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HP Forum Archive 15

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Question about lifespan of refurbished card readers
Message #1 Posted by Namir on 5 Mar 2006, 10:52 a.m.

Hi all,

I want to ask the folks that fix card readers. What is the expected lifespan of these refurbished card readers:

1. HP-65 card reader 2. HP67 card reader 3. HP-97 card reader 4. HP-41C card reader

All your feedback is appreciated.

Namir

      
Re: Question about lifespan of refurbished card readers
Message #2 Posted by Katie Wasserman on 5 Mar 2006, 11:03 a.m.,
in response to message #1 by Namir

I have repaired all 4 readers that you mention (using silicon tubing from Small Parts - part # 210005) about 5-6 years ago and they're all still working fine.

            
Re: Question about lifespan of refurbished card readers
Message #3 Posted by Namir on 5 Mar 2006, 11:48 a.m.,
in response to message #2 by Katie Wasserman

That sounds impressive! Thanks Katie for your reply.

                  
Re: Question about lifespan of refurbished card readers
Message #4 Posted by David Smith on 5 Mar 2006, 11:54 a.m.,
in response to message #3 by Namir

I know of satellite in orbit for over 20 years with an off the shelf silicone rubber drive (yep, medical grade fuel line) on an instrument shutter. It was only needed to work a few months. It is exposed to the vacuum of space, atomic oxygen, nasty temperature swings etc and is still functioning. Another reason not to use o-rings in your rebuild jobs.

                        
Re: Question about lifespan of refurbished card readers
Message #5 Posted by Walter B on 5 Mar 2006, 12:40 p.m.,
in response to message #4 by David Smith

AFAIK there are silicone rubber o-rings, too. They were used in high vacuum applications.

Edited: 5 Mar 2006, 12:59 p.m.

                              
Re: Question about lifespan of refurbished card readers
Message #6 Posted by Bernhard on 6 Mar 2006, 11:49 a.m.,
in response to message #5 by Walter B

I use silicon rubber tubes, too. Same kind of tube is on my desoldering station now for 20 years with no signs of wear or decomposition despite of the desoldering fumes. I expect card readers repaired with such tubes to last until the motor or gears themselves give up.

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