Shipping Arcade PCBs

[Well Fed Games]

I know this has been asked before but I am looking for tips on shipping/packing arcade PCBs, I have one I need to send out. Any thoughts or links to relevant threads?

[yotsuya]

I know this has been asked before but I am looking for tips on shipping/packing arcade PCBs, I have one I need to send out. Any thoughts or links to relevant threads?

When I got my Asteroids repaired, the shipper wrapped it in lots of bubble wrap, then put in in a US Postal Box made specifically for board games. It's genius. Strong, sturdy, and easy to ship for a flat rate.

[PL1]

I assume you know to use an antistatic/ESD bag to protect against static discharge.
   

Newer circuits are more succeptible due to the smaller trace sizes, but even the older ICs can be damaged.

Not all discharges will totally fry the IC, some just fry it part way through and cause a latent defect that will shorten the life of the circuit.



Regular plastic/bubble wrap can generate a large static charge.  There is ESD bubble wrap available for ~$35 for 350 ft. if you plan on shipping a lot of boards.



If you're only shipping a few, just be sure the ESD bag has no tears and is properly closed to provide the proper Faraday cage protection and wrap it in regular bubble wrap.


Scott

[Well Fed Games]

Hmm. I have been trying to get some large enough anti-static bags from my father in law (electrician, does installs on emergency radios and stuff) but no luck yet. I need to mail tomorrow... I read somewhere that a layer of aluminium foil surrounding the board (with a layer of newspaper in between) would be a suitable replacement in a pinch?

[PL1]

That could work in a pinch if you don't have a large enough ESD bag.

You might want to add a second layer of foil on the outside to reduce the chance of electromagnetic fields inducing a charge on the inner foil.

The basic theory of PCB wrapped in foil, wrapped in newspaper, wrapped in foil where the 2 foil layers can't touch each other is sound.

As always, use a properly grounded ESD Mat and wrist strap when packing/unpacking/working with PCBs and you should be fine.




Scott

[pinballjim]

Ship it loose in a priority box with wadded newspaper keeping it from slamming the sides.

[Well Fed Games]

Cool, thanks for the advice all, I think I got it packed well with your suggestions. It partially works, and hopefully it will still partially work when it gets there.  Good news is after the PCB my driving MAME cab will have only cost me $20....