Can the guru's here share their construction techniques and share their experiences. Thanks.

Checkout this link

http://www.flickr.com/photos/niko_villegas/sets/72157594254560894/

i recently made my own diy drybox. As for its effectivity, its relatively new so i dunno yet.

Here is what my diy drybox cost me:

1. 8L Lock & Lock airtight box (S&R, 500 something pesos) - for a box to be airtight, check if the cover, where it meets the box is lined with silicon, which looks and feels like a soft rubber.
2. 1 Silica Gel pack, rechargeable, giant size (Handyman, 100 something pesos)
3. Analog Hygrometer (Fuma, 380 pesos)
Total is <1k

Results:
inside the box right now are 2 lenses, 50/1.8 and 35-70/2.8, but if arranged properly the D50 with 18-70 mounted can probably also fit along with these 2 lenses.

Hygrometer reading inside the box is @ around 40-45%, so the seal must be ok. I can't control humidity inside because I got the giant sized silica gel, so I cant add gel packs incrementally until I get the desided humidity inside the box.

Ambient outside the box hygrometer reader is in excess of 70% (Yes, its that humid here)

One thing to take note with dryboxes is the hygrometer reading has slight changes depending on the amount of gear you have inside. So you just have to check that it's within the safe range whenever you take out some of your gear to use. :)

mmmmmmmm... Basta ako I just put my gear in my Pelican case and stash it away somewhere in my house where the temperature changes are not so dramatic given any time of day or season. Plus, there is no direct sunlight hitting the stash site... Worked for years... :)

Thanks Carlo, will try it out.

i recently made my own diy drybox. As for its effectivity, its relatively new so i dunno yet.

Here is what my diy drybox cost me:

1. 8L Lock & Lock airtight box (S&R, 500 something pesos) - for a box to be airtight, check if the cover, where it meets the box is lined with silicon, which looks and feels like a soft rubber.
2. 1 Silica Gel pack, rechargeable, giant size (Handyman, 100 something pesos)
3. Analog Hygrometer (Fuma, 380 pesos)
Total is <1k

Results:
inside the box right now are 2 lenses, 50/1.8 and 35-70/2.8, but if arranged properly the D50 with 18-70 mounted can probably also fit along with these 2 lenses.

Hygrometer reading inside the box is @ around 40-45%, so the seal must be ok. I can't control humidity inside because I got the giant sized silica gel, so I cant add gel packs incrementally until I get the desided humidity inside the box.

Ambient outside the box hygrometer reader is in excess of 70% (Yes, its that humid here)

Where did you buy the Hygrometer?

@leonard: Fuma, glorietta gf main entrance (oakwood) area, under the escalators.

Is it okay if my lock and lock airtight is transparent? or its advisable to use dark/black container?

Thank you for this detailed procedure.

pol

i recently made my own diy drybox. As for its effectivity, its relatively new so i dunno yet.

Here is what my diy drybox cost me:

1. 8L Lock & Lock airtight box (S&R, 500 something pesos) - for a box to be airtight, check if the cover, where it meets the box is lined with silicon, which looks and feels like a soft rubber.
2. 1 Silica Gel pack, rechargeable, giant size (Handyman, 100 something pesos)
3. Analog Hygrometer (Fuma, 380 pesos)
Total is <1k

Results:
inside the box right now are 2 lenses, 50/1.8 and 35-70/2.8, but if arranged properly the D50 with 18-70 mounted can probably also fit along with these 2 lenses.

Hygrometer reading inside the box is @ around 40-45%, so the seal must be ok. I can't control humidity inside because I got the giant sized silica gel, so I cant add gel packs incrementally until I get the desided humidity inside the box.

Ambient outside the box hygrometer reader is in excess of 70% (Yes, its that humid here)

Same here, Earl (except for the Pelican case)...plus a lot of silica gel packets.
...Although I have a dry box (thanks Perry:)) where I store my beloved Nikon FE:Grin:

mmmmmmmm... Basta ako I just put my gear in my Pelican case and stash it away somewhere in my house where the temperature changes are not so dramatic given any time of day or season. Plus, there is no direct sunlight hitting the stash site... Worked for years... :)

Checkout this link

http://www.flickr.com/photos/niko_villegas/sets/72157594254560894/

thanks for the info...

Hi guys
i just had the S5is, my first prosumer camera. Does this need safekeeping in a drybox too?
Thanks in advance.

bobet

is it bad if i put too much silica gels? :Shock: thanks!

Hi guys
i just had the S5is, my first prosumer camera. Does this need safekeeping in a drybox too?
Thanks in advance.

bobet
It is safer to keep them in a dry box if you will not be using them for an extended length of time.

is it bad if i put too much silica gels? :Shock: thanks!
No, it doesn't hurt using more of them.. unless the weight is more than a ton and put them on top of your gear..:D:D:D

Checkout this link

http://www.flickr.com/photos/niko_villegas/sets/72157594254560894/

hey peter...

what material did you use for insulation... i'm referring to the white strip... where can you buy it?

thanks!

is it bad if i put too much silica gels? :Shock: thanks!

From what I read before, too much silica-gel/dessicant could dry out the lubricant inside the lens intself. Can't confirm though.

What's the ideal level of humidity inside the dry-box? I've got a hygrometer but the numbers mean zip to me right now...

45% to 55% humidity is the ideal

Where can I buy a cheap Hygrometer?

I checked it in Puma earlier and said its not available anymore. accdg to sales lady, it's been a year since the last time they have it. Infomaxx Trinoma price is 750.

Where can I buy a cheap Hygrometer?

I checked it in Puma earlier and said its not available anymore. accdg to sales lady, it's been a year since the last time they have it. Infomaxx Trinoma price is 750.

I bought mine at infomax. i think its 750-800. HTH

Where can I buy a cheap Hygrometer?

I checked it in Puma earlier and said its not available anymore. accdg to sales lady, it's been a year since the last time they have it. Infomaxx Trinoma price is 750.


You can buy the round analog hygrometer for P300, at the cigar corner of the Filipiniana section, Rustan's Makati.

You can buy the round analog hygrometer for P300, at the cigar corner of the Filipiniana section, Rustan's Makati.


Found it! :) Thanks so much!!! I hope this analog hygrometer is accurate ;)

I'm still using a 3ftx1.5ftx2ft IKEA plastic box with clamps. It's not air tight, but it's sufficient. I have two "trays" inside the box separated by foam inserts with two 250g bottles of dessicant.

I don't usually use dryboxes, but the old cams and lenses don't get used as often as I'd like and everything's dumped into a small storage room with 90% humidity, no choice.

From what I read before, too much silica-gel/dessicant could dry out the lubricant inside the lens intself. Can't confirm though.

What's the ideal level of humidity inside the dry-box? I've got a hygrometer but the numbers mean zip to me right now...

Desiccants such as silica gel will absorb water only. Lubricants are oil based and will not be absorbed by silica gel unless they get in direct contact with each other.

Guys,

I recently bought a 11L Biokips to be used as a DIY DryBox.

Based on experience, how many boxes of Homelife Silica Gel do I need to come up with the optimum environment for my "babies"...

TIA

Cheers!!

It seems that a hygrometer is the hardest to find among all materials necessary for a DIY dry box. To those looking for one, I was pleasantly surprised that hygrometers are being sold right under our noses. SM Quiapo has a lot of them in stock at the ground floor near belts, wallets, and other men's accessories. A desk clock model of theirs has one along with a thermometer. Best of all, they are on sale at P90 only! Not the most accurate but then they are easily calibrated using the "damp salt method". I'm doing mine as I type this.

It seems that a hygrometer is the hardest to find among all materials necessary for a DIY dry box. To those looking for one, I was pleasantly surprised that hygrometers are being sold right under our noses. SM Quiapo has a lot of them in stock at the ground floor near belts, wallets, and other men's accessories. A desk clock model of theirs has one along with a thermometer. Best of all, they are on sale at P90 only! Not the most accurate but then they are easily calibrated using the "damp salt method". I'm doing mine as I type this.

Hi! Just got my first DSLR last 09 April 2 and the first time I saw a dry box made me wonder if I needed one. Now I'll just make one for my "baby". I just want to ask, what is damp salt method? Thanks.

Hi! Just got my first DSLR last 09 April 2 and the first time I saw a dry box made me wonder if I needed one. Now I'll just make one for my "baby". I just want to ask, what is damp salt method? Thanks.

Try this link, http://reviews.ebay.com/How-to-calibrate-you-hygrometer_W0QQugidZ10000000002068112

fot those planning to buy Lock & Lock containers, they are on-sale in landmark-trinoma.

HTH! :Grin:

Thanks for the damp salt method and the trinoma info. Keep up the good shots!

here's mine...

21L Lock & Lock container
Digital Hygrometer
Pack of Silica Gel

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n275/nmeuvdast8/DryBox.jpg

a few days of using it, I thought that the reading on my hygrometer was very low. after calibrating it using the salt method, I found out that it was 22 below the correct reading. anyone here knows where can I gat an analog hygrometer?

For now all my gears fit in the Biokips 11.5L. I bought an analog hygrometer from Concorde, and fortunately it can be adjusted. I'm still calibrating it now and found out that it's +35 from the standard RH.

Also I put a rubber mat for anti-slip and aluminum heat reflector around the box (inside) for cushion and protection.

There are analog hygrometers at Japan Home Centre for P88. Just calibrate it using the damp salt method to test its accuracy.

http://i44.tinypic.com/xatder.jpg (camfone)

got this from infomax, do i have to calibrate it or something?

Lock N Lock is on sale at SM North with additional discount on Friday if you have advantage card.http://digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/images/smilies/Drogar-Laugh%28DBG%29.gif

Lock N Lock is on sale at SM North with additional discount on Friday if you have advantage card.http://digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/images/smilies/Drogar-Laugh%28DBG%29.gif

yes, indeed Romy! Lock n Lock on sale! i got 10Liters for 700+ :Grin: original price of 800+ hehehe (konti lang binaba eh noh, pero may discount pa rin) :Grin:

http://i44.tinypic.com/xatder.jpg (camfone)

got this from infomax, do i have to calibrate it or something?

hi emil, all electronics stuff needs to be calibrated.. (nothing is stable and accurate), i suggest you may calibrate your Hygrometer semi annually..:) when there was a variance or difference, you can tight your calibration quarterly.. hope this helps:)

yes, indeed Romy! Lock n Lock on sale! i got 10Liters for 700+ :Grin: original price of 800+ hehehe (konti lang binaba eh noh, pero may discount pa rin) :Grin:
I got 21L for 1k, discounted almost 20%(thanks to SM advantage) or about 250PhP. I had to squeeze between hundreds of people just to buy my LnL, Its quite big and can fit not only my DSLR gear but some other electronic gadgets. I'm just waiting for a text from the FUMA tindera for the analog hygrometer.:Grin:

Would you guys happen to know where else can I get a hygrometer other than infomax of fuma?

Would you guys happen to know where else can I get a hygrometer other than infomax of fuma?

i got one here. pm me your best price. hehehe

i got one here. pm me your best price. hehehe
Haha you're not allowed to sell or advertise here David!:D:D:D
Lagot ka sa admins!
BTW, is it new?:Grin:

Haha you're not allowed to sell or advertise here David!:D:D:D
Lagot ka sa admins!
BTW, is it new?:Grin:

hahaha almost..got it last march '09
same unit posted below (the one inside the drybox)

hahaha almost..got it last march '09
same unit posted below (the one inside the drybox)
Oh ok, so its digital pala. Just pm me the price, still looking for an analog though coz its much cheaper.:)

To be honest, I had one I found it too much of a hassle to use.
Recharging of gels and keeping a constant check not too have the humidity too high or too low. Its no fun especially if you have a couple lock n locks to keep checking for the amount of gear that one may accumulate.

If you have the cash grab an electronic one and save yourself the hassle. :)

"If you have cash" - thats our problem sir.

I was able to buy a digital hygrometer via ebay only around 8USD which is less than 500 pesos. It's one of those thermometer+hygrometer combo. Tested it with the dry salt method and found it to be only 3% off.

Anyway, I am still having problems getting the humidity down in my box but probably because it is too big or due to it not being totally air tight. I have half a bottle of blue silica already and one other dehumidifier.

I'm giving myself 1 more week or else, I'll go for an electronic dry cabi. :Thinking:

I got 21L for 1k, discounted almost 20%(thanks to SM advantage) or about 250PhP. I had to squeeze between hundreds of people just to buy my LnL, Its quite big and can fit not only my DSLR gear but some other electronic gadgets. I'm just waiting for a text from the FUMA tindera for the analog hygrometer.:Grin:

oh really?? darn, i should've wait to lower the price so i could get the high vol.. well its ok, better luck next time for me .. :Grin: good for your romy..:Grin:

"If you have cash" - thats our problem sir.

The cheapest is only 5.6k and it'll fit about 3 lens and a body.

I was able to buy a digital hygrometer via ebay only around 8USD which is less than 500 pesos. It's one of those thermometer+hygrometer combo. Tested it with the dry salt method and found it to be only 3% off.

Anyway, I am still having problems getting the humidity down in my box but probably because it is too big or due to it not being totally air tight. I have half a bottle of blue silica already and one other dehumidifier.

I'm giving myself 1 more week or else, I'll go for an electronic dry cabi. :Thinking:

funny I am quoting myself... just to continue in the quest to fine tune my DIY dry box:

I was able to finally make the box fully air tight and now the humidity is low. but with all the silica I put in, it is too low being less than 30-40% so I have taken a lot out. Looks like some suggestions were correct wherein it does not take too much silica gel. but depending on the size of the box as well as the volume of equipment inside I guess. My box is big, around 36L so I'll adjust accordingly.

If in a few days I get the humidity at the recommended level, then this would be a successful project. I'll try to post a link to photos soon if that'll be of help to anyone. :)

funny I am quoting myself... just to continue in the quest to fine tune my DIY dry box:

I was able to finally make the box fully air tight and now the humidity is low. but with all the silica I put in, it is too low being less than 30-40% so I have taken a lot out. Looks like some suggestions were correct wherein it does not take too much silica gel. but depending on the size of the box as well as the volume of equipment inside I guess. My box is big, around 36L so I'll adjust accordingly.

If in a few days I get the humidity at the recommended level, then this would be a successful project. I'll try to post a link to photos soon if that'll be of help to anyone. :)

TFS Joel.:)

Digital hygrometers here:

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.3172

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.14708

Free shipping, ships from HK

My hygrometer is an analog one from BLADE (auto accessory store). It has two faces, one for temp, the other a hygrometer. I think it's only 250 pesos. But, I don't really use my dry boxes anymore. I just leave my stuff in my cabinet. I use my gear fairly often, so the threat of getting fungi on them is low. Besides, if I have gear that would sit unused for it to get fungi, I sell it off... if you are a collector, then dry boxes are a must... but then, even my 60yo stuff gets used, so still don't see a need for dry boxes..

My hygrometer is an analog one from BLADE (auto accessory store). It has two faces, one for temp, the other a hygrometer. I think it's only 250 pesos. But, I don't really use my dry boxes anymore. I just leave my stuff in my cabinet. I use my gear fairly often, so the threat of getting fungi on them is low. Besides, if I have gear that would sit unused for it to get fungi, I sell it off... if you are a collector, then dry boxes are a must... but then, even my 60yo stuff gets used, so still don't see a need for dry boxes..

Its the threat of the fast changing weather that scares me. Better safe than sorry.:)

Its the threat of the fast changing weather that scares me. Better safe than sorry.:)

I know what you mean, I got my drybox two years ago in the middle of ever-changing weather conditions. Hot for a day or two, torrential rains the next... unpredictable and scary. But in time, I noticed that my stuff didn't really suffer much when I stopped using dryboxes... so I stopped using them altogether except to store film. But that's just me. Peace of mind IS a price worth paying :)

if you use it (camera), he (fungus) won't come. :)

but so far so good with my DIY dry box. but I had to replace Silica for only after a week. I'll give it a try for a full month to know if it really ever is tedious.

Alright, sharing some photos of the DIY dry box. So far about every 2-3 weeks, I had to change the silica. Maybe because my box is bigger? (36L or 42L I think)

I use a scoop that you get from powdered milk for infants. I put around 5 scoops or more depending on the reading I get. I re-use the usual dehumidifier case and have a mesh bag which I place in it for the silica... but I heard coffee maker filters would also do the trick.

As I've said, I had problems with the box not being airtight but I just place a large folded plastic bag over the whole top before locking in the cover to act as a sealant. My reading is usually around 40% in the beginning and gradually rises as the silica absorbs the humidity. When the reading reaches 53% above constantly, I change the silica gel because my hygrometer is -3% off. I'd say a smaller box would be ideal for me and I plan to switch to one sooner or later.


http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/bojo387/DSC_0185-1.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/bojo387/DSC_0186-1.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/bojo387/DSC_0173-1.jpg

I hope this helps.

hey guys and gals,
would any of you know where i can get a hygrometer? i called up Blade in Greenbelt, Parksquare and MOA but they don't have it in stock. I'm from Paranaque and hopefully i can get one near my place.

TIA! :)

hey guys and gals,
would any of you know where i can get a hygrometer? i called up Blade in Greenbelt, Parksquare and MOA but they don't have it in stock. I'm from Paranaque and hopefully i can get one near my place.

TIA! :)

Infomaxx and Fuma sell digital and analog hygrometers respectively.

Doesn't the desiccant dry out the rubber from the camera grip?

Went to Parksquare yesterday, got myself a digital hyrgrometer from Infomaxx. It was priced at P700 but I was able to buy it at P600. Also bought desiccant and rubber mat from Japan 88 store.

Haven't had time to check the accuracy of the hygrometer yet although when I left it in my DIY drybox overnight, it showed 68-70% RH using old desiccant pack I had--only installed the new ones this morning. I'll check it again later when I get home later.

Update on the hygrometer availability in Ayala Center Makati:
- Fuma - no stock
- Blade parksquare - no stock
- Japan 88 - none
- Rustan's cigar section - wasn't able to check
- Infomaxx parksquare - 2 models available @ P700 and P1000

Checked my hygrometer already. Did the salt test from 6pm yesterday to about 6am today, RH was at 72%.

reviving this thread....


anywho,
i made my own DIY drybox. works like a charm,

720 pesos - lock n lock 10L
650 pesos - digital hygrometer from infomaxxx trinoma
480 pesos - rechargeable dehumidifier from fotohub q.c.
50 pesos - rubber matte from ace hardware


good stuff =D

fotohub is the QC branch of JT?

fotohub is the QC branch of JT?

if im not mistaken, yes.:)

hello, what's the largest Lock&Lock container that can fit these:

d40x, d300, 18-200, 70-200, 105mm, 90mm, 50mm, 11-16mm, sb400,600,800,900

?

I don't know if those will fit, but the largest L and L is 21L, I think.

This is my 21L L&L, can fit 70-300 IS, 28-135 IS, 18-55 IS, 430EX, ext tubes, 40D body, P&S, some extra accessories.

http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt323/RomyrMariano/others/IMG_0165a.jpg

Hi DPP peeps, I would like to know where can I buy a Hygrometer for my DIY Dry Box? Thanks guys. U may PM me

Hi DPP peeps, I would like to know where can I buy a Hygrometer for my DIY Dry Box? Thanks guys. U may PM me

You can check out Fuma, Japan Home Center or Infomaxx.

Are dryboxes really required for storing those equipments? Or is it just used if you're not gonna use your equipments for a long time? Because I'm just in the process of buying my camera and this drybox ticked me off. If I don't use one, what would happen aside from fungal infestation?

Here's mine... Just plug and set the hygrometer to 45% and say goodbye to fungus. :Grin:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IITEH27od2M/TEheBBl59fI/AAAAAAAAADM/eZrDJqoNvaI/s512/DSC02899.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IITEH27od2M/TEheA7fA6HI/AAAAAAAAADI/kJV-Ah8BDlY/s512/DSC02900.JPG

nice one sir jmDonaire, looks very pricey. i saw a drybox at haan megamall this afternoon. its just a plain box w/rubberized seals claiming to be waterproof, spacious, but it has no hygrometer. cost is P1600 i guess. what can you say about this guys? has anyone seen this na ba?

btw sir jmDonaire how much does that dry cabinet costs & where did you buy it? TIA

Here's mine... Just plug and set the hygrometer to 45% and say goodbye to fungus. :Grin:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_IITEH27od2M/TEheBBl59fI/AAAAAAAAADM/eZrDJqoNvaI/s512/DSC02899.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IITEH27od2M/TEheA7fA6HI/AAAAAAAAADI/kJV-Ah8BDlY/s512/DSC02900.JPG

Is this DIY?

no its not DIY.

you can easily do DIY for this.

however, i cannot find any dehumidifier that is rechargeable. i saw in this forum that it is available in fuma... but i passed by there yesterday and they have none...

any help please?

no its not DIY.

you can easily do DIY for this.

however, i cannot find any dehumidifier that is rechargeable. i saw in this forum that it is available in fuma... but i passed by there yesterday and they have none...

any help please?

Hmmmm there are different types of dehumidifiers or dessicants. I know one wher you plug it on the electric socket to recharge it. For me I use the bentonite type that needs to be baked in an oven or under the sun. I also suggested to my friend to use the calcium carbonate type where it turns into water. This is not rechargeable though bit really effective.

3 things you need for a DIY dry box.

1. airtight plastic container (lock & lock, komax, etc.)
2. hygrometer (analog or digital)
3. dessicant / dehumidifier (rechargeable or not)

my friend asked me if the dessicant needed to be replaced already I told him that as long as the hygormeter reading tells you it's dry or normal no need to change or that the chemical hasn't turned into water then it's still good.

no its not DIY.

you can easily do DIY for this.

however, i cannot find any dehumidifier that is rechargeable. i saw in this forum that it is available in fuma... but i passed by there yesterday and they have none...

any help please?

Hmm.. Coz it's posted here in the "Effective DIY Dryboxes" thread.

And yes, I know it's easy to do coz I have one myself.

@Romyr_Mariano

I saw some of those dry boxes.. would cost around 10-15k in Ace Hardware. Bigger boxes would be around 20k++.

What do you use as dehumidifier if I may ask?

@Romyr_Mariano

I saw some of those dry boxes.. would cost around 10-15k in Ace Hardware. Bigger boxes would be around 20k++.

What do you use as dehumidifier if I may ask?

I used to use silica gels from Handyman in Waltermart, comes in small packs. Cheap and "rechargeable". But then I found these dehumidifiers in Daiso in SG, costs S$2 which lasts for about 3 months, non-rechargeable but refillable.

Here's a photo, it collects up to 600ml of moisture.

http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt323/RomyrMariano/others/Img694.jpg

@Romyr

Ah yeah, I saw this as well in Japan Home. They have the 600ml and the 250ml packs. This turns into water after moisture absorption?

I just got a analog hygrometer from Japan home as well. :)

I used to use silica gels from Handyman in Waltermart, comes in small packs. Cheap and "rechargeable". But then I found these dehumidifiers in Daiso in SG, costs S$2 which lasts for about 3 months, non-rechargeable but refillable.

Here's a photo, it collects up to 600ml of moisture.

http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt323/RomyrMariano/others/Img694.jpg

I would caution you against using that one. Here's what it does when it collects moisture...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs631.snc3/31681_1505441717594_1280808544_31405937_2258182_n. jpg

...that can spill on your gear easy. :Scared:

I would caution you against using that one. Here's what it does when it collects moisture...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs631.snc3/31681_1505441717594_1280808544_31405937_2258182_n. jpg

...that can spill on your gear easy. :Scared:

Caution is always taken with my gears. :)

In fact mine is almost done, have to order for some more.

that is a lot of moisture!

aight. thx for the heads up. il probably just get the silica gel type stuff.

got my own DIY dry box na... here are the materials needed:

http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx223/mikeko879/IMG_0008.jpg

Biokips 11.5L - Php 860 (SM Makati)
Rechargeable Dehumidifier - Php 500 (Tay Hua, Binondo)
Analog Hygrometer - Php 88 (Japan Home, Park Square)
Shelf anti-slid liner - Php 65 (Ace Hardware, Makati)

Total damage = Php 1513

Save more if you just use silicon gels or the usual dehumidifiers.

i tried this also went to quiapo area and baught some water proof fabrics,.,.
since i dont know how to sew.,.,i just baught fabric glue and made a bag pattern out of it.,.,
ill post my project here sumtime ;)

I'm just starting to set-up my DIY dry box. I already have L&L container and a silica gel. I think a hygrometer is all i need to set things up. I just have a noob question regarding the silica gel thing. I bought a homelife silica gel from ACE hardware. My question is that, do i need to put holes on the small packs in order for it to absorb moisture? or I just have to take it off from the box and put it directly on my dry box? TIA.

to tell you the truth i also started with these DIY ones but after a while you realize that you could do a lot of damage choosing the wrong silica/other abosorbent type of items.

if youve invested a lot of money getting your L lenses, i suggest saving up some and buying a real box. it wont set you back a big chunk and youll have peace of mind that your lenses are sitting happily inside the box safe and sound.

to tell you the truth i also started with these DIY ones but after a while you realize that you could do a lot of damage choosing the wrong silica/other abosorbent type of items.

if youve invested a lot of money getting your L lenses, i suggest saving up some and buying a real box. it wont set you back a big chunk and youll have peace of mind that your lenses are sitting happily inside the box safe and sound.

are the ones from TrueValue, Homelife Moisture Eliminating Silica Gel safe to use?

let me just revive the thread..

I would like to ask if you guys include the batteries (AA and camera battery) inside the box?.

TIA.

let me just revive the thread..

I would like to ask if you guys include the batteries (AA and camera battery) inside the box?.

TIA.

@daLe_Agustin

I place my batteries in double ZipLock plastics and store them in the refrigerator.

benrose

06-16-2011

If I were to use the "damp salt method" in calibrating my hygrometers I would use distilled water and pure sodium chloride rather than tap water and ordinary table salt.

IMHO, tap water and ordinary table salt contain impurities that may affect the accuracy of my calibration setup.

benrose

@daLe_Agustin

I place my batteries in double ZipLock plastics and store them in the refrigerator.

benrose

wow, this is the 1st time i've heard of this.. im Google-ing it now. :D TFS.

Do you remove your SD cards an place them in Dryboxes?

Do you remove your SD cards an place them in Dryboxes?

my main SD card stays with my camera, my extra cards is also placed on my drybox.
the only thing i remove is the battery.

wow thanks for the tips guys. let me try that out. :D

Hi sir! yong chemical dehumidifier na pink na nasa picture nayan gumagamit ka niyan? hindi ba masama sa dslr yan compare sa silica gel.???


Alright, sharing some photos of the DIY dry box. So far about every 2-3 weeks, I had to change the silica. Maybe because my box is bigger? (36L or 42L I think)

I use a scoop that you get from powdered milk for infants. I put around 5 scoops or more depending on the reading I get. I re-use the usual dehumidifier case and have a mesh bag which I place in it for the silica... but I heard coffee maker filters would also do the trick.

As I've said, I had problems with the box not being airtight but I just place a large folded plastic bag over the whole top before locking in the cover to act as a sealant. My reading is usually around 40% in the beginning and gradually rises as the silica absorbs the humidity. When the reading reaches 53% above constantly, I change the silica gel because my hygrometer is -3% off. I'd say a smaller box would be ideal for me and I plan to switch to one sooner or later.


http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/bojo387/DSC_0185-1.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/bojo387/DSC_0186-1.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/bojo387/DSC_0173-1.jpg

I hope this helps.

Ive read sometime ago in a U.S. photography magazine wherein a well-known pro photographer said that when shooting in the snow, his extra batteries are placed closed to his body for the batteries warmth. Since cold weather rapidly depletes batteries' charge. I wonder how does it compare/relate to placing in the refrigerator? Just asking.

@JanMante, how is it doing w/ ur search?

Ive read sometime ago in a U.S. photography magazine wherein a well-known pro photographer said that when shooting in the snow, his extra batteries are placed closed to his body for the batteries warmth. Since cold weather rapidly depletes batteries' charge. I wonder how does it compare/relate to placing in the refrigerator? Just asking.

@JanMante, how is it doing w/ ur search?


09-07-2011

@delphimiranda

Lithium-ion Battery
Lithium-ion batteries should be kept cool; they may be stored in a refrigerator.[101] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium-ion_battery#cite_note-batteryuniversity.com-100)[102] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium-ion_battery#cite_note-nofreeze-101)
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium-ion_battery

Please note that most camera batteries are of the lithium-ion type.

HTH.

benrose

PS - You may find more helpful 'Battery Storage Recommendations' at the website of PowerStream.com.

Hi sir! yong chemical dehumidifier na pink na nasa picture nayan gumagamit ka niyan? hindi ba masama sa dslr yan compare sa silica gel.???


09-07-2011

@rayrosal

DPP Ten Commandments
II) The form of communication shall be in English.
We discussed this before and so far most everyone follows. Again, we do this because we are an international forum and English is the international language.

benrose

Ive read sometime ago in a U.S. photography magazine wherein a well-known pro photographer said that when shooting in the snow, his extra batteries are placed closed to his body for the batteries warmth. Since cold weather rapidly depletes batteries' charge. I wonder how does it compare/relate to placing in the refrigerator? Just asking.

@JanMante, how is it doing w/ ur search?


09-07-2011

@delphimiranda

Probably the intent of that pro-photographer was to have his extra batteries perform at its peak condition when he needed them. IMHO, some batteries may attain its peak condition at some temperature(s) close to room temperature, but it does not necessarily mean that cold weather depletes their charge. Sluggish, perhaps; depleted, I do not think so.

Please note that this is just my personal opinion. I do not have any physics or engineering expertise. Other more informed readers are welcome to enlighten us in this regard.

benrose