Monsoon mayhem!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

dinyaar · #1 01-07-08, 10:52 PM

Hi guys,
Was wondering if any of u guys have problems with ur gear during the monsoon months.
I live by the sea in mumbai and all my electronics have at some time or the other malfunctioned with the excessive humidity.Equipment is housed in an open rack and inspite of covering the gear when not in use and liberally using silica gel most of my cdp s play up.
Any tips/suggestions? Do any of u have any experience with a Dehumidifier?
Regards

rikhav · #2 02-07-08, 10:06 AM

Hi Dinyaar
I am not that close to the sea, but where i stay as usual there is no power for half of the day when it rains like how it rained yesterday :P

awedeophile · #3 02-07-08, 11:12 AM

Relays tend to fail with high humidity. These are the thingies that go click-click when you turn on most amplifiers, etc. The relay contacts get oxidised and arc when the humidity is very high (>85%), specially if switched OFF while outputting a signal. Once oxidised, the sound degrades and many times sounds scratchy. So ensure that you put the preamp OFF first or turn the volume down/mute prior to switching the amp OFF.

persiflage · #4 02-07-08, 11:41 AM

Sympathies.

My problems are even more basic - quite some amount of water seeped in, and I have had to move the rig in order to avoid injury to life and property.

persiflage · #5 02-07-08, 11:44 AM

Dinyaar,

I opted for a closed rack (originally due to other considerations - WAF). So I keep it open while playing due to heat dissipation reasons etc., but keep it closed otherwise.

Wondering if this would help in your case.

A friend who lives on Carter Road uses a dehumidifier. Can find out if it has had any effect.

dinyaar · #6 02-07-08, 12:05 PM

Hi Guys,
Ya i'll probably have to opt for a closed rack too if the problem persists.
Percy please ask ur friend about the dehumidifier and whether his problems are solved.
Regards

awedeophile · #7 02-07-08, 12:15 PM

Hi Dinyaar,

A closed rack will not help with humidity unless it's air tight, which it won't be.

A dehumidifier is similar in working to an air-conditioner. If you already have an A/c in your audio room, switch it on a few minutes before powering up.

You can buy a digital humidity meter like this one:
Indoor and Outdoor Temperature Thermo-Hygrometer-Clock

suniil · #8 02-07-08, 01:20 PM

Lucky bloke

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinyaar

I live by the sea in mumbai

Jambumali · #9 03-07-08, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awedeophile

....A closed rack will not help with humidity unless it's air tight, which it won't be.
A dehumidifier is similar in working to an air-conditioner. If you already have an A/c in your audio room, switch it on a few minutes before powering up.

Will second that.

Even if you don't have an AC in the particular room, any other room's AC will do - it will take longer time - simply close all the other doors for ex. the one room with the AC will be open to the room with the setup. This will bring down the temp in both the rooms - the AC will be overworking for some time, but, once in a while it is OK, this works - trust me - I used to do this regularly to bring down the temp on hot & humid summer afternoons. Even a couple of degrees will make a huge difference.

dinyaar · #10 03-07-08, 11:59 AM

Hi all,
Sunil i live by the sea in bombay lingo!!!! By that i mean unrestricted view of the sea which is a 100 metres away. Yes i consider myself lucky with the flat location as the sea has a calming effect. Envy people who live by the sea.

Now back to the humidity problems. Awedeophile/Jambumali thanks for the advice on the closed rack. Since i need a new rack anyway i was considering the option of a closed one.

Have an AC in the adjoining room and will try your suggestions.
U guys feel the air conditioner will reduce the humidity level in the room? Just seeking confirmation.

God this hobby does give me a headache ever so often!!!!!!!!

Regards