Anybody know what the white stuff between the transistor and heatsink from power amplifier? Where can i get those stuff.
Yes it isn't glue, it is thermal compound. It is a silicone grease studied to improve thermal conductivity between the device and the heatsink. Practically it makes better thermal contact between the device and the heatsink. Always use it, but in very small quantities, well distributed under the transistor. You can get it at electronics stores, PC repair shops, and even supermarkets. Look for "Silicone Grease" or "Silicone heat transfer compound". Be aware that it isn't cheap: I payed 6euros for just 30g of it.
it's also known as "Dow Corning" after the company that commonly makes it. You may be able to get it from a computer shop that sells CPU heatsinks.
It is silicon grease with extra stuff in it to improve heat conduction. Messy stuff, seems to migrate by itself! Buy it at any good electronic supplier.
'Heat sink compound' and it can be had at Radio Shack in a pen style applicator that is easy to use.
Just make sure it's fresh. Buying at a proper parts jobber is better that Radio Shack if you can. Replace the mica insultors while you are at it.
-Chris
-Chris
Everything Chris said. Plus, make sure your hands and the insulators are clean and free of any metal or grit.
jaycee said:
never heard of it refered to as that.... hmm....
you can also get silver stuff, which has better heat transfer properties. but I guess its upto you.
"Artic Silver" (IIRC) is the name of the silver kind my friend uses on the CPU's in his PC's..
It's supposed to be "the best" heatsink-goop(technical term 🙂 ) around.
It's supposed to be "the best" heatsink-goop(technical term 🙂 ) around.
Yup. A bit of Canada in a jar. Amps can't overheat up here!
-Just kidding of course.
Burned fingers made the most important point. The mounting surfaces must be clean and flat. That's more important than the brand of goo you decide on. Oh yeah, it gets everywhere, and keeps coming back.
-Chris
-Just kidding of course.
Burned fingers made the most important point. The mounting surfaces must be clean and flat. That's more important than the brand of goo you decide on. Oh yeah, it gets everywhere, and keeps coming back.
-Chris
Just somebody brings up the question :
Is there any glue, I mean real glue, for sticking smaill piece of heatsinks to some unexpected overheated components. Of couse they have to be good heat conductors but preferably non conductors for electriciity.
Is there any glue, I mean real glue, for sticking smaill piece of heatsinks to some unexpected overheated components. Of couse they have to be good heat conductors but preferably non conductors for electriciity.
Yes, there are: in fact many old PC CPU were attached to their heatsink with some kind of thermal glue. I have here in front of me a CPU with that glue; also I see on my RS catalogue that there is a glue called Heatsink Glue (850-984 in my old '97 catalogue)...
I always remember that Marantz 1060 (Chris knows what) which had some transistor heatsinked with Bostik glue. Go figure...
I always remember that Marantz 1060 (Chris knows what) which had some transistor heatsinked with Bostik glue. Go figure...
Thermally conductive epoxy. I use it sometimes (mine is blue). Made by different manufacturers in various strengths. Two part like regular epoxy. It works very well.
-Chris
-Chris
There is also thermal 2-way tape. It seems OK for non critical apps where it wouldn't be the end of the world if it were seperated. Again, you need surgically clean surfaces.
Hi mpmarino,
I haven't seen the tape. Cool.
I have grabbed the soldering iron by the wrong end when I'm tired & rushed. Hurts for a long time. Stinks too.
-Chris
I haven't seen the tape. Cool.
I have grabbed the soldering iron by the wrong end when I'm tired & rushed. Hurts for a long time. Stinks too.
-Chris
I sat my hand down on top of a hot soldering iron about 8 years ago. Won't forget that.... 
I still have a scar that runs half the lenth of the side of my hand. Lesson is don't be in such a hurry...it can set you back.
The bit about washing the heat sink compound from your hands when your done is good advise. The silicone base zinc oxide compound burns like heck if you accidentally rub your eyes.
I still have a scar that runs half the lenth of the side of my hand. Lesson is don't be in such a hurry...it can set you back.The bit about washing the heat sink compound from your hands when your done is good advise. The silicone base zinc oxide compound burns like heck if you accidentally rub your eyes.
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