OT: card storage

[D Yuniskis]

Hi,

Like most folks, I've accumulated a fair number of
"I/O cards" over the years. Many I need to hold onto
to give me certain capabilities (e.g., EIA485, certain
digital I/O's, etc.) to maintain old designs. Others
are worthwhile from time to time as I reorganize my
machine herd and opt to support different peripheral sets.

[I'm currently only speaking of COTS cards -- ISA, PCI,
various memory packages, etc. -- not custom stuff]

Storing these has proven to be not trivial. I've tried
different approaches over the years -- antistatic bags,
small boxes (e.g., "Wide SCSI HBA's", "TR NIC's", etc.),
big boxes (e.g., "Network cards", "Memory", etc.). None
really seem to work well. :<

The REAL solution is probably just to sh*tcan the lot
and <shrug> when I come across a future need! :>

Has anyone come up with a slick way of storing cards
that doesn't beat up on the cards, makes it relatively easy
to locate the card you want *and* doesn't dramatically
increase the volume required to store them (i.e., putting
each in "retail packaging")? Right now, I think the
most viable option (for me) is back to antistatic bags
(to help the cards slide over each other without "catching"
on protruding components) in *large* boxes :-(

Thx,
--don

 

[Jeffrey D Angus]

D Yuniskis wrote:

Has anyone come up with a slick way of storing cards
that doesn't beat up on the cards, makes it relatively easy
to locate the card you want

Order the right size box for several cards to lay in without
having to show horn them in. The real key is uniform size
boxes so they all stak and play well with each other.

Similar to these:
http://www.uline.com/BL_425/White-Corrugated-Boxes

Then start labeling the boxes. NIC, Modem, VGA, etc.

Jeff




--
“Egotism is the anesthetic that dulls the pain of stupidity.”
Frank Leahy, Head coach, Notre Dame 1941-1954

http://www.stay-connect.com

 

[D Yuniskis]

Hi Jeff,

Jeffrey D Angus wrote:

D Yuniskis wrote:
Has anyone come up with a slick way of storing cards
that doesn't beat up on the cards, makes it relatively easy
to locate the card you want

Order the right size box for several cards to lay in without
having to show horn them in. The real key is uniform size
boxes so they all stak and play well with each other.

Similar to these:
http://www.uline.com/BL_425/White-Corrugated-Boxes

Then start labeling the boxes. NIC, Modem, VGA, etc.

That's been the problem! With the exception of "duplicates"
of individual cards, it seems like every card is a different
size (and even *shape*!). Couple that with the differences
in component heights/placement, heatsinks, coolers, etc. and
things just don't want to stack nicely. :<

Most of the memory sticks are reasonably well behaved
(though there are some exceptions -- like metal clad
RAMBUS memory, etc.). PCMCIA cards tend to be annoyances
(often due to accommodations for connectors, etc.)

That's why I feel it's probably not worth "fighting" with
them and just bag them and let them fall where they will
in an oversized box :-(

Or, cut some slots in a 1x4 and try to *stand* them in a
suitably dimensioned box...

 

[John O'Flaherty]

On Tue, 11 May 2010 09:45:06 -0700, D Yuniskis
<not.going.to.be@seen.com> wrote:

Hi,

Like most folks, I've accumulated a fair number of
"I/O cards" over the years. Many I need to hold onto
to give me certain capabilities (e.g., EIA485, certain
digital I/O's, etc.) to maintain old designs. Others
are worthwhile from time to time as I reorganize my
machine herd and opt to support different peripheral sets.

[I'm currently only speaking of COTS cards -- ISA, PCI,
various memory packages, etc. -- not custom stuff]

Storing these has proven to be not trivial. I've tried
different approaches over the years -- antistatic bags,
small boxes (e.g., "Wide SCSI HBA's", "TR NIC's", etc.),
big boxes (e.g., "Network cards", "Memory", etc.). None
really seem to work well. :

The REAL solution is probably just to sh*tcan the lot
and <shrug> when I come across a future need! :

Has anyone come up with a slick way of storing cards
that doesn't beat up on the cards, makes it relatively easy
to locate the card you want *and* doesn't dramatically
increase the volume required to store them (i.e., putting
each in "retail packaging")? Right now, I think the
most viable option (for me) is back to antistatic bags
(to help the cards slide over each other without "catching"
on protruding components) in *large* boxes :-(

Thx,
--don

If they all have edge connectors, you could put 1/16" slots in a
couple of square dowels mounted on a flat board, and store the cards
erect, connectors stuck into the slots, with a piece of paper with a
description next to each card.
--
John

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

On May 11, 12:42 pm, D Yuniskis <not.going.to...@seen.com> wrote:

Hi Jeff,

Jeffrey D Angus wrote:
D Yuniskis wrote:
Has anyone come up with a slick way of storing cards
that doesn't beat up on the cards, makes it relatively easy
to locate the card you want

Order the right size box for several cards to lay in without
having to show horn them in. The real key is uniform size
boxes so they all stak and play well with each other.

Similar to these:
http://www.uline.com/BL_425/White-Corrugated-Boxes

Then start labeling the boxes. NIC, Modem, VGA, etc.

That's been the problem!  With the exception of "duplicates"
of individual cards, it seems like every card is a different
size (and even *shape*!).  Couple that with the differences
in component heights/placement, heatsinks, coolers, etc. and
things just don't want to stack nicely.  :

Most of the memory sticks are reasonably well behaved
(though there are some exceptions -- like metal clad
RAMBUS memory, etc.).  PCMCIA cards tend to be annoyances
(often due to accommodations for connectors, etc.)

That's why I feel it's probably not worth "fighting" with
them and just bag them and let them fall where they will
in an oversized box  :-(

Or, cut some slots in a 1x4 and try to *stand* them in a
suitably dimensioned box...

Find a 'bin' box wide enough for the largest one. Use the bags as you
have mentioned and 'stand' them on edge in the bin box, perhaps
alpabetically front to back.
Or make a cheat sheet - possibly label/number the bags. ???

 

[D Yuniskis]

1 Lucky Texan wrote:

On May 11, 12:42 pm, D Yuniskis <not.going.to...@seen.com> wrote:
Hi Jeff,

Jeffrey D Angus wrote:
D Yuniskis wrote:
Has anyone come up with a slick way of storing cards
that doesn't beat up on the cards, makes it relatively easy
to locate the card you want
Order the right size box for several cards to lay in without
having to show horn them in. The real key is uniform size
boxes so they all stak and play well with each other.
Similar to these:
http://www.uline.com/BL_425/White-Corrugated-Boxes
Then start labeling the boxes. NIC, Modem, VGA, etc.
That's been the problem! With the exception of "duplicates"
of individual cards, it seems like every card is a different
size (and even *shape*!). Couple that with the differences
in component heights/placement, heatsinks, coolers, etc. and
things just don't want to stack nicely. :

That's why I feel it's probably not worth "fighting" with
them and just bag them and let them fall where they will
in an oversized box :-(

Or, cut some slots in a 1x4 and try to *stand* them in a
suitably dimensioned box...

Find a 'bin' box wide enough for the largest one. Use the bags as you
have mentioned and 'stand' them on edge in the bin box, perhaps
alpabetically front to back.

They don't like to stand :< I've tried standing them with
"connector down" as well as "connector up". They just don't
like either of those orientations "unassisted". That's why
I was thinking of just letting them "slosh around" (the bags
acting as the "lubricant") -- as long as they don't damage
each other.

Or make a cheat sheet - possibly label/number the bags. ???

<grin> I'm not *that* anal retentive! :> If I can see the
card inside the bag, then I'm all set. E.g., "this box
contains network interface cards" (so I know everything in
it will be a NIC). I can dig through a dozen or two cards
to find what I want once it's narrowed down like that.

 

[D Yuniskis]

Hi John,

John O'Flaherty wrote:

On Tue, 11 May 2010 09:45:06 -0700, D Yuniskis
not.going.to.be@seen.com> wrote:

Like most folks, I've accumulated a fair number of
"I/O cards" over the years. Many I need to hold onto
to give me certain capabilities (e.g., EIA485, certain
digital I/O's, etc.) to maintain old designs. Others
are worthwhile from time to time as I reorganize my
machine herd and opt to support different peripheral sets.

Has anyone come up with a slick way of storing cards
that doesn't beat up on the cards, makes it relatively easy
to locate the card you want *and* doesn't dramatically
increase the volume required to store them (i.e., putting
each in "retail packaging")? Right now, I think the
most viable option (for me) is back to antistatic bags
(to help the cards slide over each other without "catching"
on protruding components) in *large* boxes :-(

If they all have edge connectors, you could put 1/16" slots in a
couple of square dowels mounted on a flat board, and store the cards

Yes, I've thought of a "slotted board" (run a 1x4 over a table
saw with blade set at 1/4" or so) without the "dowels" atop.
I'm just not thrilled that even *that* will keep them from
conspiring to topple once they're out of sight (i.e., box closed)

I guess its a lot easier if you have cards that are the same size,
etc. as you can support them (reliably) in more than one place.

erect, connectors stuck into the slots, with a piece of paper with a
description next to each card.

 

[D Yuniskis]

Hi William,

William R. Walsh wrote:

I put mine in anti-static bags and store the often used ones in a
metal file cabinet drawer. The less often used stuff goes into copy

Yes, I am more and more convinced that this is the way to go.
I use smaller boxes (think of a 10 read copy paper box sliced
so it is half as deep) to cut down how much "digging" I need
to do. I tend not to be very patient when looking for a
card that I *know* I have so having too many boards in a
box is a Rx for *something* getting busted! :>

paper boxes. It works well for ISA, PCI, and MCA. It should be EISA
compatible as well. <g

Yes, but only those certified to be Windows compatible!
Else the green electrons intermingle with the *blue*
ones and all hell breaks loose!

A few end up stacked around The Lab, waiting to be knocked over, but I
didn't say that. ;-)

<frown> Better than me -- mine end up on the floor waiting
to be *stepped* on! :-/ (OTOH, this is an excellent
deterrent to walking around barefoot!)

 

[Jeff Liebermann]

On Tue, 11 May 2010 09:45:06 -0700, D Yuniskis
<not.going.to.be@seen.com> wrote:

Has anyone come up with a slick way of storing cards
that doesn't beat up on the cards, makes it relatively easy
to locate the card you want *and* doesn't dramatically
increase the volume required to store them (i.e., putting
each in "retail packaging")? Right now, I think the
most viable option (for me) is back to antistatic bags
(to help the cards slide over each other without "catching"
on protruding components) in *large* boxes :-(

That's exactly what I do. I saved and bought a mess of antistatic
bags of varying sizes. I'm partial to the pink plastic variety so I
can sorta see what's inside the bag. Each board goes in a bag and
then vertically into a cardboard box. For boards with projecting pins
and connectors the need extra protection where I drop a block of pink
foam or pink peanuts into the bag. I've learned not to over stuff the
cardboard box as overstuffing will tend to break pins and components
when I have to search for a specific board. That means one layer of
cards maximum, which also means cutting down the liquor store
cardboard box to a lower height. The outside of the box gets a
post-it note with a rough inventory of the contents. Valuable boards
that have software and accessories included usually get the retail
packaging treatment.

--
Jeff Liebermann jeffl@cruzio.com
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558

 

[William R. Walsh]

Hi!

I put mine in anti-static bags and store the often used ones in a
metal file cabinet drawer. The less often used stuff goes into copy
paper boxes. It works well for ISA, PCI, and MCA. It should be EISA
compatible as well. <g>

A few end up stacked around The Lab, waiting to be knocked over, but I
didn't say that. ;-)

William

 

[Robert Baer]

D Yuniskis wrote:

Hi Jeff,

Jeffrey D Angus wrote:
D Yuniskis wrote:
Has anyone come up with a slick way of storing cards
that doesn't beat up on the cards, makes it relatively easy
to locate the card you want

Order the right size box for several cards to lay in without
having to show horn them in. The real key is uniform size
boxes so they all stak and play well with each other.

Similar to these:
http://www.uline.com/BL_425/White-Corrugated-Boxes

Then start labeling the boxes. NIC, Modem, VGA, etc.

That's been the problem! With the exception of "duplicates"
of individual cards, it seems like every card is a different
size (and even *shape*!). Couple that with the differences
in component heights/placement, heatsinks, coolers, etc. and
things just don't want to stack nicely. :

Most of the memory sticks are reasonably well behaved
(though there are some exceptions -- like metal clad
RAMBUS memory, etc.). PCMCIA cards tend to be annoyances
(often due to accommodations for connectors, etc.)

That's why I feel it's probably not worth "fighting" with
them and just bag them and let them fall where they will
in an oversized box :-(

Or, cut some slots in a 1x4 and try to *stand* them in a
suitably dimensioned box...
That idea of slots in a board sounds ideal..you "plug in" the board;

slot spacing same as connector spacing in a PC MB.

 

[Paul Keinanen]

On Tue, 11 May 2010 12:45:50 -0500, John O'Flaherty
<quiasmox@yeeha.com> wrote:

If they all have edge connectors, you could put 1/16" slots in a
couple of square dowels mounted on a flat board, and store the cards
erect, connectors stuck into the slots, with a piece of paper with a
description next to each card.

If you have some old unused passive backplane computers, which usually
have a lot of ISA and PCI slots, just plug in the cards into these
empty slots

 

[colin_toogood@yahoo.com]

I worked for many years at a small company making such cards and we
were always very careful with them, helped by them being high value
and low volumes. I recently joined a much bigger company with 10
software, 5 firmware and 3 hardware guys on this project. The system
has mezzanine cards of various sizes and everyone seems to have piles
of them that they just rummage through to find what they need.

In three years one board has been damaged whilst not in its anti-
static bag.

Bag em, chuck them in a box and don't shake the box.

Colin

 

[Robert Sneddon]

In message <srbku55lqni6a2khqtcn1eamgkum5bb57i@4ax.com>, Paul Keinanen
<keinanen@sci.fi> writes

If you have some old unused passive backplane computers, which usually
have a lot of ISA and PCI slots, just plug in the cards into these
empty slots

Get some old dead motherboards, hacksaw the PCI/ISA socket areas out
then screw them down to a piece of blockboard or similar sized to fit
the bottom of your storage box. Give the slots a spray of contact
cleaner before you stick the cards in to keep the edge connectors shiny.

I use 16"-20" plastic toolboxes to store my assorted ISA/PCI cards as
well as other general hardware such as CPUs, video cards, cables etc.;
they're cheap, rigid, stack nicely and they can be sealed with some
shrink-wrap film around the lids to prevent moisture getting in if they
spend any time in an unheated storage space.
--
To reply, my gmail address is nojay1 Robert Sneddon

 

[N_Cook]

D Yuniskis <not.going.to.be@seen.com> wrote in message
news:hsc17e$tn0$1@speranza.aioe.org...

Hi,

Like most folks, I've accumulated a fair number of
"I/O cards" over the years. Many I need to hold onto
to give me certain capabilities (e.g., EIA485, certain
digital I/O's, etc.) to maintain old designs. Others
are worthwhile from time to time as I reorganize my
machine herd and opt to support different peripheral sets.

[I'm currently only speaking of COTS cards -- ISA, PCI,
various memory packages, etc. -- not custom stuff]

Storing these has proven to be not trivial. I've tried
different approaches over the years -- antistatic bags,
small boxes (e.g., "Wide SCSI HBA's", "TR NIC's", etc.),
big boxes (e.g., "Network cards", "Memory", etc.). None
really seem to work well. :

The REAL solution is probably just to sh*tcan the lot
and <shrug> when I come across a future need! :

Has anyone come up with a slick way of storing cards
that doesn't beat up on the cards, makes it relatively easy
to locate the card you want *and* doesn't dramatically
increase the volume required to store them (i.e., putting
each in "retail packaging")? Right now, I think the
most viable option (for me) is back to antistatic bags
(to help the cards slide over each other without "catching"
on protruding components) in *large* boxes :-(

Thx,
--don

I'm aware of a repair shop where they had strung steel wire near the ceiling
of the store, tensioned with turn-buckles (otherwise unused space). Then a
plastic curtain hook hot-melt glued to corner of each board, on a weekly
basis, then strung up. Timewise order to the boards , so could be
cross-referenced to repair job log so no logging of the boards as such

 

[JosephKK]

On Tue, 11 May 2010 09:45:06 -0700, D Yuniskis <not.going.to.be@seen.com>
wrote:

Hi,

Like most folks, I've accumulated a fair number of
"I/O cards" over the years. Many I need to hold onto
to give me certain capabilities (e.g., EIA485, certain
digital I/O's, etc.) to maintain old designs. Others
are worthwhile from time to time as I reorganize my
machine herd and opt to support different peripheral sets.

[I'm currently only speaking of COTS cards -- ISA, PCI,
various memory packages, etc. -- not custom stuff]

Storing these has proven to be not trivial. I've tried
different approaches over the years -- antistatic bags,
small boxes (e.g., "Wide SCSI HBA's", "TR NIC's", etc.),
big boxes (e.g., "Network cards", "Memory", etc.). None
really seem to work well. :

The REAL solution is probably just to sh*tcan the lot
and <shrug> when I come across a future need! :

Has anyone come up with a slick way of storing cards
that doesn't beat up on the cards, makes it relatively easy
to locate the card you want *and* doesn't dramatically
increase the volume required to store them (i.e., putting
each in "retail packaging")? Right now, I think the
most viable option (for me) is back to antistatic bags
(to help the cards slide over each other without "catching"
on protruding components) in *large* boxes :-(

Thx,
--don

For a quick help from what you are doing, sort the cards into boxes by
type and LABEL the boxes. Only one kind in a box. Put the boxes in
storage racks and label the racks.
If you really want to protect the cards build card board separation
racks, include space for matching specialty cables and driver software.
This eats up more space but keeps important combinations of things
together.
One of the smartest things i ever did was to package all the driver
software with each PC i have. I actually placed it inside the case.

 

[Spehro Pefhany]

On Wed, 12 May 2010 21:40:02 -0700, the renowned
"JosephKK"<quiettechblue@yahoo.com> wrote:

On Tue, 11 May 2010 09:45:06 -0700, D Yuniskis <not.going.to.be@seen.com
wrote:

Hi,

Like most folks, I've accumulated a fair number of
"I/O cards" over the years. Many I need to hold onto
to give me certain capabilities (e.g., EIA485, certain
digital I/O's, etc.) to maintain old designs. Others
are worthwhile from time to time as I reorganize my
machine herd and opt to support different peripheral sets.

[I'm currently only speaking of COTS cards -- ISA, PCI,
various memory packages, etc. -- not custom stuff]

Storing these has proven to be not trivial. I've tried
different approaches over the years -- antistatic bags,
small boxes (e.g., "Wide SCSI HBA's", "TR NIC's", etc.),
big boxes (e.g., "Network cards", "Memory", etc.). None
really seem to work well. :

The REAL solution is probably just to sh*tcan the lot
and <shrug> when I come across a future need! :

Has anyone come up with a slick way of storing cards
that doesn't beat up on the cards, makes it relatively easy
to locate the card you want *and* doesn't dramatically
increase the volume required to store them (i.e., putting
each in "retail packaging")? Right now, I think the
most viable option (for me) is back to antistatic bags
(to help the cards slide over each other without "catching"
on protruding components) in *large* boxes :-(

Thx,
--don

For a quick help from what you are doing, sort the cards into boxes by
type and LABEL the boxes. Only one kind in a box. Put the boxes in
storage racks and label the racks.
If you really want to protect the cards build card board separation
racks, include space for matching specialty cables and driver software.
This eats up more space but keeps important combinations of things
together.
One of the smartest things i ever did was to package all the driver
software with each PC i have. I actually placed it inside the case.

Since every case designer seems to have their own bright ideas about
how to mount hard drives etc. it's not a bad idea to bag up all the
extra hardware in a 4 mil poly bag and store it inside the case. Then
you won't find yourself looking for an extra-long metric screw and
silicone grommet, or thin snap-in rails etc. Another possible place is
the mombo box- a dozen or two of them fit nicely on a high shelf.

You can buy boxes in various form factors from places like Uline. If
it isn't worth a 50-cent box to store neatly, maybe it should be
tossed?


Best regards,
Spehro Pefhany
--
"it's the network..." "The Journey is the reward"
speff@interlog.com Info for manufacturers: http://www.trexon.com
Embedded software/hardware/analog Info for designers: http://www.speff.com

 

[D Yuniskis]

Hi Spehro & Joseph,

Spehro Pefhany wrote:

On Wed, 12 May 2010 21:40:02 -0700, the renowned
"JosephKK"<quiettechblue@yahoo.com> wrote:

On Tue, 11 May 2010 09:45:06 -0700, D Yuniskis <not.going.to.be@seen.com
wrote:

Like most folks, I've accumulated a fair number of
"I/O cards" over the years. Many I need to hold onto
to give me certain capabilities (e.g., EIA485, certain
digital I/O's, etc.) to maintain old designs. Others
are worthwhile from time to time as I reorganize my
machine herd and opt to support different peripheral sets.

Has anyone come up with a slick way of storing cards
that doesn't beat up on the cards, makes it relatively easy
to locate the card you want *and* doesn't dramatically
increase the volume required to store them (i.e., putting
each in "retail packaging")? Right now, I think the
most viable option (for me) is back to antistatic bags
(to help the cards slide over each other without "catching"
on protruding components) in *large* boxes :-(

For a quick help from what you are doing, sort the cards into boxes by
type and LABEL the boxes. Only one kind in a box. Put the boxes in
storage racks and label the racks.
If you really want to protect the cards build card board separation
racks, include space for matching specialty cables and driver software.
This eats up more space but keeps important combinations of things
together.
One of the smartest things i ever did was to package all the driver
software with each PC i have. I actually placed it inside the case.

I create a directory containing all of the software installed
on a particular machine along with a text file documenting the
order in which the software was installed (so, if there is a
problem, I can figure out *why*; if not, I now have *one* way of
installing everything that is 'known' to work). I burn this
onto a set of DVD's so I can reinstall as needed.

(I also image the drive so I can restore it to its initial
configuration relatively easily without having to reinstall
all of the software *again*...)

Since every case designer seems to have their own bright ideas about
how to mount hard drives etc. it's not a bad idea to bag up all the
extra hardware in a 4 mil poly bag and store it inside the case. Then
you won't find yourself looking for an extra-long metric screw and
silicone grommet, or thin snap-in rails etc. Another possible place is
the mombo box- a dozen or two of them fit nicely on a high shelf.

I don't save cases. If it's not running (i.e., "in service"),
it goes in the recycle bin.

You can buy boxes in various form factors from places like Uline. If
it isn't worth a 50-cent box to store neatly, maybe it should be
tossed?

I tried that route. You end up with *lots* of "wasted volume". :<
Just pilling boards into four "large" boxes resulted in about
4 cubic feet of "boards". I suspect that would double if each
board was packed in something akin to retail packaging.

E.g., I store my "spare" keyboards in "keyboard boxes" and
they easily take up twice their minimal volume.

I suspect most boards are such commodity items that a 50c
box would be a huge (relative) investment -- in cardboard. :>
(OTOH, if you just toss those commodity cards out, the cost
of acquiring a new one WHEN YOU NEED IT is ridiculously
expensive -- travel time, opportunity costs, etc.)

I'll see how the "sort into four categories" approach works.
If I can find boxes that are ~30% smaller, then I can, perhaps,
toss 30% of the boards (and *hope* I toss the ones that I
won't need NEXT WEEK! :> )

 

[Michael A. Terrell]

D Yuniskis wrote:

Hi Spehro & Joseph,

Spehro Pefhany wrote:
On Wed, 12 May 2010 21:40:02 -0700, the renowned
"JosephKK"<quiettechblue@yahoo.com> wrote:

On Tue, 11 May 2010 09:45:06 -0700, D Yuniskis <not.going.to.be@seen.com
wrote:

Like most folks, I've accumulated a fair number of
"I/O cards" over the years. Many I need to hold onto
to give me certain capabilities (e.g., EIA485, certain
digital I/O's, etc.) to maintain old designs. Others
are worthwhile from time to time as I reorganize my
machine herd and opt to support different peripheral sets.

Has anyone come up with a slick way of storing cards
that doesn't beat up on the cards, makes it relatively easy
to locate the card you want *and* doesn't dramatically
increase the volume required to store them (i.e., putting
each in "retail packaging")? Right now, I think the
most viable option (for me) is back to antistatic bags
(to help the cards slide over each other without "catching"
on protruding components) in *large* boxes :-(

For a quick help from what you are doing, sort the cards into boxes by
type and LABEL the boxes. Only one kind in a box. Put the boxes in
storage racks and label the racks.
If you really want to protect the cards build card board separation
racks, include space for matching specialty cables and driver software.
This eats up more space but keeps important combinations of things
together.
One of the smartest things i ever did was to package all the driver
software with each PC i have. I actually placed it inside the case.

I create a directory containing all of the software installed
on a particular machine along with a text file documenting the
order in which the software was installed (so, if there is a
problem, I can figure out *why*; if not, I now have *one* way of
installing everything that is 'known' to work). I burn this
onto a set of DVD's so I can reinstall as needed.

(I also image the drive so I can restore it to its initial
configuration relatively easily without having to reinstall
all of the software *again*...)

Since every case designer seems to have their own bright ideas about
how to mount hard drives etc. it's not a bad idea to bag up all the
extra hardware in a 4 mil poly bag and store it inside the case. Then
you won't find yourself looking for an extra-long metric screw and
silicone grommet, or thin snap-in rails etc. Another possible place is
the mombo box- a dozen or two of them fit nicely on a high shelf.

I don't save cases. If it's not running (i.e., "in service"),
it goes in the recycle bin.

You can buy boxes in various form factors from places like Uline. If
it isn't worth a 50-cent box to store neatly, maybe it should be
tossed?

I tried that route. You end up with *lots* of "wasted volume". :
Just pilling boards into four "large" boxes resulted in about
4 cubic feet of "boards". I suspect that would double if each
board was packed in something akin to retail packaging.

E.g., I store my "spare" keyboards in "keyboard boxes" and
they easily take up twice their minimal volume.

I use "Totino's Frozen Pizza" boxes to store keyboards. You can
stand about eight in each box. I pick them up at the grocery store for
free. Some of the other frozen food and packaged lunchmeat boxes are
great for storing PC boards & spare drives. The boxes for three, one
gallon bottles of water is good for CD & DVD drives, or other 5.25"
drives.

Empty 55 gallon steel drums are great for all those extra hard drive
cables, and other cables from dead PCs. When you get tired of digging
through them, they are already ready to haul to the recyclers. ;-)

I suspect most boards are such commodity items that a 50c
box would be a huge (relative) investment -- in cardboard. :
(OTOH, if you just toss those commodity cards out, the cost
of acquiring a new one WHEN YOU NEED IT is ridiculously
expensive -- travel time, opportunity costs, etc.)

I'll see how the "sort into four categories" approach works.
If I can find boxes that are ~30% smaller, then I can, perhaps,
toss 30% of the boards (and *hope* I toss the ones that I
won't need NEXT WEEK! :> )

I don't throw out any good boards. You never know when you'll need
one you can't replace. A few years ago I repaired a prototype IBM PC
for a retired IBM EE. The old man was in tears when he discovered that
I not only had a FDC board, but it was a genuine IBM board.


--
Anyone wanting to run for any political office in the US should have to
have a DD214, and a honorable discharge.

 

[Robert Macy]

On May 11, 10:42 am, D Yuniskis <not.going.to...@seen.com> wrote:

Hi Jeff,

Jeffrey D Angus wrote:
D Yuniskis wrote:
Has anyone come up with a slick way of storing cards
that doesn't beat up on the cards, makes it relatively easy
to locate the card you want

Order the right size box for several cards to lay in without
having to show horn them in. The real key is uniform size
boxes so they all stak and play well with each other.

Similar to these:
http://www.uline.com/BL_425/White-Corrugated-Boxes

Then start labeling the boxes. NIC, Modem, VGA, etc.

That's been the problem!  With the exception of "duplicates"
of individual cards, it seems like every card is a different
size (and even *shape*!).  Couple that with the differences
in component heights/placement, heatsinks, coolers, etc. and
things just don't want to stack nicely.  :

Most of the memory sticks are reasonably well behaved
(though there are some exceptions -- like metal clad
RAMBUS memory, etc.).  PCMCIA cards tend to be annoyances
(often due to accommodations for connectors, etc.)

That's why I feel it's probably not worth "fighting" with
them and just bag them and let them fall where they will
in an oversized box  :-(

Or, cut some slots in a 1x4 and try to *stand* them in a
suitably dimensioned box...

I sotred mine in a dead PC shell