[genjamon]

I'm not sure if this is the right circle, but I have a technical question about heat effects on stored equipment.  I'm moving to Tucson in a couple weeks, and plan to use the portable shipping container option through UHaul - UBox is what it's called I think.  The equipment will be loaded in Kansas, sit here for a couple weeks, then be transported to Tucson and wait at UHaul for another month until my permanent rental becomes available (I'm living in a sublet for about a month in the interim). 

Anyway, I'm worried that my equipment will be sitting in 100's to 110's F for about six weeks, probably out in fully sunlight/exposed conditions.  The UBox containers are made of plywood, it seems.  I'm sure it will just be an oven in those containers.  What kinds of impacts/concerns should I be aware of?  Is this a situation where I really want to avoid keeping high value electronics in those containers for so long in heat?  Will capacitors go bad?  I have a TRL Dude preamp and a Lampizator DAC that are worth real money and I'd hate to see them have problems in the future because of this move.  But I also don't really want to have them taking up valuable space in my car during my journey, when other important things will need to take that journey.

[bladesmith]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/8-Silica-Gel-Packets-224-Gram-Desiccant-MEET-FDA-SPEC/180613904140?_trksid=p2047675.c100009.m1982&_trkparms=aid%3D333001%26algo%3DRIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D23423%26meid
%3D7715798995853701618%26pid%3D100009%26prg%3D10050%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D170564539769

The temperature changes might cause some condinsation on metal, other than that I wouldn't be worried. It's not too hot here in Kansas, YET. I don't think Arizona either. (FWIW)

[genjamon]

Yeah, I guess I'd just clarify that the outdoor air temps will be in the 100's, with the plywood shipping containers out in the sun and acting like ovens. I know my attic gets awfully hot in full sun, upper 100's I'm pretty sure.

Good suggestion on the desiccants.

[RDavidson]

Yep. Totally agree. Temperature wise, things will be fine. Moisture is always your main enemy when storing things. Just keep stuff dry and you'll be good. Not sure of the best place to purchase silica packets. I know Amazon has them. The nice thing about Arizona is that it is already dry there. Kansas, and the states your stuff will be traveling through, can be very humid at times. I know. I grew up in Kansas.

[genjamon]

No shit. It's been incredibly humid here in Kansas for the past couple weeks. A series of heavy storms has left the entire state water logged, and we're hovering in the low 70's% humidity.  Kind of crazy. I thnk the World Cup matches in Manaus have been in the upper 70's. So Kansas lately is like the Amazon?!

Anyway, I was just concerned because I know lithium batteries take a major hit when in heat for extended periods, and I'm pretty sure electrolytic caps are only specified for certain useful life at operating temps above 150F or so, and the hotter, the shorter their lifespans. I guess I figured that could go for conditions that are equally hot, but when they're not actively passing current. 

[bladesmith]

I guess if you were really particular.  You could get smaller packs and actually place them in the units. Open up your audio equipment and put some inside,  close back up and store.  That would keep them dry from any condinsation developing from extreme temperature changes.

(You're right, now that I think about it, it is like a jungle right now, in Kansas. )

[randytsuch]

I'm pretty sure electrolytic caps are only specified for certain useful life at operating temps above 150F or so, and the hotter, the shorter their lifespans. I guess I figured that could go for conditions that are equally hot, but when they're not actively passing current.

I think for lytics its only a concern if you apply power at high temps.  Storage should be fine, especially if its just for a relatively short time.

[WGH]

All my gear was stored in a Tucson garage in July, August, and September a couple years ago with no problems. Do you have any vinyl? Make sure the records are packed snugly and vertically and they should be fine too. After 23 days today was the first day below 100 degrees, back up to 105 Friday and probably stay there until the monsoons start in July.

I could store the TRL Dude preamp and a Lampizator DAC at my house if you are concerned about the heat.   

Wayne

[genjamon]

Hahaha, nice offer Wayne 

But if they're not in storage I think I might find my own uses for them. Though it could be the most ridiculous desktop system ever until I'm in my permanent place... 

Off-topic, I could use some pointers on the Tucson audio scene. I'm getting good stuff about the live music scene, but are there any dealers in town? Any audiophile clubs or anything?  Also, I'll be living about a mile and a half from the university, and I've heard break-ins are a fact of life in Tucson. This makes me kind of worried about the system. Thoughts on that?

[WGH]

There are no audiophile clubs in Tucson that I know of, once in a while a group of us get together but everyone is busy so it's pretty sporadic.

No neighborhood is 100% safe although some are more break-in prone. The university area is one because students have a lot of cool stuff, never leave your bike outside or anything valuable in your car overnight, remember we're not in Kansas anymore. A 1-1/2 mile radius around the university has everything, from meticulously manicured xeriscape landscapes to yards with a chain link fence, 2 pit bulls and little else, that is what gives Tucson it's charm.

Renter's insurance works very well, don't leave home without it.

Thieves here look for easy targets so as long as you take a few common sense precautions you will be fine. Prime break-in time is right after you move in, usually a person is unfamiliar with the property and leave something unlocked. I think thieves look for U-Haul trucks parked in driveways to find the newbies and you still have all your stuff, after a couple of weeks somebody else may have all your stuff.

Double cylinder door locks, security grills, closed drapes or blinds all work to deter break-ins. I lived in the West University neighborhood just a couple of blocks from the UofA and didn't have any problems for 30 years.

Wayne

[genjamon]

Thanks for the advice, Wayne.  I'm moving to a house near Elm/Country Club.  The current renters haven't had any issues, but I'll be sure to try and make things fairly secure and minimize visibility of the system to the outside.  It would be nice to meet others in the area if you do have any get-togethers in the future.

Ben

[WGH]

That is a nice safe neighborhood, my house is only 1-1/2 miles away. Send me a note after you get settled in and we can plan a get together.

Wayne