Goop

[greiswig]

There has been a fair amount of discussion about using the right RTV to goop sections of amps; avoid RTV that produces acetic acid as it vulcanizes.

Most people don't need to goop, but I found in my build that there might be a couple of reasons to do so:

1. Some of the capacitors can be microphonic. This might result in some unwanted resonances.
2. Mechanical - for reliability, it might help to anchor capacitors to each other or to the board so that the leads don't become mechanically stressed over time.

Instead of RTV in my build, I am using poster putty. It seems to be a great insulator, but I don't rely on that...I don't have it between any of the leads on the board or anything. But I can wrap it around adjacent coupling caps where it seems to really help with the microphonics, and wedge it between the PS caps where it adds some mechanical stability.

Hope this helps someone...Lord knows I've gotten enough tips here from you.

[briane]

I use a glue gun, same reason. Keep the little parts from shaking around, making microphonics or stressing the leads. Those caps can be heavy, want to keep them in place.

[greiswig]

I use a glue gun, same reason. Keep the little parts from shaking around, making microphonics or stressing the leads. Those caps can be heavy, want to keep them in place.

I thought about that, but the glue I've seen in glue guns is pretty darn adhesive, and also softens up at the temps the amp runs at, doesn't it?

The poster putty doesn't melt at all, and it doesn't destroy things when you pull it off.

[Joost]

I use a glue gun, same reason. Keep the little parts from shaking around, making microphonics or stressing the leads. Those caps can be heavy, want to keep them in place.

I thought about that, but the glue I've seen in glue guns is pretty darn adhesive, and also softens up at the temps the amp runs at, doesn't it?

The poster putty doesn't melt at all, and it doesn't destroy things when you pull it off.

How about using non-acidic caulk for all those parts?

[ToneMerc]

I use a glue gun, same reason. Keep the little parts from shaking around, making microphonics or stressing the leads. Those caps can be heavy, want to keep them in place.

I thought about that, but the glue I've seen in glue guns is pretty darn adhesive, and also softens up at the temps the amp runs at, doesn't it?

The poster putty doesn't melt at all, and it doesn't destroy things when you pull it off.

How about using non-acidic caulk for all those parts?

Or you could follow Dumbles lead and use black or blue Permatex RTV

[ericlee]

Why so much trouble?
You can buy special electric component sealant like this
[img1024]http://images.maplin.co.uk/full/n71bz.jpg[/img]

Specs here - http://www.maplin.co.uk/silicone-adhesive-sealant-46001

[greiswig]

I guess part of my point is the word "removable." The putty comes off easily, so if you need to tweak parts, do repairs, etc., then it is much easier to deal with something that doesn't cling like a Dallas callgirl to an oil tycoon.

[briane]

I thought about that, but the glue I've seen in glue guns is pretty darn adhesive, and also softens up at the temps the amp runs at, doesn't it?

I just grab some pliers and I can get rid of it if need be.

its the tubes and OT that make 99% of the heat, and in my builds I tend to go tube up. no issue there, heat rises.