Quick emphasis: As stated, TOTALLY concur with Ling's choice in a
local environ. (40-50 is C°?) Diff strokes for diff fok at diff
latitudes and travel versus home storage. My prior post was to provide
fair warning that a Zuiko in and out of a 'ziplock bag' for a week or
more in a tropical environ short of an elephant (What Elephant!!) for
transport of the hot box may lead to tears. Silica Gel WORKS if in
the proper geometry and VERY easy to regenerate and VERY cheap.
Results can be misleading if packaged in the typical retail plastic
containers. Discussion is good for me leading to a quick review of
regeneration methods, etc. easily found with Google. Will post if any
interest. The ideal is probably wise use of BOTH methods matched to
needs. Either too hot or too dry will keep your Zuiko spry!!
Have utilized a very quick 'home invention' method for drying Silica
Gel which works for me. Before I really get myself in trouble, sent a
note of inquiry to a major supplier as to 'validated' methods. If
anything useful will post. Time I checked on my madMax method anyway!!!
best,
Bill
On Wednesday, August 13, 2003, at 11:36 PM, C.H.Ling-Accura wrote:
The problem was I used to open the box at least twice a week, you
always
have to monitor the condition of the silica gel, it is no fun. To me
spending $200 for a electronic dry box is absolutely worth and it
proved to
work well for me and the temp is keep at around room level and
humidity is
always between 40-50. Now I open it at least once a day without any
trouble,
no more silica gel replacement.
C.H.Ling
-----Original Message-----
Concur with the voice of experience. It is easy to forget the rigor
of
tropical climates. From a microbiology viewpoint, I did mention
temperature in a general way. Useful information to know in
protecting
your valuable lenses: most micro-organisms have an optimum range of
culture temperatures. Long time since I read the typical upper limit
for mold, but suffice to say it is less than 100° F. Mold blossoms in
a cool refrigerator, but not in the heat. (Published temp limits can
easily be found with Google, e.g. "mold culture".) The temp regulated
heat box is not designed to 'cook' your zuiko or zucchini or even to
reduce the humidity. Rather, it serves to maintain the temp above
that
which mold will grow, humidity or no humidity.
Finally, the issue of contact area is important with respect to the
use
of silica gel. They do work and work well. Have seen this packaged
in
a yogurt sized container which is VERY poor geometry to be effective.
My suggestion of pouring a small amount in a hose or sock increases
the
surface area for increased effectiveness. Both desiccants and heat
work - if employed with an understanding of the problem. Take your
choice.
Best,
Bill
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