Re: [ARSCLIST] FW: storage conditions radios, tv's, record players

["Steven C. Barr" <stevenc@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Watsky, Lance" <lwatsky@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Can anyone point me to information on the proper climate/storage
conditions for old radios, televisions, record players and the like?
>
Don't know anything on the web...but I can provide you with a few tips based
on personal
experience!

1) Items in wood cabinets should be treated like any wood
furniture...meaning
average humidity (too humid will cause various problems, while too dry will
cause shrinkage and separation of glued joints). Likewise, they should not
be
in direct sunlight, even coming through a window, as this can affect the
finish on the item.

2) Items in plastic cabinets should be kept out of high temperatures. Note
that some plastics distort naturally with age, but this process is
exacerbated
as temperatures rise. Also, see the warning about sunlight, which can not
only fade but distort some plastics!

3) Items with mechanical moving parts should have these cleaned and
lubricated
before storage (or display). Some lubricants solidify or stiffen with age,
causing parts to become NON-moving. Keep lubricants away from rubber items,
like idler wheels...and also remember that rubber parts deteriorate
naturally
as they age, sometimes becoming a gummy mess!

4) If at all possible, avoid stacking items one on top of another; if you
must, make sure that finishes of wood items are protected against scratches
or mars by using a layer of soft cloth on top of the lower item.

5) The main thing which can affect electronic components is excess humidity,
which can cause contacts and control surfaces (i.e. volume controls or
switches) to corrode and as a result make poor electrical contact. Keep
in mind that many old radios and other electronic gear used old-fashioned
"wet" electrolytic capacitors, which deteriorate with ago as the electrolyte
evaporates. Always make sure the power supply output is not shorted by a
failed electrolytic before applying power to the unit; otherwise other
parts, often effectively irreplaceable, can be damaged.

6) Finally, the obvious one...if the items are stored below things like
pipes or roofs, make sure there are no leaks, and, as well, cover them
with something waterproof in case a leak does develop!

Perhaps others can provide preferred temperature and humidity levels
as well as anything else I've forgotten...

Steven C. Barr