Has anyone used diy silica gel packets for winter electronics storage?

[remagenman]

Hello folks,

I have a ton of electronics taking space in the garage/shed and need to make some room.

I was thinking of using 100qt containers stored underneath cover outside and making my own packets of desiccant packets using silica gel cat litter.

Has anyone successfully used this method of storage without damage to electronics?

Thanks.

 

[whateg01]

I buy big containers of dessicant for storing 3d printer filament. Never thought of using cat litter. How much are you needing to use?

 

[remagenman]

I buy big containers of dessicant for storing 3d printer filament. Never thought of using cat litter. How much are you needing to use?

Just going to make a few pouches per container. I had some silica gel litter (unscented) but can't find the bag, used them for my cigar humidor. Actually just bought a small bag at the dollar store, scented, but I dont think my electronics care.

 

[BillK]

What type of "electronics" are you referring to and where are you located ?

 

[remagenman]

What type of "electronics" are you referring to and where are you located ?

PNW. Anything from monitors to motherboards and such.

 

[BillK]

Ok, Computer stuff. I was thinking more about radio equipment. I dont know how much the cold affects computer boards. I have a tablet that sits in my truck year round outside and has never been a problem. In my area typically the humidity is very low during the winter but I dont know about your area.

Not sure about using kitty litter ? I think you can buy desiccant packs for pretty cheap. They would be my choice.

https://www.amazon.com/100g-Recharg...humidifier/dp/B093DVB2B4?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[wssix99]

Just go to Amazon and get 500 gram reusable packs. When these are used up, you just put them in the oven at 250 degrees for a few hours and they are back to full service.

I put one of these 500 gram packs in my jet ski after use and it ***** all the moisture out of the bilge and has the thing bone dry for the next ride. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX53PSLK?tag=atomicindus08-20

This will be fine for your computer equipment - just put everything in a sealed container and you are good to go.

 

[remagenman]

Ok, Computer stuff. I was thinking more about radio equipment. I dont know how much the cold affects computer boards. I have a tablet that sits in my truck year round outside and has never been a problem. In my area typically the humidity is very low during the winter but I dont know about your area.

Not sure about using kitty litter ? I think you can buy desiccant packs for pretty cheap. They would be my choice.

https://www.amazon.com/100g-Recharg...humidifier/dp/B093DVB2B4?tag=atomicindus08-20

Not Kitty litter per se but silica gel, the main ingredient in desiccant packs.

 

[whateg01]

... making my own packets of desiccant packets using silica gel cat litter.

Not Kitty litter per se but silica gel,

Kitty litter but not Kitty litter? So Schrodinger's litter?

 

[Captain Spaulding]

A key issue with using desiccants is to seal the container. You can’t fight the moisture from the outdoors