want to still be able to take things apart to clean. Two primary objectives are reduce the amount of water getting in, and dry up what water gets in. The DC voltage of active electronics will drive corrosion.

Salt only corrodes when water is present. Unfortunately, enough salt build up will pull water out of humid air.

• Sealed pots are a good idea.
• Get silicon grease to put on threads and nut of the pots after install. It keeps the threads from rusting and can fill in tiny gaps water might follow. Dielectric grease can reduce rust formation on any metal.
• Seal around the pickup with something. Maybe frog painters tape. It is ugly, but would be easy to put on and peel off.
• In the control cavity, put in desiccant packs. You routinely have to change them out, depending on how well things are sealed.

This is sorta related.... Would using sealed pots similar to link below (Bourns sealed) be a worthwhile upgrade? I'm about to redo a control circuit and I was curious about these

Bourns 500K Premium Sealed Audio Taper Guitar Pot