Attic storage

[Guests]

Hi guys,

Do/have any of you guys store pcb's etc in the attic? I'm not really a fan of it due to heat/cold but it's getting to the point where I no longer have any choice as pcbs & monitors are taking over. I have numerous NIB monitors I need moving out of the way, DK pcb's, Defender & Robotron board sets that i'm thinking of putting up there.

Good or bad?

Cheers,

Al

 

[IDCHAPPY]

Most lofts are pretty well insulated these days dude, should be ok if kept sealed?

 

[Chain]

I would suggest putting them in zip bags with some silca-gel bags (I always keep the ones stuff comes with and heating them gently in an oven dries them out enough to reuse) also make sure they are supported (so they don't warp).

I have stored PCB's that way for sometime (years) without issue, although these were old Computers and Consoles (remember remove all NiCad batteries though!).

But I'm open to suggestions too as I worry about anything and everything

 

[adebov]

I'd be more worried about cold temperatures in the winter (causing condensation issues).
Most electronics are ok to be stored up to around 40 degreesC, but will corrode if condensation forms as the air temperature falls to dewpoint, and lofts can get pretty cold (they don't fit pipe lagging for a joke these days).

A good tip (to prevent the loft from getting too cold) is to pop the loft hatch a bit (but that kind of defeats some of your loft insulation).

 

[guddler]

Mine are all up there - like you I have little choice. And actually, my roof is the original from 1926 so not even got a felt lining. Every PCB - well, the ones I care about anyway - is in an anti-static bubble-wrap bag and then they're all in 4 or 6 (i forget) large plastic crates with lids on. About 100 or so I think. All choice titles like Tempest, Namco Classics etc. Although that one is worth so much it lives in it's own box

They'll be fine. And at the end of the day, what else can i do?? Nothing.

 

[Bensonrad]

I guess if pcbs are still working from barn raids which have probably been exposed to very cold temperatures and hot, loft is a fairly safe bet. I've always insisted on keeping mine in the bedroom, my paperboy and outrun pcb collective is never far from me when I sleep haha

 

[Guests]

I'd better board out some more of my loft then chaps

Thanks for your input

Al

 

[Alpha1]

Keep all my stuff in the attic. I have some pix - never had an issue. Only the floor is insulated - the rafters aren't. all pcbs are wrapped in pink bubble wrap though which no doubt protects them from the elements!

 

[Milky]

Might be daft but, what about the usual anti - static bag, then bubble wrap then a vacuum sealed bag? No air in there, none can get in, therefore condensation can't form?
Like these things: http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/8753971.htm

Overkill?