How to use dry-box

[titanax]

Hi,

I'm not sure if this is the right place for this post - if its wrong I apologise in advance :P

I just got the Digi-cabi 30L dry box (DB-30). The world-class manual seems too high tech for me...is anybody using it ? How do I set the humidity level?

According to the piece of paper - or the world class manual:

User Guide for Dry Cabinets
Humidity setting instructions
AD and DB Series
Cabinets with battery operated LCD digital hygrometer and low power consumption T.E. cooling refrigerated semiconductor crystal dehumidifier.

Setting by turning the knob clockwise or anti-clockwise, clockwise toward point C represent stronger moisture absorbing estimate reading of humidity level at 25-35%. Green LED light on the knob turn brighter and dimmer when knob is turned clockwise/anticlockwise.

Anti-clockwise towards point A represents weaker moisture absorbing, estimated humidity reading at 50-70%.

Constant evaporating moisture at all set point, low power consumption, no noise, sound or heat. All estimate humidity reading is based on a 60litres cabinet.

The only knob inside the case only has HI & LO, with colored markers blue, red & green. I don't see any A,B,Cs. So maybe I'm just supposed to adjust the knob until I get 45-55% ?

I called one of Digihub's sales people but apparently its her day off so she can't help me - however if I was calling to make a bulk purchase of 4000 units..she probably would have made an exception :confused1:

Any advice?

[EFG]

For a new dry cabinet, please switch it on at the most dry level and let it function at its max for 18-24hrs.

Then you air it for a short while with cabinet opened and tune level up to mid level. Close the door and with cabinet empty. By the end of the second day, take your reading. Fine tune from that level with minimal +/- each time. Once you hit an ideal humidity level (eg 48%), load your gears in. Take the reading every now and then and fine tune from there. Once you hit your desired reading, you wont need to bother with the knob.

Since I believe you have an analog gauge, this is one of the ways to do it,

So, please do not rush your gears in during run in period if at all possible. (Reason being, at the lowest humidity setting, it can damage and dry up your inventory). Some people will say this is crap, but do as they like. This is what I learned some years back.

For items with lotsa fabric (eg camera bag, cloth for lens cleaning), give it some time (about 3days to a week) to dry up some of the moisture in the fabric. Some people feel its crazy to put camera bags in. Well, do remember brands like domke do get mouldy as it has rich cotten content. Before a shoot, I usually would place my whole bag in the dry cabby overnight. I would have the top of the camera bag opened. It might not have much impact, but at least, I am making better use of spare cabinet space.

Just my novice inputs, if it is at all of any help to you. Again, these are my practices. There should be no right or wrong. Do as you wish.

[DOG@SG]

Thanks EFG..... a simple equipment with a lot of situation to be consider...now i got a better picture with my dry cabi...:thumbsup:

[joanne]

Hi,

I'm not sure if this is the right place for this post - if its wrong I apologise in advance :P

I just got the Digi-cabi 30L dry box (DB-30). The world-class manual seems too high tech for me...is anybody using it ? How do I set the humidity level?

According to the piece of paper - or the world class manual:



The only knob inside the case only has HI & LO, with colored markers blue, red & green. I don't see any A,B,Cs. So maybe I'm just supposed to adjust the knob until I get 45-55% ?

I called one of Digihub's sales people but apparently its her day off so she can't help me - however if I was calling to make a bulk purchase of 4000 units..she probably would have made an exception :confused1:

Any advice?

You can check this with Weiliang he sure can help you. Just come a bit early on the coming Sat. Ask him before the lesson start.

[titanax]

thanks EFG! Makes absolute sense...

[EFG]

thanks EFG! Makes absolute sense...

No problem. I get to learn by sharing knowledge.

[espn]

Actually, there should be A B C labelled, but it's the same colour as the background of the cabinet wall, so might not be obvious till you use a torch or look at the cabinet wall at an angle with light reflecting.

[titanax]

Actually, there should be A B C labelled, but it's the same colour as the background of the cabinet wall, so might not be obvious till you use a torch or look at the cabinet wall at an angle with light reflecting.

Apparently that's with the older models..the one I have only has HI & LO - & the knob I was only able to find after using a torch!! :rofl:

[EFG]

Over in China, there is a type of ancient dry cabinet that does not need the use of electricity.

It comes from a tree called kwai mu (sounds like: fast wood). In its natural state, the wood is able to draw moisture into the tree from the air. Manufacturers will reverse the face of wood and invert the inside to face outward where it becomes the outer part of a wooden cabinet.

Hence, the cabinet draws moisture out from the inside of the cabinet. The beautiful part is, even when the wood is being chopped off from the tree and processed, its function is transfering moisture is still working - perhaps a lot less efficient. If i remember correctly, the owner mentioned it would be good to open the cabinet once in a while to replenish moisture so that it does not get too dry in the cabinet.

I had come across camera gears kept in there for over 30yrs storage. The equipment looks brand new to me with no sign of oxidation or mould/fungus.

However, such cabinets are very expensive and rare. If anyone found it, do share.