running a computer in extreme cold

  • Thread starter Thread starter Kirt Fitzpatrick
  • Start date Start date
In message <<[email protected]>> "Kirt Fitzpatrick"


Speed bumps.
Click to expand...

If we can assume the part particularly sensative to the impact is the
HDD, then selection of a notebook HDD might help some, or fabrication
of a mount that absorbs some shock. That would be easy enough by
packing it in foam, except for the need to keep the drive cool. A
more rigid, closed-cell foam might help, if a mounting plate were
cemented to the foam... where to get this foam? Some might be found
as packing around an optical drive.
 
Grunff ([email protected]) wrote:
: Ben Fullerton wrote:

: > Most conductors decrease their resistance as the temperature drops.

: But not as much as you think - nowhere near as much.

I was trying to keep it relatively simple. Having spent 27 years as a
Physics Research Technologist (but not with ICs), and being backup for the
Cryogenics Technician, I have experience with how some things work at down
to about 1.5 Kelvin (minus about 271.6 Celsius for those who want to know)
..... so, I agree with most of what you say - but not the above line. :-)

: > (Superconduction magnets (very close to zero resistance) are the most
: > powerful electromagnets known, and consume the least power.)

: Superconductivity is a totally different physical phenomenon - none of
: the conductors in a PC will superconduct at -100C.

When I retired, nothing would superconduct above about -165 C but there
have probably been advances in the past ten years ....

: > How much of this translates to solid state computer electronics?
: > I have no idea - but I would not risk my computer to find out.

: Not at all, because unlike conductors, semiconductors *increase* in
: resistance as temperature drops.

I was speculating about the components *other than semiconductors* that
might have dumped a high enough current onto a semiconductor to fry it -
as had been found many times by my electrical engineer friend in amateur
radio equipment.

From my very limited experience, I know that this applies to at least the
LEDs, or the driver circuit for them, in a solid state ham radio
transceiver of about 1985 vintage.

Not trying to start a battle of any kind here. I just never did get enough
information as to exactly what components were at fault in that case ...
and I still have a very inquisitive nature.
and wonder if it *might* apply to *any* part of a computer?


: --
: Grunff

Ben F.

benf-at-chebucto-dot-ca (make the obvious changes to reply)
****************************************************************
What future can there be for a society that values entertainment
more highly than education? Ben Fullerton 1996
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