[vcf-midatlantic] Bag-o-chips sorting, storing, testing

[Martin Flynn]

One of our friends in low places is providing a bunch of (used) ESD 
safe, plastic storage boxes with pink ESD foam to CDL.

Box is 6" L x 4" W x 1/2" H, we have 20 of them inbound, with the 
ability to source more if needed. Should facilitate sorting them, so you 
don't have to paw through the bag to find what you need.

Have a p-touch in the makerspace to ID the parts family,  and the 
suggested warning on devices susceptible to static damage.

Martin


On 4/21/2021 1:48 PM, Chris Fala via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
> I second the note about static damage.
>
>
>
> On Wed, Apr 21, 2021 at 12:31 PM Herb Johnson via vcf-midatlantic <
> vcf-midatlantic at lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
>
>> I looked at the photos of the donated chips. Most of them are
>> plastic-bagged and labeled when in quantity. Generally, "what to do" is
>> to make a PAPER list of those tags and bags, and keep it with the box o'
>> bagged chips. Then you have a box of bagged chips with catalog. And in
>> this matter, don't use plastic boxes, they generate static. Paper is
>> fine; there's antistat boxes made too but that's excessive in this
>> matter. Problem solved.
>>
>> A couple exceptions:
>>
>> Problem is, all the 4000 series chips that are CMOS, are now damaged by
>> plastic static electricity. I suggest that for the 4000 series, they 1)
>> be rebagged in antistatic bags and 2) tagged as "static damaged". I'm
>> serious.
>>
>> TTL and LS and other non-CMOS chips, leave them in their plastic bags.
>>
>> Some bags had mixed chips embedded in anti-static foam. That foam
>> degrades over decades, so make sure it's not too old (crumbly, melting,
>> etc.) Then rebag in anti-static bags. Label the bags as to kind. If
>> antistat foam is kept from air and moisture, it lasts longer. But it
>> does degrade and should be replaced every decade (!).
>>
>> about testing them. Most are not worth testing. Just use 'em and confirm
>> in circuit that they work. Oscilloscope observation of inputs and
>> outputs will confirm lack of damage at the pin level. If one needs
>> known-good chips - don't use these! problem solved.
>>
>> In the discussion, it was suggested to 'store these at CDL'. Frankly, I
>> suggest *donating them to CDL*. They will put them to best use, and know
>> how to use them. If VCFed needs chips, I presume they already turn to
>> CDL for assistance. If CDL doesn't want these chips, that's entirely
>> their discretion; if they will store them for VCFed anyway, that is very
>> kind of them. I am not in charge of CDL or VCFed so these are merely
>> policy suggestions.
>>
>> best regards,
>> Herb Johnson
>>
>>
>> --
>> Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA
>> http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net
>> preserve, recover, restore 1970's computing
>> email: hjohnson AT retrotechnology DOT com
>> or try later herbjohnson AT comcast DOT net
>>