I haven't seen a thread that directly addressed this topic, forgive me if I missed something obvious in the search terms...
I have a Simplex impulse movement clock, which uses the same impulse movement as the old IBM/ITR systems with the "A" and "B" circuits. However, I've noticed that occasionally my clock stops advancing. I suspect this is because the contacts on the normally open and normally closed contacts may be a bit corroded, and I doubt the solenoid in the clock draws enough current to overcome the additional resistance.
In my other hobby, electromechanical traffic signal controllers, I have resolved this problem with some fine grit sandpaper folded in half. I simply sand the contacts a bit, which generally removes the dirt and not the actual metal contact surface. I then spray some electrical contact cleaner in there to clear out the grit.
That being said, I didn't know if there was perhaps a better method for these clocks. When I bench-tested this clock I did try adjusting the contacts a bit closer to the common terminal, but apparently that only worked for so long (about two days!). Just wanted to check in with the group to see what the pros do!
I have a Simplex impulse movement clock, which uses the same impulse movement as the old IBM/ITR systems with the "A" and "B" circuits. However, I've noticed that occasionally my clock stops advancing. I suspect this is because the contacts on the normally open and normally closed contacts may be a bit corroded, and I doubt the solenoid in the clock draws enough current to overcome the additional resistance.
In my other hobby, electromechanical traffic signal controllers, I have resolved this problem with some fine grit sandpaper folded in half. I simply sand the contacts a bit, which generally removes the dirt and not the actual metal contact surface. I then spray some electrical contact cleaner in there to clear out the grit.
That being said, I didn't know if there was perhaps a better method for these clocks. When I bench-tested this clock I did try adjusting the contacts a bit closer to the common terminal, but apparently that only worked for so long (about two days!). Just wanted to check in with the group to see what the pros do!