microdrive rubber roller

edited January 2012 in Hardware
where can one find replacement rubber roller?
is alcohol really ok for cleaning it?

thanks.

edit: I've searched a bit, and "Platenclene" seems to be good for cleaning.
IPA should be avoided.
Post edited by orange on

Comments

  • edited January 2012
    I've found this one:
    http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/DISTRIBUTED-BY-MCM-AP-9-/42-3250

    but not sure if it fits. anyone got precise measurements?
  • edited January 2012
    9mm sounds big, been a while since I had one open but it sure seemed smaller than that in diameter. Let us know if you try one and it works though.
  • edited January 2012
    I'm really really sure alchohol is fine for cleaning it.
  • edited January 2012
    RobeeeJay wrote: »
    I'm really really sure alchohol is fine for cleaning it.

    ok, I'll give it a go. IPA?
    but at one point, I'll have to replace it. so better have a spare.
    comparing to unused one (well half-used) it seems the roller lost a bit of radius.

    edit: I made some measurements, approx: 6mmX5mmX1mm (where 5mm is height)
  • edited January 2012
    My poison of choice for cleaning heads/pinch wheels has always been:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denatured_alcohol

    Finding a replacement wheel may prove a bit hit and miss. You really need exact measurements of the original un-worn one. Is there a Microdrive service manual anywhere that could have the dimensions in?
  • edited January 2012
    Greene King will definitely make it sticky and ruin the tape :razz:

    ;)
  • edited January 2012
    orange wrote: »
    ok, I'll give it a go. IPA?
    but at one point, I'll have to replace it. so better have a spare.
    comparing to unused one (well half-used) it seems the roller lost a bit of radius.

    I've used IPA for several years on them without any issues.

    Yes remember the roller can be turned upside down and used as a 'new' roller
  • edited January 2012
    RobeeeJay wrote: »
    Is there a Microdrive service manual anywhere that could have the dimensions in?

    Yes - it is here on WoS. Unfortunately the only description of the rollers is that they are "smooth wall" and made by R E components (maybe the OCR got it wrong and they meant RS Components?). I have read the booklet and can't see any measurements of the rollers. :-(

    From my experience Sinclair modified the microdrives during their manufacturing lifetime, so the later models are much better (and quieter) than the first issue.
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