[R-390] Re: storage question

[Tom Norris]

Plain brown clay cat litter is a good desiccant.  That's what "old
fashioned" non-silica desiccant is.  Dry a small coffee can's worth of
clay by spreading out on a baking sheet or two and cooking in a closed
oven at low heat for a couple days or longer.  Pour into muslin bags
and place in and around gear when packing.

The more the merrier as far as this goes.  Unless the item is
hermetically sealed, I'm not sure how long the desiccant will last so
be sure to re-bake, renew and reseal on a regular basis.  Not sure
what the guidlines are on that.

Tom NU4G

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On Dec 16, 2005, at 4:31 PM, Barry Hauser wrote:

Chances are the low temperatures won't hurt anything, but the changes
in temperature at certain times of the year with the combination of
high humidity may result in condensation.  With commercial gear (and
some military) the moisure from condensation may contribute to surface
corrosion.

I would suggest, if possible, sealing in plastic bags -- in dry
conditions -- with some dessicant bags tossed in.  Not sure where to
buy new ones, but the old ones from mil packing can be rejuvenated by
drying slowly in an oven.  When sealed in with the equipment the
dissicant will absorb out any residual moisture.

On the other hand, maybe excessively low humidity will dry out your
capacitors ;-)

Barry

----- Original Message ----- From: "Kenneth" <crips01 at msn.com>


This does not concern my R390A but other vintage electronics I have, test
gear and some non-operational receivers.  I need to move them into my
un-heated garage.  I am not so worried so much about the Military gear but
there is some non milspec test gear.  The temperatures at this time of the
year can go to 20 below zero F but normally will stay above zero F.  Will
storage at such low temperatures harm these old rig's.

                     Ken de W7ITC