[sdiy] Storing ICs

[Scott Gravenhorst]

Hi Sam,

Just my opinion, but I'd keep them in the tubes.  The tubes are often made of
anti-static plastic, even for non-static-sensitive parts (which I assume something
like an LM3900 would be).  I would not expect the drawers in those cabinets to be
anti-static.  I use a permanent black marker to mark the part number on the tube or
on a sticker that's on the tube.  I don't think you have to worry about the LM3900,
but any CMOS parts are best kept in anti-static containers.  I've tried using those
plastic drawers with ICs pressed into conductive foam - to my chagrin, over a period
of years, the stuff I had turned to a quasi-sticky crumbly mess that chemically
attacked the IC pins and tarnished them.


Sam Ecoff <secoff at execpc.com> wrote:
>Hi all...
>
>Yet another newbie question. I have all of my passive components  
>organized into one of those plastic cabinets with all of the little  
>clear plastic drawers. As I was putting things away last night, I  
>came across a tube of LM3900s and wondered if it was safe to put them  
>into one of the plastic drawers as well? As long as I touch ground  
>before reaching into that drawer is it o.k., or are static-sensitive  
>components best left in their tubes?
>
>Thanks!
>
>Sam E.
>_______________________________
>Sam Ecoff
>Secret Society Productions
>5307 S. 92nd St. Suite 105
>Hales Corners, WI 53130
>(414) 427-0615
>www.samecoff.com
>
>

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