How to store (short-term) old computers?

From: Don Maslin <donm_at_cts.com>
Date: Sun Jul 27 18:47:00 2003

On Sat, 26 Jul 2003, Rick Bensene wrote:

> 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.

Frankly, I would worry more about possible damage being incurred
during this installation than I would about temperature cycles.

                                                - don

> 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 Sun Jul 27 2003 - 18:47:00 BST