----- Original Message -----
From: <Philip.Belben_at_powertech.co.uk>
To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers
<classiccmp_at_u.washington.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, 13 April 1999 6:02
Subject: Computer Storage
> Do I need to insulate / heat the building?
Not sure where you are, but I imagine insulation would be a good idea. My
experience with electronics/computers is that ideal storage is at a
relatively constant temperature, so extremes of heat (ie over 35c) or cold
(much below 10c) should be avoided where possible.
Some stuff is more tolerant, our Vax 6310 kept right on going despite the
a/c failing last summer during a long weekend. It was 44C in the computer
room on the Monday morning. The netware server in the same room died when
it's power supply failed, presumably due to overheating!
> Should I install a dehumidifier (I think I can get hold of one)?
If the place is damp you need to either seal up each machine with
dehumidifying agent inside the seal, or dehumidify the environment
it's in. Dust/spiders/roaches/mice etc can be a problem with long term
storage too.
> Do I need (for example) to wrap each computer up in plastic with a packet
of
> silica gel?
That's one way.....
> The rent is very cheap - L2 (about $3.30) per square foot per year, and
the
> building is only 10 min walk from my house. With luck, this will mean
that I
> shall soon have a house with room for me as well as my junk...
How big is this building? At that rate you could use quite a bit of it
without breaking the bank... That is cheap.
Cheers
Geoff Roberts
Computer Systems Manager
Saint Mark's College
Port Pirie, South Australia.
Email: geoffrob_at_stmarks.pp.catholic.edu.au
ICQ #: 1970476
Phone: 61-8-8633-8834
Mobile: 61-411-623-978
Fax: 61-8-8633-0104
Received on Tue Apr 13 1999 - 04:01:14 BST