Rode silicon gels

[Progger]

The Rode NT5 manual tells me that I need to dry out the silicon packs when they turn pink, then put them back in the case. I'm wondering, how essential is this?

 

[MadAudio]

It's a good idea to keep condensors from accumulating moisture as it can cause them to malfunction. To recharge a silica gel pack, heat it up with a hair dryer.

 

[DJL]

The Rode NT5 manual tells me that I need to dry out the silicon packs when they turn pink, then put them back in the case. I'm wondering, how essential is this?

Silicon gel packs turn color after they become full of moisture and become worthless (stop woking)... however, silicon gel packs can be rejuvenated by drying them out slowly in an oven (they change back to the original color when dry), don't burn them.

Question... How essential is this?
Answer... Very essential.

 

[Armistice]

I collect the little suckers from everything that uses them, not just microphones - shoes in particular usually come with some sort of dessicant pack - every now and then pop the whole lot into the oven for a few minutes to "recharge" them.

 

[BRIEFCASEMANX]

i've been wondering about this too. to recharge them you put them in the oven, but at what temp and for how long? it seems like the oven would melt or burn the paper and plastic that mine come in.

 

[jeffree]

Here's what I use. No ovens or hair dryers necessary.

http://www.zorb-it.com/Scripts/default.asp

J.

 

[Armistice]

I use about 100 degrees (Celcius) for as long as it takes for them to turn blue again, not hot enough to bake a batch of muffins at the same time, alas.

 

[Progger]

Thanks Jeffree, I'll definitely have to pick up some of that stuff. Much more convenient than silica gels, if they don't have to be dried.

 

[Reggaesoldier]

The ones that I have managed to scrounge up are white. not blue. I was curious what color they should be?
seems weird but, I've never seen blue ones.

 

[DJL]

It don't matter... just dry them out (oven, hair dyer, microwave, sun, etc) just don't burn them... whatever color they are when dry is the color they should be.

 

[DJL]

No, that could get the mics too hot... but a controlled room environment is nice.