Re: Advice on storing controller cards

["Mark Cummings" <NOTfigjams@primus.com.au>]

"Jason Whorton" <jason at microxl.com> wrote in message
v9olnvehigar32@corp.supernews.com">news:v9olnvehigar32@corp.supernews.com...
>
> "Scott Alfter" <salfter@salfter.dyndns.org> wrote in message
> news:wbYma.55$X44.4@fed1read07...
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> > In article <415248.SYWSMFBQ@news.telusplanet.net>,
> > Simon Williams  <*email*@*luddite.ca*> wrote:
> > >I have a bit of a collection of Apple II peripheral cards that I'm not
> > >using at the moment (sorry, nothing rare or collectible). I was
> > >wondering what is the best way to store them. I understand that
material
> > >that is prone to static discharge should be avoided... I was thinking
to
> > >just wrap them in tissue paper and then put them in heavy duty freezer
> > >bags. Is that safe?
> >
> > Antistatic bags would be best, but aluminum foil would work as well.  If
> you
> > use foil, I suspect you'd want to enclose that in a plastic bag or
plastic
> > wrap to protect the foil.
>
> NOOOOO!!!!  Do not use aluminum foil.  That is not the way to go, and it
> does not work as well!!!  Some contacts can make contact and do damage.
Do
> not use aluminum foil.  Just don't do it.
>     If you can, take off the batteries.  If you can, find a little pack of
> silica gel (those packs that say do not eat) to use to absorb any moisture
> (dessicant).
>
> Hope this helps,
> Jason Whorton

the way that the anti static bags work is that the plastic is lined with a
semi conductive metallised coating which helps even out the charges on the
inside of the bag. so using aluminium foil can work well provided there is
no battery on the card. Also not many Apple II cards do have a battery. the
problem with using foil is that it conducts through the foil where the anti
static bag does not.

normal (non anti static) plastic bags are the worst possible solution
because it is impossible to remove any charges on the surface of the
plastic. even placing it in contact with another earthed metal surface will
not remove the charge. like wise the outside of anti-static bags is a no-no
as they are not normally coated. this is a common error that people fall
into when they remove a card from an anti-static bag and sit it on the
outside of the bag. don't do it.

paper generally does not hold much charge becauase it tends to absorb any
humidity making it slightly conductive.

conductive materials do not hold surface charges therfore your best option
in order is:
1. an anti-static bag.
2. paper or foil (depending on batterys.)

don't use plain plastic.

Mark