Dessicant packs?? A couple questions..

[GregA2k6]

Hello all!

I have just got my case for my camera and had a few questions about dessicant packs. First of all, where can one buy them? Would photography shops have them? Secondly, I have found a few sitting in my medicine drawer. I assume that if they have been sitting around for any time that they are no longer of any use? I live in an extremely dry climate and was thinking that the few I had kicking around may do until I get some "fresh" ones.

Thanks for any info!

Greg

 

[Charlie99]

http://www.preservesmart.com/products.htm is one source. I use the 2 gram packs with indicators. See the bottom of the webpage.

Dessicant packs can be recharged by putting them in a warm (150-200F) oven for a few hours.

I've had good luck recharging packs in the microwave, using short bursts of power to keep from overheating and melting the wrapping of the packets. Defrost cycle works too. I've also melted a few packs, so be ready to experiment a bit.

 

[micahjt]

Fyi -

 

[micahjt]

http://www.preservesmart.com/products.htm is one source. I use the 2 gram packs with indicators. See the bottom of the webpage.

Good Job! That's the cheapest I've ever seen em. Usually they are way out of line with pricing on these.



FYI - you can make your own.:brain:

You can order bulk dessicant from any labware catalog.

Better yet - just order from the mfg....even cheaper!
http://www.drierite.com/default.cfm?goto_page=page4a.cfm
I would suggest the indicating type, so you can tell when it is saturated.

I cut out some coffee filters, poured the dessicant on top of the filter and sealed the filter with some glue.It works!! I've used mine over and over and have not had a single problem and I'd say they even work better than what you can buy.

You can dry out the dessicant repeatedly in a warm oven. Perhaps 3-4 times before replacing. Just be careful not to melt or burn the container/packet.