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Which PDP-8, PDP-11, Etc., Components Require Protection from High Humidity?
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Bob Vines
Feb 28, 2013, 7:20:18 PM2/28/13
to
I've been storing my PDP-8s, PDP-11s, disk drive units, floppies,
etc., in my garage at about 45% relative humidity in an attempt to
prevent corrosion/deterioration. Finances are about to force me to
turn off my dehumidifier and I can't bring the *complete* machines
into the house.
Which components, modules, or other related items should I be most
concerned about protecting from high humidity? Which should I move
into my house? Magnetic core modules? Disk packs? Floppies? Etc.?
Any recommendations?
Thanks,
Bob
etc., in my garage at about 45% relative humidity in an attempt to
prevent corrosion/deterioration. Finances are about to force me to
turn off my dehumidifier and I can't bring the *complete* machines
into the house.
Which components, modules, or other related items should I be most
concerned about protecting from high humidity? Which should I move
into my house? Magnetic core modules? Disk packs? Floppies? Etc.?
Any recommendations?
Thanks,
Bob
Bob Koehler
Mar 1, 2013, 9:41:18 AM3/1/13
to
We store some items in Laramie, WY, because we don't have to worry
about humidity there. And storage is cheaper there. But since they
started there, shipping costs weren't an issue.
David Gesswein
Mar 1, 2013, 10:01:47 AM3/1/13
to
In article <fbbc7761-cc6c-472a...@k8g2000yqb.googlegroups.com>,
also. Paper will though thats not on your list. People have had problems
with 8/I style core going open thogh I don't know if humidity is the
problem. One of my 8/I's was stored in a unconditioned storage locker
before I got it. It has noticable cosmetic corrosion on some of the metal
and one core stack had an open wire but otherwise didn't hurt it too
bad. I suspect my straight 8 was also exposted to high humidity. Same
cosmetic corrosion though it also ate through the many of the front
panel bulb wires. Those wires are much thinner than later machines. The
DF32 platter was also corroded enough that it isn't usable. The DF32 is
nickel plated over somthing over aluminum and it looks like the plating
had pinholes where the underlying aluminum corroded.
If you can afford to set the dehumidifer to something like 70% to just take
off the peaks and ensure no condensing humidity that might help.
Bob Vines <bobvi...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>Which components, modules, or other related items should I be most
>concerned about protecting from high humidity? Which should I move
>into my house? Magnetic core modules? Disk packs? Floppies? Etc.?
>
I have seen mold on floppy media. I don't know if disk packs will mold
>
>Which components, modules, or other related items should I be most
>concerned about protecting from high humidity? Which should I move
>into my house? Magnetic core modules? Disk packs? Floppies? Etc.?
>
also. Paper will though thats not on your list. People have had problems
with 8/I style core going open thogh I don't know if humidity is the
problem. One of my 8/I's was stored in a unconditioned storage locker
before I got it. It has noticable cosmetic corrosion on some of the metal
and one core stack had an open wire but otherwise didn't hurt it too
bad. I suspect my straight 8 was also exposted to high humidity. Same
cosmetic corrosion though it also ate through the many of the front
panel bulb wires. Those wires are much thinner than later machines. The
DF32 platter was also corroded enough that it isn't usable. The DF32 is
nickel plated over somthing over aluminum and it looks like the plating
had pinholes where the underlying aluminum corroded.
If you can afford to set the dehumidifer to something like 70% to just take
off the peaks and ensure no condensing humidity that might help.
Rod Dorman
Mar 1, 2013, 2:17:23 PM3/1/13
to
In article <fbbc7761-cc6c-472a...@k8g2000yqb.googlegroups.com>,
Bob Vines <bobvi...@gmail.com> wrote:
Bob Vines <bobvi...@gmail.com> wrote:
silica gel or some other desiccant?
--
-- Rod --
rodd(at)polylogics(dot)com
Bob Vines
Mar 2, 2013, 3:34:52 PM3/2/13
to
On Mar 1, 9:41 am, koeh...@eisner.nospam.encompasserve.org (Bob
Koehler) wrote:
Bob - I'm in North-Central Florida where humidity is a real concern.
I found a 2010 list of the 10 most humid weather cities in the US
(http://voices.yahoo.com/10-most-humid-weather-cities-united-
states-6880650.html) -- Gainesville, Fla. is #5 at 76.5% and isn't too
far from here.
David - I'll probably move the disk packs inside along with the -8/E &
-8/A modules (and front panels). And I'll try resetting the
dehumidifier to ~70% to take off the peaks for the stuff that has to
stay in the garage.
Rod - I'll look into what the bags & desiccant would cost as an option
for things that I can't move inside. I suppose that garbage or leaf
bags closed with wire ties or similar will work until things look up
again.
Thanks all for your inputs!
Bob
Koehler) wrote:
I found a 2010 list of the 10 most humid weather cities in the US
(http://voices.yahoo.com/10-most-humid-weather-cities-united-
states-6880650.html) -- Gainesville, Fla. is #5 at 76.5% and isn't too
far from here.
David - I'll probably move the disk packs inside along with the -8/E &
-8/A modules (and front panels). And I'll try resetting the
dehumidifier to ~70% to take off the peaks for the stuff that has to
stay in the garage.
Rod - I'll look into what the bags & desiccant would cost as an option
for things that I can't move inside. I suppose that garbage or leaf
bags closed with wire ties or similar will work until things look up
again.
Thanks all for your inputs!
Bob
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