Cold storage

LGwalker's advice is right on the money. Last winter I deinstalled a 9 track drive from a dry, unheated warehouse in sub-zero centigrade conditions. I brought the drive home and left it sit for several hours before installing it in my DG minicomputer. The trick is as simple as the directions that come with most hard disks and computers these days. Don't subject the device to any sharp change in temperature and then try to operate it without letting it 'aclimate'. I think that it is probably not good to store sensitive gear at temperatures that humans can't exist in though. If you could wrap up and live, then your gear is probably just fine as-is. One thing that was not mentioned is static electricity. Just be careful. Cold conditions and proper storage mean a high risk for electrostatic discharge. The other point that was made was a small heat source in the shed. That sounds like a fantastic idea and wouldn't be too burdensome energy-wise. A single 100 watt lightbulb produces as much heat as three humans properly weatherized. If you have ever cuddled up next to a human, you know that's a lot of heat. ;-) I'd bother only if the temperatures got WAY below freezing. At very low temperatures, the lubricants used in drive motors and such might be negatively affected as might batteries, and flexible materials such as rubber or latex. I know this from maintaning vehicles in the Seabees. Some lubricants turn to slush at extremely low temperatures. Even Gasoline will freeze. In Alaska, we would leave a drop-light inside the engine compartment of a vehicle to prevent the oil from freezing. As with my 30 year old BMW motorcycle, it is a good idea to perform preventative maintainence post-storage prior to use. Check all bearings to make sure they are free etc. I love that bike. Chrissy wants me to sell it and buy a new(er) one, but I say 'over my dead body'. I'll get a newer bike, but not by selling my baby Beemer. Regards, Jeff -- ----------------------------------------------------------- Jeffrey S. Worley President Complete Computer Services, Inc. 30 Greenwood Rd. Asheville, NC 28803 828-277-5959 THETechnoid(a)home.com -----------------------------------------------------------