Re: Magnetic force

On 9/20/2024 2:07 PM, Joe Gwinn wrote:

The actual magnet will be on the cable end so the
"wipe clean" surface will not inherently be magnetized.
And, the cable end should be easier to manipulate, "scrub",
etc (even REPLACE) as it is "portable".

 That'll work so long as the magnet isn't too strong.

This argues AGAINST the use of a "dongle" as that would likely
find itself stored in pockets and other places where detritus
could accumulate.

A good way to clean stuff off a magnet pole is adhesive tape.

I usually use duct tape to pick up steel filings/shavings.
The cloth backing seems to "absorb" the bits better.

I'd take a rare earth magnet and roll it around on the floor of the
garage, and see what you catch.

The environment tends not to include metal bits -- unless
devices are installed in *metal* Jboxes that may have been
drilled for mounting.
Dirt (from hands) is more likely to be the contaminant.
And, will find its way into the smallest of cracks/seams.
(consider how tedious it is to clean a mouse, keyboard,
etc. so that it truly looks "clean enough to seem new")
I'd thought about disposable/replaceable "double-sticky"
pads that could be used to adhere the cable end to the
"equipment".  But, that would be tedious when you want
to connect to multiple devices and have to keep peeling
old pads off.  And, would likely leave adhesive residue
that would attract MORE than just dirt/oils from hands.
I'd also thought about semi-adhesive strips to deploy to PULL
the crud off of these surfaces but that assumes folks are aware
of how dirty the "look" AND how willing they are to maintain a
supply of "cleaning strips".