How do you Store your PCB's..?

Biomech011

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Donor 12 years: 2012-2023
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Hey guys,

I'm running outta room here, & was looking for some new Ways/Ideas on storing PCB's.
Was thinking of storing them in boxes, or some better way.

I've seen some horror ones where there are 6 or 7 of them stacked on top of each other.

Anybody got any photos of their Stash? (Show'em off)
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Grab some free shipping Priority Mail shippers. Construct them and shelf the pcbs inside. Makes for quick packing and keeps them from damage.
 
Here is my little rig I made up. I can comfortably fit around 150 boards on the shelf. Its usually full but I have a bunch on the bench for testing/repair. All my other boards are in boxes scattered about.
 
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Niiice,

Thanks for the photos guys.

That rack system is sweet. holds what, about 75+/- boards...?

I also like the Box set collection there. Looks nice with the logo's for labels.
 
That rack system is sweet. holds what, about 75+/- boards...?
My shelf holds around 150 boards.

Perhaps Biomech001's confusion is because there appear to be ~15 boards on a shelf, and there are 5 shelves... so it looks like 75.

Is is deep enough that there's another 75 on the back side? (hard to tell from the pic)
 
There are two pcbs in each box. Some on the bottom shelf have several boards in them because they are small boards.
 
This is a great way to go:
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http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail...-1-2-x-12-1-2-x-2-1-2-ESD-Conductive-Shippers

Pretty expensive, and have to be bought in large quantities, but the best thing you can buy to protect PCBs (at least, single-layer ones without large heatsinks.) I store several-hundred-dollar Cave PCBs in these without a second thought.

I was looking at that, but damn that's steep. $166.00 for the 1st order of 12 cases.
I'll just get the USPS boxes, & clean them up a bit.

I gotta admit, they are clean looking, Almost Tempting, but not worth it for only 12 cases.
I'll just get static bags & USPS boxes.
 
I was looking at that, but damn that's steep. $166.00 for the 1st order of 12 cases.
I'll just get the USPS boxes, & clean them up a bit.

I gotta admit, they are clean looking, Almost Tempting, but not worth it for only 12 cases.
I'll just get static bags & USPS boxes.

The USPS boxes are definitely a good way to go, and pretty static-safe on their own; find a buddy who does any computer hardware installation to mooch anti-static bags from, and you're good.

I use the USPS boxes for sub-$100 games, and the U-Line ones for games over $200, generally. I also take care of the boxes, hold onto them when I sell games. Plus, I have less than 20 PCBs on hand at any one time, generally. Wouldn't be feasible if I had hundreds like some people do.
 
this is someone elses setup, and the most badass one i've seen so far.

charles we've already discussed how i store mine, tighe does the same just sans boxes.

if you don't want to take advantage of the USPS you can always use used ones from boards you buy (i mean that's what we all do right?)

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Bubble wrap and plastic totes. I can only imagine the wild fire this post will start, but I have never had a problem.
 
Bubble wrap and plastic totes. I can only imagine the wild fire this post will start, but I have never had a problem.

there's a couple members that will really ream you for the bubble wrap if it's not the anti-static kind.
 
there's a couple members that will really ream you for the bubble wrap if it's not the anti-static kind.

Yeah, that is true. There are also just as many that say they have never had a problem doing it. Either way, I have started putting my newly acquired boards in antistatic bags, but I still have several totes full of bubble wrapped boards that I have not gotten to yet. I understand the reasoning behind it, and I am fully aware of how static electricity works, but like I said, I have never had a problem.
 
Honestly most of the older boards are not very static sensitive. Storing them in regular bubble wrap is way less risky than shipping them in it. When shipping they see constant movement that can generate static. As many boards I have had shipped to me in regular peanuts and bubble wrap I have never had an issue with a board damaged from static.
I do ship all my stuff with anti-static packaging to be on the safe side.
 
Honestly most of the older boards are not very static sensitive. Storing them in regular bubble wrap is way less risky than shipping them in it. When shipping they see constant movement that can generate static. As many boards I have had shipped to me in regular peanuts and bubble wrap I have never had an issue with a board damaged from static.
I do ship all my stuff with anti-static packaging to be on the safe side.

Right on. I am a firm believer of "why take the chance?", which is why I am using antistatic bags now. However, like I said, most of my collection is still bubble wrapped.
 
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