Re: Batteries Leaked!

[fj834@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Dr. George A. Themelis) To: photo-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Regarding Stephen's problem with leaking batteries: 

1. I get viewers with contacts corroded by battery leak all the time. It is the no 1 problem in older viewers.

2. To clean contacts I use the same compount that I use the polish viewers but usually much more is needed... Mechanical polishing is in order. 

3. Because people followed the little schematic inside the viewer showing how to install the batteries and since most batteries leak from the top (+ pole) in certain viewers (red-button is one example) one contact is more often found corroded than the other a situation that lead to an out-of- stock situation in this part.

4. Newer alkaline batteries are much more resistant than older carbon ones. The best way to make them leak is to leave them in your car on a very hot day. They can stay for years in a viewer in the house without a problem. However, it is a good idea to take them out if the viewer is not going to be used for a year or so. 

5. Taking apart or (most important) putting back a model D VM viewer is a project that is not recommended to undertake without professional help. My book on this viewer has photographs and diagrams showing now to take the viewer apart, how to put it back and also what to do or where to lubricate when you put things back and also why are things (especially the electrical contacts) stacked the way they are. If you take the viewer apart down to the lenses (which must be cleaned from time to time) check if the lens barrel is coated with matte paint. In newer viewers (including the ones that came with the Chinese Art set) the barrel is not coated and that leads to distracting light reflections.

And while we are in the subject of the VM model D viewer, I'd recommend a halogen bulb. My shortened, diffused and available in two ratings screw- base halogen bulbs will fit in this viewer without any modifications. 

Now, about an upgrade on this VM transformer... OK, I'll stop here. 

George Themelis, fj834@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 


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