PCB storage tips?

maxlords · Post by **maxlords** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 2:54 am

Ok, I've recently gotten to the point where I've got around 20 PCBs lying about and I'm starting to run out of space. I'm trying to find a way to store them that won't cause too much damage and makes it easy to swap boards without too much hassle.

Right now, I've got my boards on a closet shelf, alphabetized and all in static-free baggies, the kind that motherboards and other PC parts come in. They're fine, but not the greatest for tidyness, and I find it hard to find what I want when I go to switch games.

What storage methods are others using? Do you use boxes? Bags? Bubble wrap? Any recommendations on how I can clean up my PCB storage shelf?

SAM · Post by **SAM** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 5:25 am

Actually there is no good ways to store PCBs, the major problem is they simply take up too much spaces.

The solution is simply, get a bigger house.

If this is not possible, the best solution is find some friends to store some for you, in return for cash.

Try the Trading Station of this forum here:
http://shmups.system11.org/viewforum.ph ... beb26f6795

Ramus · Post by **Ramus** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 5:52 am

I use these.

Post by **undamned** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 3:03 pm

Pics coming...

-ud

Brian · Post by **Brian** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 3:16 pm

I just stick them in anti-static bags and then get priority shipping boxes from the post office.

dpful · Post by **dpful** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 5:01 pm

make cases
you don't want a bunch of knocked around, bendy boards.
http://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.ph ... cb+storage

M0nk3y · Post by **M0nk3y** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 1:51 am

I've actually been considering this for my upcoming PCBs.

I reckon cutting two bits of plexiglas to the size of the board, +5mm all the way round. Drill holes in the correct place and use long bolts with plastic tubing sheaths to act as extenders. Sandwich the board between the two sheets of plexiglas.

------------------- Plexi
x¦xxxxxxxxxxx¦ Bolts w/ sheaths (x = nothing/fresh air)
x----------------- PCB
x¦xxxxxxxxxxx¦ Bolts w/ sheaths
------------------- Plexi

Then download flyer from TAFA, edit to your liking in Photoshop and print out on A4 sticky backed glossy paper for a nice label.

I really like those boxes you've done.

Post by **undamned** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 6:28 am

M0nk3y wrote:------------------- Plexi
x¦xxxxxxxxxxx¦ Bolts w/ sheaths (x = nothing/fresh air)
x----------------- PCB
x¦xxxxxxxxxxx¦ Bolts w/ sheaths
------------------- Plexi

That's Funny, I posted a little paint generated pic like that on the old forums for an idea of the sort

I just didn't like the thought of the stress on the PCB generated by the lateral shift of top and bottom plates. I'm more a fan of the PCB being fixed to a single plane.

Ramus wrote:I use these.

Dude, I'm in love. Those are by far the swankiest anti stat boxes I've ever seen. Load your PCB's into those, slap some labels on the sides and line some book shelves w/ your AC collection! Like shock boxes for PCB's

-ud

maxlords · Post by **maxlords** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 1:35 pm

Yeah, the boxes Ramus uses appeal to me most so far. That's the sort of tidy look I'm going for. I'm gonna have to measure some of my PCBs and see if they'd fit!

Ramus · Post by **Ramus** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 6:19 pm

Here's what a few of them look like together.

Post by **Dave_K.** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 7:47 pm

Ramus wrote:I use these.

Which size boxes did you get?

Valgar · Post by **Valgar** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 7:56 pm

group order?

Ramus · Post by **Ramus** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 8:24 pm

Dave_K. wrote:
Ramus wrote:I use these.
Which size boxes did you get?

The S-7680. The big ones that come 12 to a case. They are a little pricey, but I don't worry about them breaking anymore.