how do you guys organize your ic's

I buy chips from Twistywrist and re-use the chip cases... I wonder if he could sell those seperately. I just re-use the ones he sent me with chips and throw labels on them.
 
ind_prec_metals5_a.jpg

j/k
 
I store my critical ICs in a custom wooden toolbox I created:


The front piece:

required two weeks to create... laser etching away each mirrored color, retaping, re-etching, repainting with more color. You can the progression in the Flickr album:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/52968060@N00/sets/72157623551174616/

Still need to finish this project with LEDs behind the mirror... one day.

The drawers:




The IC storage is an Static disapative IC tube with rubber band. If the toolbox had more drawers; I'd figure out a better way. As it stands now it's just about perfect, portable with nearly everything I need to keep the Star Trek machines running at TPF.
 
The best way is in their original tubes like in my first picture. I also use the akro-mill bins for the stuff I use in repairs on the bench. I have around 15 of those bins, they are great.

The absolute worst thing you can store a chip in is the black foam. I have seen far too many chips with corroded legs that were stored in the anti-static foam for long periods of time. Sure its fine for short term storage or for shipping. Another thing to watch out for is the rubber tube stoppers. When they get old they harden up and fall out. If I use the stoppers the end gets taped to eliminate the chance of them dumping. For this same reason you should get into the habit of carrying tubes of chips horizontally, not vertically. The plastic pegs are the best, they wont fall out unless the tube is cracked.
 
Last edited:
Overstock in tubes. Commonly used ones in cabinets in drawers as pictured.

Not so common ones I keep about 5 of each on anti-static foam in a compartmentalized Plano storage box with ranges of part #s for each compartment.

Bill
 
I so want a vidmar for storing this stuff... but man; those things must be made of gold pressed latinum.
 
Back
Top Bottom