a good way to clean rusty USB

[graham.hobart]

after not being used for a while my hitech astro hub USB cable end, the bit that goes in the puter, is not working. I noticed it has rust inside it. How can I clean this ?
Graham

[redbeard]

HI Graham,

If it was me, I would chop off the end and solder a new one on. Rust means that water has got in there and water and electronic connections don't generally mix.

I would also check out the inside of the unit for any other signs of rust.

Generally a lightly rusted plug should still function. Perhaps try a sliver of emery board or fine wet and dry on a tooth pick as there are only 4 contacts that you need to clean.

Cheers,

Damien.

[Renato1]

Go to Jaycar Electronics and buy the small twin pack of Deoxit.
Read the instructions and apply the D100 fluid as often as needed till the rust comes off (using cotton buds). Then apply the G100 fluid to protect it.

Deoxit has fixed numerous radios, clocks, remote controls and even an expensive camera flash unit at my place, when the batteries have oxidized and damaged the terminals.
Regards,
Renato