What liquid should I use to clean my water level sensor. The exposed part of the sensor gets dirty like it is oxidizing.
Here is the picture of my sensor
I would try concentrated Simple Green but don't scrub too hard or else you will destroy the traces.
Toy sensors like that will corrode quickly.
They are not suitable for constant exposure to water.
For that you need to look for capacitive sensors.
Leo..
The best way is to replace it. It changed value as it corroded and will change more if you clean it. I use floats as they are very reliable.
Thank you guys for your response, that was very helpful!
also consider ultrasonic sensors e.g. jsn-sr04t and time-of-flight-tof-distance-sensors
both have the advantage of not being in contact with the water
These tracks are made of copper.
Copper has an interesting characteristic: copper oxide prevents the copper from further corrosion, so my recommendation is that you do not remove this corrosion.
PS:
This is why it was often used in church towers in the medieval era.
You can also build your own sensor, using copper wires and using some resin to
fill the space between the wires.
PS:
"Copper oxide protects copper. Oxidation of copper forms a layer of copper oxide that, instead of corroding the copper, acts as a protective barrier against further corrosion.
Explanation:
When copper is exposed to air and moisture, it reacts with oxygen to form copper oxide (CuO). This layer of copper oxide, instead of dissolving away as in rust, adheres firmly to the surface of the copper and creates a protective layer that prevents further oxidation."
It seems like the patina would have significantly lower conductivity than bare copper which would affect the usability of it in a sensor based on conductivity. A capacitance based sensor would not be affected the same way.
Clean the copper traces with IsoPropyl Alcohol.
Purchase and use Dielectric Paste (0.5OZ tube for USD 5.00). Expensive, considering the task, but maybe one of your teachers has a tube.
[edit] I just read coin collectors store coins in mineral oil or wipe the coin with mineral oil before storing.
Powering the board only during measurement could extend the lifetime.
The board draws very little current, so an output pin could be used for that.
Leo..
I found this with DuckDuckGo: "Copper oxide can conduct electricity, but it is generally a poorer conductor compared to pure copper. The conductivity of copper oxide varies depending on its specific type, with copper(I) oxide being an insulator and copper(II) oxide having better conductive properties under certain conditions."
The copper traces are tin plated though.
These toy boards are just a learning tool, and should be discarded afterwards.
Leo..