packing and shipping PCBs

[Jefferson]

I can't seem to find antistatic bags big enough for my PCBs... I'll soon be selling a 4p TMNT and a 4P Simpsons... for now I have them in one layer of newspaper and one layer of bubblewrap (not identified as antistatic)

And then, whats the preferred way of shipping? I'd hate to have something zapped or cracked before the buyer gets em.

How is this generally done?

[MonMotha]

Most stuff from the early 90s and before is not overly static sensitive.  You'll probably be fine, but I'd avoid things like foam packing peanuts that tend to be really bad.  I often have a fair bit of the anti-static bubble wrap or "egg crate foam" laying around, so I use that when available.

U-Line does sell huge anti-static bags if you need.  Fry's also has them if they're in your area.

[zafdor]

It only takes a little common sense to prevent ESD damage, but there is no way to be sure the receiver will practice this.  Personally, I don't like the idea of nonESD plastic (bubble pack) in contact with the board as plastic builds and holds an ESD charge pretty readily.  Your idea of one layer of newpaper is a good one.    Bizzarre as it sounds, wrapping the card in tin foil would be a bullet proof solution.

[BobA]

It only takes a little common sense to prevent ESD damage, but there is no way to be sure the receiver will practice this.  Personally, I don't like the idea of nonESD plastic (bubble pack) in contact with the board as plastic builds and holds an ESD charge pretty readily.  Your idea of one layer of newpaper is a good one.    Bizzarre as it sounds, wrapping the card in tin foil would be a bullet proof solution.

Wrapping a board in tin foil is good in most cases but if the board has a suicide battery it will short and be rendered useless as the encryption keys will be lost. Shorting will also occur with PC motherboards which have a battery but can be easily fixed with a new battery.

[Thenasty]

stop by your local store that build computers. Ask them if you can have some of the used motherboard plastic bags. Then make one big bag out of it.