DX Engineering recently had a customer report that he applied typical household window cleaner (e.g., Windex) to the TFT LCD (liquid-crystal display) of his Yaesu FTDX10, resulting in the touchscreen no longer working.
For our answer on what you should use to clean screens with TFT, we went straight to the source.
Here is what Yaesu recommends, per the operation manuals, for the TFT LCD screens on its FTDX10, FT-991A, FT-710 AESS, FTX-1 Series,FTdx-101D, and other transceivers:
“If your TFT liquid-crystal display becomes dirty, please use a dry soft cloth or tissue to wipe the display clean. If it is extremely dirty, moisten it with water or lukewarm water and wipe it off with a soft cloth that has been wrung out lightly. Use of glass cleaners, household cleaners, organic solvents, alcohol, abrasives, and/or like substances may damage the TFT liquid-crystal display.”
What is TFT?
TFT stands for thin-film transistor—a technology used to enhance image quality in devices including ham radio transceivers, televisions, computer monitors, and mobile phones.
Using Windex or other glass cleaners with ammonia and alcohol can damage the coatings on a TFT LCD screen. In addition to the possibility of rendering the touchscreen inoperable, use of these non-recommended products can cause streaks, discoloration, and cloudiness. Additionally, avoid using paper towels and abrasive applicators that can leave scratches on the TFT LCD. Some manufacturers also warn against the use of tissues. If moistening a soft dry cloth for more serious dirt removal, it is preferred to use distilled water rather than tap water that may leave a residue.
Other recommended steps for cleaning your transceiver’s TFT LCD:
- Always consult your individual radio’s operation manual for best cleaning practices or contact the manufacturer directly. If you’re not 100% sure what you’re using is okay, better to be safe than sorry.
- Power off and unplug the transceiver; disconnect any external devices.
- Wipe gently in a circular motion; avoid applying excessive pressure—this can be particularly harmful to touchscreens (a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth is preferred).
- If using a slightly moistened cloth, allow the screen to air dry before turning the transceiver back on.
- Avoid spraying liquids directly onto the screen.
- Regular screen maintenance to prevent buildup is recommended.
Popular transceiver models from Alinco, Elecraft, FlexRadio, Icom, Kenwood, and others also come with LCD TFT screens. In addition, RigExpert Antenna Analyzers feature TFT displays.
Station Maintenance/Protection Products Available at DX Engineering
DX Engineering carries a nice selection of contact cleaners for maintaining sensitive electronics and enhancing performance, weatherproofing tape and kits, and other applications to protect your amateur radio investment, including Jet Lube SS-30 Pure Copper Anti-Seize—an absolute must-have for protecting mechanical assemblies of aluminum tubing, general hardware, and copper grounding systems. Also available are microfiber cleaning cloths.
