Re: computer mothballing

[dnichols@d-and-d.com (DoN. Nichols)]

In article <3tpcbv$146@covina.lightside.com>,
Mark Iennaco  <dreamer@dreamersguild.com> wrote:
>The storage temperature per se should not be a problem.
>
>Operating chip have internal temperatures 30 degrees C 
>(or more) greater than ambient. So a turned off computer
>can be stored at a high temperature without the chips
>being any hotter than normal operation.

	However, other components may be less adapted to such extreme
temperatures.  The foam rubber used as springs in certain classes of
keyboards deteriorates over time, and elevated temperatures speed this
process.  Other rubber parts, such as drive belts and drive pucks (for
QIC-type tape cartridges) will also degrade faster at elevated
temperatures.  (Early floppy drives had drive belts, most recent ones are
direct drive.)

	If it gets hot enough, perhaps the pastic cases will deform.  (If
you don't mind Dali-eque computers, it might be interesting. :-)

	Also, it could hasten the migration of lubricants, bringing on cases
of "stiction" in hard drives.

	[ ... ]

>Use of dessicants, suggested in another post, can prevent the
>condensation problem, but it would be best to store the 
>equipment in an area with a stable temperature.

	Amen!

	Good Luck,
		DoN.

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