Application Note 43 - Cameras & Video Production
- What is Stabilant 22?
- Stabilant 22 is an initially non-conductive block polymer which when used in a thin film
between metal contacts becomes conductive under the effect of an electrical field. This occurs
at an electric field gradient such that the material will remain non-conductive between adjacent
contacts in a multiple pin environment. In addition, Stabilant 22 exhibits surfactant action,
as well as lubrication ability providing a single component resident solution to virtually all
contact problems.
When applied to electromechanical contacts, Stabilant 22 can provide the connection reliability of a soldered joint without bonding the contact surfaces.
- Where can Stabilant 22 be used?
- Stabilant 22 can be used in all types of connectors, at frequencies from to DC to several gigahertz, on fader's or potentiometer's, or in non-inductive (non-arcing) power-interrupt switches. The number of uses are almost limitless.
- Why should we use Stabilant over less expensive alternatives?
- Granted that the material itself is expensive, however it is unique in having a very long useful life once in place. Unlike other so-called
contact treatments, Stabilant 22 will not cross-link (becoming varnish-like) under the action of sulfur based curing agents in
elastomers, cutting oil residues, or the sulfur-bearing free-machining metal alloys used in some contacts. In most types of service work,
the cost of the down-time involved in removing and replacing a board will be much greater than the cost of the Stabilant used to treat the
board. Here what is important is that not only will the proper board treatment cure existing contact problems, it will prevent others from
occurring, thus eliminating the necessity of repeating the treatment at a later date!
In other words, why do a job more than once?
- In what forms is Stabilant available?
- The Stabilants are available in several forms. As a concentrate (Stabilant 22), an isopropyl
alcohol-diluted form (Stabilant 22A), and an ethyl alcohol diluted form (Stabilant 22E).
For example, a given size container of Stabilant 22A will cost about one-fifth the amount of a
container of Stabilant 22 as it contains only one-fifth the amount of the concentrate. Another form
of packaging is available. Stabilant 22S packages the concentrate such that it occupies one-fifth the
volume of an otherwise empty container. This allows the end-user to add his own diluent, and thus saves the
added costs of shipping the diluent (e.g.: isopropyl alcohol), as well as allowing the end-user to use an
alternate diluent such as one of the Freon-based solvents.
In addition a 0.5 ml vial of Stabilant 22A is available for manufacturers to include with plug-in circuit boards - How are Stabilants used in Camera's, Video, Editing and even in HDTV equipment?
- As this type of equipment can be extremely complex, reliability of any connection is vital. Hold ups due to any type of malfunction is very costly, not only in a controlled environment such as a studio or stage; but in field conditions, delays can make rescheduling of shots almost impossible. If weather conditions are not stable, it is even more of a problem!
- How are Stabilants used in Motion Picture Production?
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- remote head slip rings
- all video terminals
- all rcu and fiz controls & cables
- electronic a.k.s.
- mags and camera bodies
- lens data system terminals
- cpu's, pc boards and computers
- moco data ports
When 15 minutes could mean $15,000, anything a technician can do to prevent a potential weak link or failure should be one of their primary concerns. Stabilant 22 is unlike any other terminal cleaner / treatment. Actually bridging those gaps to provide reliable signal paths. An essential tool for any good camera technician.
- How are Stabilants used in Video Production?
- In digital based production, often high resolution video projectors, such as the BARCO 909s
graphics , are used to screen clips or the entire movie; I have employed Stabilant even on the
old BARCO 401s to refurbish it. Some of the card-edge plug in boards were disabling the
synchronization that presented the three projection tubes from turning on. We tested the projector
completely, according to the manuals, then pulled the cards, one at a time, and applied Stabilant 22A.
When all the retainers were screwed in, we tried the projector and, this time the synchronization
functioned. The three projection tubes worked.
I have used the same procedure on later models, the BARCO 801s Graphics and the 808s Graphics with Iris. - How are Stabilants used in HDTV Production?
- Reliable connections are an essential part of the maintenance that is necessary to allow trouble-free viewing. As Stabilants are also employed in audio to both increase signal-to-noise ratios as well as reducing distortion, they are needed.
- How are Stabilants used in the wide band Optical Transmission of Signals to Remotely Located Theatres?
- BARCO now produces a theatre projection system that employs TI's modulation device; such as the D-Cine Premiere® DP40 that uses the State-of-the-Art high contrast Texas Instruments DLP unit. When a central location is used to provide wide bandwidth by the use of optical transmission to the on-line theatres, there are still an unbelievable number of electrical connection both at the source and the theatres themselves.
Revision 2
Stabilants™ are a product of Dayton Wright research & development and are made in Canada
NATO Supply Code 38948
15 ml of S22A has NATO Part # 5999-21-900-6937