1 simple quest on dry cabin

[akagi07]

I don't seem to find a similar thread on this:

say your usual RH % was ard 39-45.
But too busy to take the kits out for about 2 weeks, realised that the reading dropped till like 31%

some had commented that reading too low is not good too as its too dry.

so do you guys constantly take out the equipments and expose them to the usual temp and put back to the cabinet again?

[shunzi]

TS, i don't see the trouble of taking out the equipment to 'expose' them. you just need to adjust the RH in the dry cabinet. if the temp in it still dropping then you probably need to get it service.

[romeo tango]

Hi, the RH% should be around 40 - 55. If your dry cabin is using the dial control, you will have to go by trail and error method. Set at one point, do not open for about 24 hours, then check the RH%. Keep repeating until you get into the range of 40 - 55 and is consistant for more than 2 to 3 days.

[Octarine]

Originally Posted by akagi07 so do you guys constantly take out the equipments and expose them to the usual temp and put back to the cabinet again?

How does temperature come in here? I guess you mean "ambient RH"?
Opening the door for 1min is enough to "fill" your dry cabinet with humid ambient air. Adjust the dehumidifier a bit lower, monitor for the next days.

[djork]

one of my dehumidifiers came with a setting called L, M and H. Naturally I assumed that L is low power or something - that translates to higher humidity. However, I was plain wrong at that - L means low humidity i.e. <40% RH. Note that you set yours correctly. Consult the manual if necessary.

Now my dehumidifier comes with a digital hygrometer, easier to read as well. As some analogue hygrometers can be inaccurate.

[akagi07]

I had actually used it for coming 6 months.
I powered it off while ago, reading = 50% as I had it opened just now for 1 min. now switching back on,

Just recently I'm been too busy to even take the kits out (2 wks). the reading dropped till 30+ from 41-45, which i thought that was normal as the machines is just operating to take out the humidity.

I hope its not spoilt, but just wondering if the reading is norm to keep dropping or staying consistent without opening the cabin?

[Octarine]

Originally Posted by djork Now my dehumidifier comes with a digital hygrometer, easier to read as well. As some analogue hygrometers can be inaccurate.

The way of displaying information doesn't change the facts nor does it guarantee accurateness. Doesn't matter if your hygrometer tells you in analogue or digital ways that RH is 45% - when the actual RH is 70%. The result is the same

[Octarine]

Originally Posted by akagi07 Just recently I'm been too busy to even take the kits out (2 wks). the reading dropped till 30+ from 41-45, which i thought that was normal as the machines is just operating to take out the humidity. I hope its not spoilt, but just wondering if the reading is norm to keep dropping or staying consistent without opening the cabin?

Have a look here: http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=481380
Nice summary of the two main technologies used in dry cabinets. From your description it looks as if you have this "open loop" system. Here the dehumidifier is just working at a certain adjustable level - shifting humidity from inside to outside. At one point it reaches a balance and the resulting humidity appears constant. This balance is also depending on how often you open the door. So with 1 opening per week your cabinet might achieve a balanced level at 41%-45%. But without this the balance got shifted to the drier end. Nothing to worry, just adjust the dial a bit and monitor. A short term storage at 30% doesn't do any harm, cameras can stand much more

[akagi07]

alright, thanks octarine, your reply was appreciated greatly.