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Steven, Thank you for your response, I will forward the info to the requestor. Lance Watsky Preservation & Media Specialist The Georgia Archives 5800 Jonesboro Road Morrow, GA 30260 678-364-3764 (phone) 678-364-3860 (fax) [log in to unmask] www.GeorgiaArchives.org -----Original Message----- From: Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Steven C. Barr Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2005 1:07 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] FW: storage conditions radios, tv's, record players ----- Original Message ----- From: "Watsky, Lance" <[log in to unmask]> > 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