How to store (short-term) old computers?

From: Rick Bensene <rickb_at_bensene.com>
Date: Sat Jul 26 20:54:00 2003

Hello, all,

I am in the process of building a new home. However, the process isn't
simple. We can't afford two mortgage payments at once. So, we are
building a nice shop building on our property first.
We'll then move a bunch of our stuff into the shop building, and live in
a motor home on the property once our current house sells. Then, we'll
begin building the house.

I'm looking for advice on how to properly prepare a couple of vintage
computers and periperals
for storage in the shop. The shop will be insulated and sheetrocked. I
plan on having a propane
heater, and a 1-ton air conditioner to keep the temperature reasonably
well controlled during
the winter and summer. The floor is a concrete slab, and won't be
covered initially. When the equipment first moves in, the insulation
and sheetrock, as well as heat & AC might not be in yet.
It all depends on the timing of the sale of our current house. Given
that there might not be
good temperature control (temps could get pretty cold in winter, and hot
in summer) is there
special prep. that should be done to assure safe storage?

I have a PDP8/e system with two RK05 drives, a dual RX01 floppy drive
system, and a paper tape reader/punch. I also have a PDP11/34A, with
two RL02 drives, three RK05 drives, and an RX02 dual floppy drive
system.

Both machines are mounted in original DEC racks.

My guess is that the machines will have to remain in stasis for a period
of about 12 months or so before I'll be in a position to be able to
revive them.

Any recommendations as to how I should prepare these machines for
moving, then storage?

Moving them in the rack could be a bit of a problem. Would it be better
to unrack the devices
for moving, then put them back in the racks for storage?

There'll probably be bugs that will be able to get into the equipment
which it is in storage?
Should I wrap the racks up in some kind of wrap to prevent bug-type
critters from getting inside?
If so, do I have to be concerned about condensation or 'stale air'
causing any problems?
Perhaps a couple of good-sized dessicant packs should be put in there if
I seal them up?

I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who's had good luck with short-term
storage of old computers.

Thanks,
Rick Bensene
Received on Sat Jul 26 2003 - 20:54:00 BST