partypros said:
I am sorry to bother you too.. again I am brand new to this forum... I own 8 of the Tripp Lite Mark XII beacons. I use and used them for DJing for 26 years now and the guy who taught me back then used them for as long as I can recall.... Love them! But I am having an issue with all but 2 of the fixtures.. (i am down to only using two because of this) I have found that the contacts are bad... My lights are dimming. Some all the time and some are of but running for a few moments they get dim and then bright etc. I have replaced the brushes. But it still keeps happening.... Is my problem that metal ring that the brush presses on? I am guessing that is the problem.. What is that called so I can order it if that is the problem....? Or is there a simple way to clean the metal contacts? When I was a kid I think (not sure) I might have sprayed a little wd40 on it to clean off the brush dust. I know now that I should not do that. (again i cannot recall if i did or did not on some of them.) But knowing me back then... I more than likely did do that... Sad to say... Also the domes are a little dirty etc. Is there any cleaners you suggest for them? I have mainly clear domes and I put Jells over the lamps to give me multi color flashes... I miss them and want to bring them back from the dead. ( i do have places already to purchase parts.. i intend to buy extra brushes, belts, and lamps... and whatever you mention) Your help would be awesome! - Mark -
Never consider asking for advice on things like this a bother, Mark. You've come to the right place :thumbsup: ! I have to say, when I read you have EIGHT clear-domed Tripp-Lite Mark 12s, I dang near fell off my chair! That's awesome! They are the best AC-powered beacon on the market, and you got them when they were cheap compared to today's prices for the Tri-Lite branded Mark 12s.
For the domes, I would wash them with mild soapy water first, dry them off completely, and then apply some Mequiar's Plastx polish using a Mother's Powerball on a variable speed drill. You can find these items at any auto parts store.
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Polish at a slow to medium speed until the Plastx is mostly gone. If you have the domes off for polishing, work in managable sections instead of all at once. Much easier that way and less risk of unwanted messes or dome cracking. Hand-buff them dry with a clean, cotton cloth after polishing and the difference will be amazing! I'd do what Dan mentioned above and clean the contacts with his method. For added protection on the contacts and plates, apply CRC electronic cleaning spray after wiping all residue from the contacts clean (also found at any auto parts store).
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I do have a question for you: Do you have the Tripp-Lite Mark 12s that you have use the round bulb-holding plates, or the current version using the C-channel plates? I remember that earlier versions of the Mark 12 used the round plates then went to the C-channel design in later years, most likely during the 1980s. Post some pics of all those beasts if you get the chance, I'm super curious to see them
!
