Kearsarge 402 timer

[Mainecoonmaniac]

I own a used Kearsarge 402 timer that has issues with programming the time. If I use the keypad to enter the time then punch "E" to confirm the time, it switches to the next channel instead. If I'm persistent, the time will stick. It just started acting up recently. I wonder if I can fix it or toss it due to its age? It's a great timer otherwise.

 

[Hilo]

Sounds like it could use some cleaning inside, where the buttons are placed. Just give it to someone who understands these electronics.

I use two 301 Kearsarge timers that I bought new in the eighties, and would try everything before ditching them.

 

[bdial]

Radio Shack spray contact cleaner has worked well for me in the past. Much depends on how the keypad or switch is constructed though. If you are confident in looking at the guts of electro-mechanical gadgets, open it up and see what's what.

 

[Mainecoonmaniac]

Thanks for the tip! I think I'll open the timer up to take a look. I'm someone familiar with electronics and I have a brother that works at Intel as a chip engineer. Though very old, the Kearsarge timer is an awesome piece of equipment. I love being able to store times in the channels. Makes burning in prints way easier. I'm hoping the insides are a little dusty and a good cleaning will make it happy again.

 

[Mainecoonmaniac]

I opened up my timer with the encouragement of Hilo and bdial. There was a dead bug inside and some dust. Used come compressed air to blow the circuit board and the buttons out. Now it works normally again. Sure old technology inside, but it's sure robust. Thanks for all your help!

 

[scheimfluger_77]

"...a dead but..."? Whose?

 

[bdial]

Great news!
BTW, that is pretty much exactly how the term "software bug" came into being.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_Hopper

 

[scheimfluger_77]

I was pretty sure that's what he meant, but I was unaware of the computer connection.

 

[Mainecoonmaniac]

I meant bug

"...a dead but..."? Whose?

Being dyslexic sucks. Dysgraphia too.

But I debugged my timer. I've heard roaches do a number on electronic gear.

 

[scheimfluger_77]

Being dyslexic sucks. Dysgraphia too.

But I debugged my timer. I've heard roaches do a number on electronic gear.

Sorry, didn't mean to offend.