Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
..., Sat Jun 28 2008, 12:55AM

I would participate if we decide to get things going. I actually wouldn't really mind starting a box, I have waay to much junk laying arround here...

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
aonomus, Sat Jun 28 2008, 12:57AM

I would but Canada = customs thinking you are some sort of terrorist because you order electronic parts and have an education.....

Are there many Canadians that would start a Canadian 4HV box?

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
teslacoolguy, Sat Jun 28 2008, 02:46AM

I would contribute to this because i have way to much crap laying around that im sure someone here could find a use for so sign me up.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Arcstarter, Sat Jun 28 2008, 02:54AM

I would probably do it too, seeing as though i have all this stuff that is unused like transistors and capacitors and whatnot.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Mike, Sat Jun 28 2008, 02:58AM

a place to give out samples I got that dont need now and will not be a jerk and sell them? sign me up :D

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Hon1nbo, Sat Jun 28 2008, 03:57AM

sign me up... I got plenty around here ^_^

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Firefox, Sat Jun 28 2008, 05:00AM

I would be willing to throw in some caps, or perhaps a disposable camera or flyback core. Most of my junk is recycled, but I think thats the point, right?

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Sat Jun 28 2008, 05:18AM

Not bad. I would definitely be willing to throw some random goodies in there. Any crystals I find on random boards are subject to desoldering, though.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Ultra7, Sat Jun 28 2008, 05:23AM

I'm in. . .
I have a lot of "odd stuff" that you guys would probably like.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Mads Barnkob, Sat Jun 28 2008, 05:40AM

Great idea, international postage will make this less attractive to do worldwide, and we are not that many doing HV as a hobby in Denmark anyway, so maybe a kind of thon is better suited here.

our cheapest package postage is now 14$ :(

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Sat Jun 28 2008, 06:37AM


Yes, but rather than send it back and forth across the sea, maybe it could do a tour through europe, organized in such a way that it crosses international borders as few times as possible.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Conundrum, Sat Jun 28 2008, 10:29AM

Just noticed this thread AFTER I posted on the General Science & Electronics forum... grr.

Oh well. Can some nice admin move my comments to this thread to avoid duplication maybe? thanks.

Regards, -A

btw, another thing to add would be PCB stock, everyone is short of that it seems. Polymorph and/or low melt alloy (aka Chipquik) for salvaging useful IC's would be cool.


----Edit-----
[Moving Andre's comments from the General Science board, per his request. -Dave]

This seems like an amusing idea, as I myself did something like this a while back on Ebay (sold a bunch of components for just over the postage costs, to save space) In fact if you happen to need something specific this is an excellent way to obtain it in the absence of any swap meets/etc in your area.

Not sure if it would work in the UK due to the increased security and interfering Customs&Excise, but it would be entertaining to say the least (none of my boxes actually vanished in transit, though a couple of them were delayed by a week)

Rules:- 1) No hazardous components like mercury switches etc, or anything containing liquid over 10mL
2) If you do want to send something valuable, it is entirely at your own risk, please pack it well.
3) Please label the box with one of those white Customs labels, to prevent delays
4) If you want to take something out of the box, to be fair something of equal value and/or usefulness should
be put back in, this is a fair trade.
5) Write on the included list what has been added, and cross off what has been removed.
6) Please email recipient FIRST, to make sure they actually would like to participate.

Does this look OK guys?

Regards, -A

btw will be starting a box of my own sometime, let me know via IM if you're interested. Mainly surplus PC/power supply/etc parts, viewfinders, old camera chips, etc and other stuff that I can't bear to throw away due to its value to some random people less fortunate than myself...

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
KresoLiubov, Sat Jun 28 2008, 11:10AM

If it ever comes this way i will surely load it full with goodies.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Bust_A_Cap, Sat Jun 28 2008, 05:35PM

yeah i'm in this sounds really cool, kind of like junkyard wars but much smaller and with no goal

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
rp181, Sat Jun 28 2008, 08:06PM

I think a log should be made, with parts taken, put in, where your located, and new destination.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Shaun, Sun Jun 29 2008, 04:27AM

Oh I'm definitely in for this; I have plenty of random things (mostly accidental purchases/unfinished project parts) that I will never use but someone else would be glad to have.

Few things we need to do tho:

1. Find out who's willing to start the box.
2. Compile a list of participating addresses.
3. Arrange those addresses by country, and maybe distance within countries to keep the shipping quick (I hope everyone here is in the Member Map!).
EDIT: oh and how big of a box are we talking about here?

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
KresoLiubov, Sun Jun 29 2008, 05:08AM

I offer myself to start the box

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Sun Jun 29 2008, 05:24AM


Agreed. It should be circulated with a logbook, so that people can sign it, note what they took, and note what they added to the box. The front pages of the book should probably inventory the box, and note which pieces are working and which are junk for parts.

It would also be nice if everyone who got the box could snap a photo or two of the box, possibly with themselves going through the box.

I'll happily volunteer to get the box started, but I can't promise a whole lot of great stuff at first! It would also be nice if the box could return to me between major geographical areas: ie, it passes through the US, comes back to me, then I send it to the UK/Europe, then it comes back to me, then I send it to Australia, etc. That way I hopefully bear most of the cost of the long international jaunts, but I get an excellent chance to document the junk, read the logbook, and post it all to 4hv. We just need to agree to a set of rules before we get the ball rolling. Here's what I propose:

1) The box will be a flat-rate priority mail box. This allows unlimited weight and makes sure everyone in the US pays the same for shipping - $9.80. Anyone who signs up to receive the box agrees to be responsible for the cost of shipping it to the next person, who will be in the United States - so have $9.80 set aside. The box will be returned to me when it is done with its US rounds and I will pass it on to the next country on the list.

2) Nothing hazardous that could be a problem. This means, as Conundrum said, no mercury switches, no liquids, nothing very fragile, and no lithium batteries or anything that could short out or turn on in transit.

3) Take and add what you want, but try to add something of equivalent or greater value compared to what you took.

4) Whoever gets the box must sign the log book, take the junk they want, add the junk they don't, update the inventory, mail the box to the next person, and make a post here about it.

5) The box should be passed on as soon as possible. Please don't sit on it for a week before sending it to the next person.

6) I will accept the names of everyone who wants to participate, and send each person a private message with the address of the person who is next in line to receive the box. That way we don't need to worry about keeping information in the box updated if anyone changes their mind. Check your private messages before sending the box along, just in case anything has changed.

7) If the box is in bad shape, please replace it. They are free at the post office. You can order them for free at usps.com.

Sound good? Anything else need to be covered? Should this be restricted to people who have been members for at least a few months before this idea was proposed? We'll pass it around the US first, then move on to each nation in turn. Someone in each country in Europe will need to volunteer to be last, and thus bear the cost of shipping internationally (ie, from the UK to Germany), so once it starts making international rounds, some people may end up paying a bit more for shipping.

Once we're all agreed on the rules, I'll gather up as much of my treasured junk as possible and get it rolling!

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Mike, Sun Jun 29 2008, 05:41AM

sounds awesome. ill sign up when you say :D i got lots of igbts give out :D

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Shaun, Sun Jun 29 2008, 06:03AM

Those rules sound great, Chris. It might be a good idea to notify like a bunch of members who you think would like to participate, since they may not all find their way to this thread. I know I don't usually pay much attention to the General Chatting section...

And if we have agreed on the rules and want to participate, can we start PMing you our info now?

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Dave Marshall, Sun Jun 29 2008, 06:26AM

I agree that certain conditions for joining the list need to be met. It would rather suck if the box just up and dissappeared on one of its stops. Perhaps require that you be a member for atleast 3 months and have a certain number of posts? We could do a Box 'o Junk panel that could vote on new additions, starting new boxes, etc, or we could just leave the administration up to the mod staff. Thoughts?

Chris, make me first on the list of folks to get it when you send it on. That way I can help stock it up, as I've got an enormous collection of odds and ends other people ought to be able to use.

If there is enough interest, a second US box might be warranted, and I'll take the lead on it.

Dave

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Sun Jun 29 2008, 06:27AM

Sure, if the above rules sound fine, please, go ahead and PM your mailing info to me. Just let me know if you'd rather be towards the beginning or the end of the list, and if there's someone you definitely want to go before or after. I'll post an announcement on the front page after the big chat is concluded.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Ultra7, Sun Jun 29 2008, 01:54PM

Would there be a way of marking on the member map where the box is, and maybe where it is headed?

That might be a cool page, just tracking it on the member map and maybe having a "total miles traveled so far" Counter.

Who knows, it might even get some more people to actually put their pushpin on the map.
I know I like being able to zoom in on some of my friends pins on the map and saying, "My bro lives right there!"

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Conundrum, Sun Jun 29 2008, 01:59PM

I am starting a box in the uk so if you would
like to be on the uk list then PM me.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
quicksilver, Sun Jun 29 2008, 03:28PM

Please count me in...but what weight are we'd agreed upon? I have a LOT of metallic junk like cores transformers, etc

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Sun Jun 29 2008, 05:04PM

Yes, I can mark the box's location and next destination if you like. However, I'm going to keep it limited to city for members that haven't put their pins on the map, so nobody's privacy is violated.

Please count me in...but what weight are we'd agreed upon? I have a LOT of metallic junk like cores transformers, etc

Priority mail flat rate boxes are unlimited in weight. If it fits, by all means, put it in.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Tom540, Wed Jul 02 2008, 09:05PM

Count me in I have a ton of stuff I can add to it.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Mike, Wed Jul 02 2008, 10:07PM

hey someone should put in some minibrick :P hehe anyways i have loads of stuff so i signed up too

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Alex, Wed Jul 02 2008, 10:32PM

I'd like to get the box early on as well, I have a lot of stuff I'd be happy to part with. Even some minibricks..

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Dragon64, Wed Jul 02 2008, 11:33PM

One question.

If I put in a MOT and a NST, would the shipping price go up alot since that they weigh a ton?

Otherwise sign me up. I've got tons of things to put in.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Thu Jul 03 2008, 12:04AM

Flat rate priority mail boxes are unlimited in weight. It's not technically unlimited, as I think they cut off at 70lbs or something like that, but it's more weight than you're likely to be able to cram in there.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Ken M., Thu Jul 03 2008, 12:28AM

Unless the only thing you cram in there is block of iron or something that is very dense, but Really there'd be no point.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
rp181, Thu Jul 03 2008, 01:24AM

pfft... i was gonna put in a block of lead... you never know, someone might need it for radiation shielding =p

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Backyard Skunkworks, Thu Jul 03 2008, 02:01AM

Or Iridium at 1,300lbs/ft^3 (21 kg/m^3), twice the density of lead.

You never know when someone needs Iridium for... whatever you'd use Iridium for

I'd love to see the post office deal with a package weighing a couple tons.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Hon1nbo, Thu Jul 03 2008, 02:26AM


how about osmium?

and I would love some lead shielding ^_^

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Shaun, Thu Jul 03 2008, 02:47AM

I think Osmium and Iridium are the same density to like 3 decimal places, and IIRC both are worth over 400USD per troy ounce. So if you want to put a block in, just make sure I get the box next .

Also I hear Osmium's toxic.

Back on topic, when do you think the box is due to start, Chris? I know there probably aren't enough people yet, but is there a goal number of participants set?

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Backyard Skunkworks, Thu Jul 03 2008, 02:47AM

EDIT: HAHA, beat me to it Shaun!

Funny you should bring that up!

Actually I was a bit off in Iridium's density, it was from memory

"a density of 22.65 for iridium compared to 22.661 for osmium" -periodic.lanl.gov

So Osmium is a little heavier. Unless you wanna get radioactive, in which isotope 271 of Hassium wins at roughly 41g/cm^3. Although Hassium-271 has a half life of 21 sec (and obviously cannot be made in real quantites).


/offtopic

BTW, I might be able to pitch in on this box once I'm in college.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Shaun, Thu Jul 03 2008, 02:50AM

If it is 21 kg/m3, then you could make a nice raft out of it...did you mean Mg? (not magnesium, Megagram)

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Backyard Skunkworks, Thu Jul 03 2008, 04:52AM

Yeah, it shoulda been Mg. Were not talking about a really heavy gas here. (thats about twice the density of radon, instead of twice the density of lead)

And its 22.65g/cm^3 anyway. 21 was from memory and a bit off.

/OFFTOPIC

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
aonomus, Thu Jul 03 2008, 05:18AM

Osmium itself isn't *that* toxic.... that is relative to its oxide, the tetroxide has the ability to oxidize almost anything, even alkenes, thus it does nasty stuff to you....

Perhaps large metal stock like heatsinks made to clamp puck SCRs, or MOT's would be good, ferrite cores might shatter in transit though.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Backyard Skunkworks, Thu Jul 03 2008, 06:06AM

Ferrite cores could work, with careful packing. Almost anything can survive the postal system with enough bubble wrap and foam.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Hon1nbo, Thu Jul 03 2008, 06:14AM


I have a sample of pure uranium-238... that is probably the heaviest thing we can get that either A) wont cost our life savings, or B) be illegal...

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
rp181, Thu Jul 03 2008, 02:17PM

all in all, lead is the cheapest way to get high weights =)

I win!

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
aonomus, Thu Jul 03 2008, 02:46PM

What about machined DU slugs for coilgunning?

On the other hand US customs and USPS will probably freak out the second they detect above-background levels of radiation.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Hon1nbo, Thu Jul 03 2008, 03:10PM


actually, U-238 chunks (as well as ore, which has a higher count due to the lower density) go through USPS usually, but not internationally [without a freak out]... but the guidelines for shipping DU aren't strict as long as it is not an extremely large amount... and DU projectiles are on an international arms ban signed by most every major power, after the chaos that they have ensued due to enviromental cleanup, radiation poisoning (which was deemed inhumane) and the radioactive smoke produced when a uranium missile hit a tank for armor piercing capability (since it is pyrophoric, as it gets ground up on impact it ignites, sending it further into the tank)...

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Shaun, Thu Jul 03 2008, 03:53PM

This little discussion of heavy-metals is in all honesty making the box sound like a better and better idea.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
J. Aaron Holmes, Thu Jul 03 2008, 04:06PM

Alright, alright... We are talking about a wimpy cardboard box here. Not to put a damper on anybody's weight competition, but it'll be pretty darn depressing when somebody reports that they got an empty box with a big jaggy hole in the side!

Maybe one of the first people to get the box should build an aluminum box that the cardboard one fits over like a glove.

Cheers,
Aaron, N7OE

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Ultra7, Thu Jul 03 2008, 05:23PM


Agreed.
C'mon people, it's a box we intend to fill with useful stuff, not a competition to see how much weight we can pack into it with heavy metals, neon transformers, eludeium238 space modulators , or elephant parts. If you think that what you plan to send is useful, then cool, otherwise think twice before you put in something based purely on how much it weighs.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
EEYORE, Thu Jul 03 2008, 06:07PM

Ive shipped some pretty hot uranium ores over 25mR/Hr. As well as had someone ship me a rock doing 60mR/Hr! No problem at all, even internationally.
Matt

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
aonomus, Thu Jul 03 2008, 08:38PM

Ok, allow me to end the weight contest, I'll just ship a magically stable singularity.

As for useful stuff, perhaps having small plastic fishing tackle boxes or bead organizers to keep all the misc. silicon and other parts sorted out wouldn't be a bad idea

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Thu Jul 03 2008, 10:56PM


I don't have a specific date in mind, but I'd like to give it about a week, so that everyone gets a chance to sign up. I also want to give Dave Marshall a chance to settle in, as he just returned from a deployment, and is first on the list to receive the box. We're going to try to coordinate between us to get the box as well-stocked as possible.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
rp181, Thu Jul 03 2008, 10:58PM

i like the idea of a tackle box, there could be one on the bottom, with the top empty for large items/foam.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Mike, Thu Jul 03 2008, 11:08PM

when i get the box i can throw in a plastic case that has foam in it for keeping ic's in. It is about 4inches long and 1/4inch thick. holds a bunch of ic's :)

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
aonomus, Thu Jul 03 2008, 11:14PM

Call me in 50 years when it reaches Canada

Or in 2012 when Bush slips into his 4th term and finalizes the NAU....

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Backyard Skunkworks, Fri Jul 04 2008, 12:41AM

Or we could put a hydrogen filled baloon in the box and see if the post office can keep it from flying away! That would really win the weight contest

BTW sure as hell would be a shame if this thing gets lost at the post office. Odds are it will at one point or another, shipping it so many times from A to B and B to C...

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Hon1nbo, Fri Jul 04 2008, 12:47AM


haha... too bad you cant ship that, and then the components in the box would be lost to space (oh no!)... or, the man hole cover launched from the government's nuclear powered cannon used for underground nuclear testing powered by a one kiloton nuke will deflect them back to us before they get sucked into a black hole...

but really, no one should put anything like lead weights in there (and I refuse to put my uranium in), as they are easily obtained and take up space (but if they are special weighted objects that can do something, then that's ok as long as the whole box doesn't fall apart lol)

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
rp181, Fri Jul 04 2008, 01:36AM

hmmm.... if the box weighed less then 0 pounds, would they have to pay us? =p

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Dragon64, Fri Jul 04 2008, 01:47AM


The box will lift the truck up (hopefully) and we might be able to get it oversea quick :)

And will it ever reach Canada?

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Fri Jul 04 2008, 05:05AM


It may. I've not had anyone sign up from outside the United States yet.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
aonomus, Fri Jul 04 2008, 05:37AM

Well I just did a little checking, I don't think Canada post has a flat rate system like USPS, we have a fixed package size (2m long by 1m around) and max weight limit (30 kg). Shipping charge depends on weight and distance. Items not to be shipped across the border or around Canada (for future ref: )

Optimizing the path if the box does reach Canada would be important since we'd end up paying for the shipping cost too. Not having any ulterior motive, either Toronto or Vancouver seem to be the best place to enter into Canada, and probably after head overseas if that ever did happen (or just continue doing a round trip circuit of NA only).

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Dragon64, Fri Jul 04 2008, 11:35PM

I think that the only resonable choice left is that we start two seperate boxes for the two big continents, since that oversea is a bit risky (ie, a monster squid that like high voltage junk)

And we might as well start a new box for Canada if crossing the border is too hard.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
aonomus, Sat Jul 05 2008, 01:30AM

Yea, it would suck to be the first person to receive it across the border since anything over $20 value gets taxed and if it looks like its expensive, they'll just slap an arbitrary price if you don't document... and to us its a *junk* box.... do we have enough Canadians to start a GIMBOJ over on this side of the border?

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Sat Jul 05 2008, 01:55AM

I don't think that's necessary. Once it's crossed the border, the hard part is over. We just need to minimize the number of border crossings that the box makes. It may even be possible to arrange for someone to hand the package over to a Canadian participant personally. I'm not that far from Canada.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
aonomus, Sat Jul 05 2008, 02:45AM

Any 4hv'ers near Buffalo wanting to see Toronto? :D

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Arcstarter, Sun Jul 20 2008, 12:47AM

So.... when is this box going to start?

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Shaun, Sun Jul 20 2008, 03:34AM

Well, in the Important Threads section of General Chatting is the thread that will follow this box's travels when it does start. The list of participants is there, and right now it looks like only 9 people are signed up. I really hope more people sign up, since 9 is really not that many, i think.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Andyman, Sun Jul 20 2008, 05:23AM

I'll participate. I have way too much clutter anyways and I'd love to see it get put to use.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Sun Jul 20 2008, 06:24AM

It's going out next week, so if anyone hasn't signed up yet, now would be a good time. Last call!

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Hon1nbo, Sun Aug 10 2008, 12:22AM

has it gone out yet?

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
aonomus, Sun Aug 10 2008, 12:41AM

I'm in... if it ever reaches Canadaland :/

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
J. Aaron Holmes, Wed Aug 13 2008, 02:37AM

I'm still in... if it ever reaches the U.S. What happened to it?

Cheers,
Aaron, N7OE

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Dave Marshall, Wed Aug 13 2008, 04:39AM

Its going to be started shortly. Chris Russell and I have both been absolutely swamped by work the last couple of weeks. I've been doing about 60 hours a week.

I'm headed to PA for vacation for a few days. Hopefully it will leave my house headed to the first stop on the list as soon as I return to Georgia on the 25th.

-Dave

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Arcstarter, Mon Aug 18 2008, 11:31PM

So.... Any updates?
I really have nothing to do other than ask..

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
..., Tue Aug 19 2008, 12:47AM

I should point out that I leave for school on 9/22, so if the box arrives after that it is probably going to sit until at least october. If it looks like you can't get it here in the next month, it might be best to count me out (at least for the moment) or try to arrange for it to arrive in mid december when I will be home for christmas. I don't even want to try and get that box out of security at my school >.<

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Sat Aug 23 2008, 07:49PM

Hello all,

Apologies for the delay. The box is now on its way to Dave's. If anyone has any changes, they need to go to me via private message, as that's what I'm using to keep all my information straight. For further information, check the stickied thread.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
J. Aaron Holmes, Wed Aug 27 2008, 02:03AM

Wow, the inventory of the box looks terrific! I'm impressed. I'll need to spend the next week getting together a deserving collection of "junk" to add when it arrives at my place! Hmmm...

Cheers,
Aaron, N7OE

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Shaun, Wed Aug 27 2008, 02:18AM

Wow! I agree it looks like a great inventory so far. I am leaving for college on Saturday however, but I'm only going to be about 90 minutes from home, so there should be little or no delay on my part.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Electroholic, Wed Aug 27 2008, 06:41AM

if it ever come close to anyone living close to the frozen piece of ice a little bit north form the states, let me know, I have some goodies here myself, and i'm pretty sure i cant use all of it. I'll just send you the stuff and you can add it to the box.
just a thought

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
rp181, Wed Aug 27 2008, 12:18PM

thats a good idea, then you dont risk the whole box, and maybey that person can ship the stuff you want to you.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Wed Aug 27 2008, 02:51PM

Hello all,

Glad to see there's some interest. I added a map, via the Google Maps API. It will appear at the bottom of this thread, and the stickied thread, in case anyone wants to see where the box is, has been, or will be.

I've sent out the first round of private messages with forwarding addresses, so the box should be all set for a while. Once we get an idea of how it's moving, I'll add a bunch more stops.

As always, feel free to PM me with any comments.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
J. Aaron Holmes, Wed Aug 27 2008, 05:37PM

I think the path and colors in the map are messed up; the path makes it look like I'm one of the last to get the box, and yet in the stickied thread it says that I'm the next one. Also, the colors make it look like the box has already crossed the Atlantic (red = completed path), and I'm pretty sure that's not the case!

Cheers,
Aaron

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Wed Aug 27 2008, 05:43PM

It looks okay to me, I think you're just starting in the wrong place. It's already crossed the Atlantic (it started as Conundrum's junk box). It's in transit from Maine to GA, then WA, then to CA, then TX.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Hon1nbo, Wed Aug 27 2008, 08:33PM

I think it is a great inventory, as I have to start doing more low voltage due to a surgury
I just had (have a large metal splint on my wrist and hand that keeps my fingers immobile... I don't think it is a safe thing to be wearing when using high voltage)...

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
J. Aaron Holmes, Wed Aug 27 2008, 08:38PM

Ah, ok. Me confused I don't even see Conundrum in the parcitipant list in the sticky thread, and all the chatter about "will it ever make it to country X" led me to believe it was starting in the U.S. Anyway, I stand corrected.

Cheers,
Aaron

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Conundrum, Thu Aug 28 2008, 07:03PM

lol.. btw I've added an addendum- one of the items was listed incorrectly. its actually thermal pad not rubber strip, ideal for peltier experiments/IGBT brick cooling/etc, was extracted from a broken plasma display (its used as a glass-metal thermal shunt to prevent glass cracking)

also i think i may have put some laser diodes in there but my memory is fuzzy on this. The LED's are high efficiency ones IIRC, maybe also some UV but sadly i forgot to take a picture before, though the box is labelled.

Regards, -A

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Thu Aug 28 2008, 09:36PM

Updated the list, thanks. I thought the strip felt somewhat odd! I thought it was some sort of weather stripping. At any rate, yes, the LED box is labeled. The laser diodes, I believe, are now in the bag o' silicon.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
aonomus, Fri Aug 29 2008, 01:51AM

If/when it ever reaches Canada, it will be a fun day trudging through the snow to get to my igloo post office... :)

In all honesty I probably have enough crap sitting around to add weight to the box....

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Firefox, Sun Sept 07 2008, 06:23AM

Is it too late to get in on the Junk Box Express?

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Mon Sept 08 2008, 01:25PM


Nope, send me a PM if you would like to participate. I'll need your address and real name.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
J. Aaron Holmes, Thu Sept 18 2008, 04:04AM

Just thought I'd mention that the box hasn't arrived yet I sure hope it hasn't derailed already! ~10 days is getting along, but maybe I'm too optimistic; this is the U.S. government we're talking about, after all

I've got a variety of loot ready to go!

Cheers,
Aaron, N7OE

EDIT: It's Sunday, 9/21, and still no sign of the box
EDIT: It's Wednesday, 9/24, and still no sign of the box Will update again in a week or else if the box shows up, whichever is sooner.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Mike, Thu Sept 18 2008, 06:05AM

Hmm I just remembered I should be getting it soon too. I hope you get it soon Holmes, Im looking forward to your hv junk :D

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Thu Sept 18 2008, 01:52PM

Yes, I'm wondering if perhaps it got caught up in all the chaos in Texas. Hopefully it will turn up soon.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Arcstarter, Wed Oct 01 2008, 11:10PM

Has it been found? I have been gone for 2 weeks due to ike, and i am just lookin for an update :P.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
J. Aaron Holmes, Wed Oct 01 2008, 11:59PM

Not by me! It'll probably arrive as soon as we declare it dead

WHERE ARE YOU, JUNK BOX??

<silence>

Bummer...

Cheers,
Aaron, N7OE

PS: If it comes to it, I suppose I could start another box, although I haven't nearly the collection of junk that some of the starters of this last box obviously have (or had)!

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
teslacoolguy, Thu Oct 02 2008, 12:16AM

Maybe someone should install some kind of gps tracking system into the box. Well that is probably a little far out but you kinda get the point.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
J. Aaron Holmes, Thu Oct 02 2008, 02:04AM

Well, tracking service would be a start. Unfortunately, the flat-rate boxes don't come with that. In fact, "USPS" and "tracking" aren't often found in the same sentence. That is one of the lamer things about them...

Cheers,
Aaron, N7OE

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Dragon64, Thu Oct 02 2008, 01:16PM

It would be halarious if one day with the gps in the box and it told you that the box was at China when its supposed to be at Texas.

Lousy Postal Service

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
EEYORE, Thu Oct 02 2008, 04:15PM

I get tracking on all my packages I send and recieve via priority. Delivery confirmation actually will show where it is along its journey, or so my experience goes. You have to get them to scan the barcode on the side though. At the very least, it shows when it was delivered and to where. Usually it tells you when its arrived and then cleared a postal stop.
Matt

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
notafakeninja, Thu Oct 02 2008, 04:29PM

Me thinks that I should install this thing in there.


Would be sweet, all those sensors in such a small package...

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Backyard Skunkworks, Thu Oct 02 2008, 06:16PM


Eh not to say I told you so but...

Anyway, it might still turn up at some point, I wouldn't totally give up hope for several more weeks. Maybe it's worth calling up some real shipping companies about this to see if they have some type of flat rate thing for packages that are constantly getting mailed.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Mike, Thu Oct 02 2008, 07:36PM

USPS does have tracking, it just sucks compared to ups and fedex. Also, I doubt it got lost, just got suck in texas, they only recently got powerback in a few cities so it might be back here soon

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
..., Thu Oct 02 2008, 08:38PM

You can get free tracking for a flat rate box (and buy insurance for a few bux, although they probably won't insure our junk...) if you buy the label online. Its really easy, just give them your credit card, print a label on a normal piece of paper, tape it to box and set it by your mailbox. There is an option to schedule a pickup but I have just left the box next to my mailbox and never had any trouble.

At least it would be something to consider...

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Fri Oct 03 2008, 02:10AM

Not to worry. The box is still in Dave's possession, it turns out. He's promised that it will go out soon, with additional junk. I apologize for the delay. Hopefully it will be smooth sailing from here on out.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Arcstarter, Fri Oct 03 2008, 03:13AM

Good, that is great news, thanks for the update, Chris.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Conundrum, Fri Oct 03 2008, 06:26AM

Cool. I had an interesting addition to add- was looking into starting a UK-only box. Perhaps put a pendrive in there (say 2GB) and add any interesting schematics/PDFs etc that others may use in addition to current box inventory as well as more detailed information in notepad format (so it works on any PC)

regards, -A

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
rp181, Fri Oct 03 2008, 12:36PM

thats a great idea, even though you can post on forums =)

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Arcstarter, Tue Oct 14 2008, 03:25AM

Sooo, it has been 10 days, so guess what! ANOTHER UPDATE!

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
J. Aaron Holmes, Tue Oct 14 2008, 06:30AM

... <snore> ... Huh?! Who?! What?! Where?! ... Oh, sorry. Musta fallen asleep here on the ground next to the mail box. Odd. There seem to be more mail boxes than I remember. And where did that house come from?

I sort of expected that Chris or Dave would jump back in here with news of the box's actual departure from Dave's house, so I'm guessing it's still with Dave. If November rolls around and it hasn't shipped out, I'm going to withdraw my name from the destination list. Not because I don't want the box, but because we're fast approaching that season where almost everybody is too darned busy to mess with this kind of thing. It's really a pity the whole summer slipped by like that Well, ok, it always does that.

Cheers,
Aaron, N7OE

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Tue Oct 14 2008, 03:34PM

I have not heard anything from Dave yet with regards to the junk box. I promise I will update if and when I learn anything.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Mike, Mon Oct 20 2008, 03:47AM

someone go and beat up dave for this :p

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Mon Oct 20 2008, 04:56AM

I have been pestering him relentlessly. He's promised to mail it out Monday. Cross your fingers!

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Arcstarter, Mon Oct 20 2008, 03:35PM

Sorry but that is just hilarious! No offense to you dave, i just love random violence:P.

Sorry, kinda off topic.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
J. Aaron Holmes, Mon Oct 20 2008, 05:37PM

Nah; too violent for 4hv. But if we could replace the little pushpins on the map with toilet plungers...

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Arcstarter, Mon Oct 20 2008, 05:59PM

Oh no no no... I am not saying i WANT that to happen... No, i just mean it was a funny joke, i would never want that to happen.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
rp181, Mon Oct 20 2008, 08:49PM

lol, i dont think he was taking you seriously =)

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Arcstarter, Mon Oct 20 2008, 10:38PM

Hehe...

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
J. Aaron Holmes, Wed Oct 29 2008, 09:50PM

Well....

IT ARRIVED!!!

Last night.

Pictures and updated contents tomorrow night. Damn, is the box ever full! I haven't opened it yet. I'll do that tonight. The box will be on its way again no later than Friday.

Cheers,
Aaron, N7OE

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Conundrum, Thu Oct 30 2008, 08:25PM

Hey there J.Aaron Holmes, you got the goodie box then :) if you get stuck identifying some of the PCBs, email me or post a picture of the mystery PCB and I'll let you know.

BTW in there somewhere is a small light activated voice recorder/playback PCB, I think its the one attached to a black project box...

-A

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
..., Thu Oct 30 2008, 08:35PM

If we can have the box sitting at my house for thanksgiving I would be able to participate. I am amazed that it managed to take so long to get here, I was hoping for it to arrive at my house over a month ago and its still at holmes's place At least it didn't get lot anywhere...

But for the future, i would strongly recommend that you get at least a tracking number (if you print the label online at tracking is free) and whatever insurance you can (I have never tried fighting for insurance from usps, but I would imagine that if they lost the $3 for few hundred bux in insurance would probably end up being worth it)

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
J. Aaron Holmes, Fri Oct 31 2008, 07:07AM

Main Junk Box thread updated here:

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Dragon64, Fri Oct 31 2008, 01:25PM

Wow. 4x CM600 IGBT bricks. I wonder who's the lucky man to get them.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Finn Hammer, Fri Oct 31 2008, 05:00PM

All,

Great project. And since the box appears to have made it to europe, I`d like to sign on as well. I have a load of good stuff to part with.

Should I go somewhere to sign up?

Cheers, Finn Hammer

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Dave Marshall, Fri Oct 31 2008, 06:29PM

Finn, it actually went from Europe to the US, where its planned to remain for the time being. Conundrum was nice enough to send a starter box to Chris Russell in the US. There has been talk about starting a European box, but I haven't heard anything beyond idle chat.

Dave

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Conundrum, Fri Oct 31 2008, 07:00PM

I may be able to help with that, but at some point I'll post a list of stuff that may go into the box (I have a surplus of LED's and suchlike) and someone can IM back with what they might need.

EDIT:- most of the "mystery components" are germanium transistors. I tried to test them prior to sending so they should work... ideal for small oscillators and solar projects.

there's a circuit on the net that uses a photoflash transformer in reverse and one germanium to output 5V or so from 0.7V input.

regards, -A

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Mike, Thu Nov 06 2008, 11:36PM

Box arrived here today. i took 2 of the cm600's but left the other 2 for someone else. also took a ferrite toroid, SiSG board, and some thermal pad.
i added in some UCC's, optoisolators, PIC chips, 3 pieces of 8x10 double sided copper clad, 1 upe 3300uF 400vdc lytic, 3 ge 5uf 400vdc film caps, 12 to-247 72a 1200v igbt's, 4 rurg8060 diodes, 4 600v 80a mosfets(minibrick) and 2 600v 120a dual diodes( minibricks)

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Fri Nov 07 2008, 06:19PM

That's excellent, I'm glad to see it making the rounds. ... is next up, but he won't be home until Thanksgiving, so the next stop may be a little longer than we'd like. However, I did have at least a couple of people who wanted to be after him, so I think it's worth the wait.

Map updated!

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
..., Fri Nov 07 2008, 07:17PM

I worked out a deal with mike that I am going to pick up some goodies when I go home this weekend (going rocket launching!) and I can swap them out at school--so the box is on the way to me at the moment (or at least on the way to the post office on the way to me )

Cheers

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
..., Fri Nov 14 2008, 06:24AM

update-
box arrived, main thread updated! I didn't manage to bring goodies from home to put in, but I found some stuff in the dorm I think you guys will like

Who do I send it to next?

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Fri Nov 14 2008, 04:46PM

You should have the next destination in your private message box, if you dig far enough back. I went ahead and re-sent it just in case.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Conundrum, Fri Nov 14 2008, 07:07PM

Hmm.. Might add that PS3 laser block to the UK junk box if someone asks me really nicely, i don't know whats up with it but it DRE's on Bluray only so the red and IR lasers might be OK.

Does anyone know if ferrofluid would be permitted as an additional item? i know its a chemical but its non hazardous.

If anyone wants to add their name to a UK roving box o'junk list, and PM Chris or me, please let me know. the plan is to send it to one of the UK admins first so they can update the thread. Any takers?

I also have another sizeable box of random laserdiodes and other optical dreck that will be heading its way :)

-A

"Bother" said Pooh, as the reactor hit 110%...

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Mads Barnkob, Fri Nov 14 2008, 07:28PM


We could start a european box in denmark :)

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Arcstarter, Thu Nov 20 2008, 08:28PM

Any updates? I ask because it has been almost a week, and i am really looking forward to it :P.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
JimG, Fri Nov 21 2008, 01:56AM

I now have the box and will be sorting though my junk boxes to find something good to put into it. Once I do I will update the main thread.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
teslacoolguy, Tue Nov 25 2008, 11:15PM

It has been 5 days. Any updates?

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
JimG, Tue Nov 25 2008, 11:33PM

I have mailed it out. It just took me all day to update the main post.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Wed Nov 26 2008, 06:20PM

Wow, JimG, the box looks great. Thanks for taking the time to update the main post. It's got a lot of really great stuff in it. If people remember to take only what they need, and replace it with something of equal value, this will turn out to be a very valuable resource for a lot of people.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
JimG, Thu Nov 27 2008, 08:06PM

I must say that the CM600s were tempting, especially to make more room in the box, but I have too many other projects to work on right now to even think about what I would use them for.

It will be really interesting to see how much the box has changed from the original contents by the time it gets back.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Thu Dec 04 2008, 08:56AM

Reminder:

The junk box is a junk box, not a giveaway. No calling dibs, and no asking people to take things out for you, or leave things in the box for you. Anything in the box when it gets to you is yours for the taking, provided that you can replace it with something approximately as valuable to members of the community. The contents in the box now may be completely different when it gets to you.

Please be good sports about this. It's supposed to be fun, and not really goal-oriented.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Arcstarter, Mon Dec 08 2008, 05:33AM

Well, i currently have the box, but am having a little trouble. The stuff i want to fit in there will not fit. There is just too much stuff and too little of a box. Some of the things i want to put in there is two 1400uf 200vdc lytics, and 3 microwave capacitors. So now, the box is just sitting here waiting to be shipped, but i don't have enough small stuff to make up what i took. Maybe the SCR's that i am putting in there would be half of it, but that is about all i have that is small enough to fit that is worth anything...

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Conundrum, Mon Dec 08 2008, 07:11PM

might be worth PM'ing Chris about making another box and dividing the contents...
regards, -A

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Arcstarter, Mon Dec 08 2008, 07:27PM

Already did, sometime yesterday or the day before. We are currently trying to figure out what to do, but seems that a second box is out of the question. Alot of people signed up because it was only $9.80 to ship, and then put junk in that you don't want, but two boxes would be double the price, and that would kind of be cheating others.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
El_Roberto, Mon Dec 08 2008, 08:38PM

Maybe if youre willing and someone wants them you could offer the capacitors to people the box will travel to and if they want them you could pay half the shipping for them each or somthing. Then when they receive the box they could put some stuff in to replace the caps?

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Arcstarter, Mon Dec 08 2008, 11:11PM

I do not quite get what you are saying, but i don't have enough money for much. I can send this original box out and perhaps another smaller box, but that is it. I was planning on everything working out right, so i only had the 10 bucks set aside. I have 14 dollars though..

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
El_Roberto, Tue Dec 09 2008, 12:19AM

Basically what im saying is that if one of the next people to get the box wants the capacitors then you could send them in a seperate smaller box with them paying half of the shipping, then when they received the big box they could put parts into it to replace the caps as normal. I dont know if you would have enough money though, I have no idea how much shipping in america is.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Tom540, Wed Dec 10 2008, 08:01PM

Why not make the box a large flat rate box instead and then see if it fits?

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Arcstarter, Wed Dec 10 2008, 10:10PM

Still waiting for someone to confirm what i should do. I think i am just going to put the best small stuff i have in it, and send it off, as i have had it for too long.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
J. Aaron Holmes, Thu Dec 11 2008, 04:08AM

That sounds like the way to go. All this second-box and out-of-band stuff just makes this way too complicated. The beauty of the single cheapo flat-rate box is in the simplicity. We're all lazy, right?

Cheers,
Aaron, N7OE

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Hon1nbo, Sun Dec 14 2008, 08:18PM

holidays are coming, so it might be best to get it on it's way and figure the other stuff out later... mail traffic is about to skyrocket more than it already has and we don't want the scare of thinking the box might be lost again now do we?

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Arcstarter, Mon Dec 15 2008, 12:25AM

I am very sorry. I just need to get a new box because this one is ripping(iirc) and they didn't have one. So i must try again. Getting mad now.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
J. Aaron Holmes, Mon Dec 15 2008, 02:14AM

I can certainly believe they'd be running short on supplies in and around the holidays.

Incidentally, I'd suggest that *everybody* replace the box. They're free! If the PO isn't too far out of the way, and you're next to get the box, stop by in advance and swipe one. They're really only meant to be single-use anyway, what with the peel-and-stick stuff.

Cheers,
Aaron, N7OE

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Arcstarter, Tue Dec 16 2008, 02:02AM

Sticky thread updated. Sent it out, but i did not put much back in, as there was no room.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Tom540, Wed Dec 17 2008, 07:26PM

You can even order the boxes online for FREE as well and they will drop them off at your door.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Arcstarter, Thu Dec 18 2008, 01:12AM

Yea, my mom got 10 boxes for free, the funny thing is that they arrived like 5 days after the storm, even though everything was recked and there was no power.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Hon1nbo, Thu Dec 18 2008, 09:54PM

it arrived!!!
and, my word, it is stuffed, and HEAVY
I am sorting through it to see not only what I am taking out, but how I will fit what I am putting in... for future reference, I think that any caps (of decent values at least) should be shorted... don't want to experience capacitance memory from a 1800uF 450V cap!
I will post the updated list soon, and pics of what I put in.. I should have it out tomorrow, but the box needs to already be replaced... again.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Hon1nbo, Fri Dec 19 2008, 03:33AM

I updated the main thread... I will go to the post office tomorrow to get a new box, and ship it... but I am still waiting for a replay from Chris to tell me the rest of the address... all details, or I don't ship: too many mistakes can happen when, especially with USPS (also, too many streets have the same name, but use different things at the end like drive, lane, street, etc, etc)

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Arcstarter, Fri Dec 19 2008, 03:43AM

and, my word, it is stuffed, and HEAVY

Told ya!

Anyway, having those dang cm600's out of the box sure will make it lighter and easier to fit stuff in there. But yea, the box was badly bulged when i sent it, but i tried packing it many different ways. When i looked at the old box compared to the new, the old one was much bigger because it had been bulged sooo much. Did the 'box' i make for the cm600's fall apart? I figured the sides where gonna rip. Er, the tape anyway, cause that is all that was holding them in there. Also, the cap i put in there(650pf 20kv) should be shorted. It may not kill, but it would not be pleasant.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Hon1nbo, Fri Dec 19 2008, 04:19AM

it was smaller without the CM600's, but my DLP board(which I put in your cm600 box compensated

also I had to remove the calcium carbide due to weather... for safet
also, the 20kv was not shorted, but the caps are placed so that they are safer to remove anyway (and I don't have screws, so I did not short them)

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Tom540, Fri Dec 19 2008, 10:07PM


I got a bunch of mini bricks to put in some mosfets others IGBT's. Including some 1000v 36 amp minibrick fets. The igbt's were custom made and IXYS wont give me the specs since they weren't my design. I wanted to disperse some to see what you guys can make with them. To see what they're capable of. I managed to get them to work in a really poorly designed DRSSTC 3 years ago. I'm going to be trying a few of them in a new DRSSTC here real soon.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Hon1nbo, Fri Dec 19 2008, 11:17PM

box was mailed this afternoon... I think I spent at least 45 minutes at the post office to get a box, fit the contents, tape it all down, THEN wait in line... it's a pain, but totally worth it (and you guys should love what I have planned with my spoils B -)

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Tom540, Sat Dec 20 2008, 12:47AM

The map needs updating as well.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
teslacoolguy, Mon Dec 29 2008, 02:15AM

any news on the box? I am leaving back to Florida on the 4th so there may have to be a address change. I was just wondering were it is because it's been a while since i heard anything about it.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Conundrum, Thu Jan 01 2009, 05:13PM

Just a thought, but is there any reason why we can't split the box and send each half in different directions? Might make things a bit simpler if its getting too heavy..

Maybe send half to the EU to save starting a second box?

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Fri Jan 02 2009, 03:54AM

I will update the map when I get a moment. There's some folks who want to be added to the list, so it's going to be a large update.

In the meantime, let's hope Anon01 drops it in the mail soon. He's been updated with teslacoolguy's Florida address.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
teslacoolguy, Mon Jan 12 2009, 08:48PM

Any news? Anon01 has been holding on to it for a while or did he send it out and it got derailed somewere?

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Tom540, Mon Jan 12 2009, 10:32PM

I think there should be a time limit on how long you have the box. more than 3 days is ridiculous. I mean how long does it take to grab a few things put other crap in seal it and drop it off?

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
rp181, Mon Jan 12 2009, 11:29PM

People have different things going on, it could be difficult for some. Plus, what would a time limit do? its not like you can do anything to them.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Tom540, Tue Jan 13 2009, 01:17AM


well obviously they wouldn't get punished but it would just be a rule to try and follow. Just for motivation so it doesn't sit on peoples desks for 3 weeks. If everyone had the box for that long it would take over a year for the box to make its rounds to the people on the list. The box was started quite a while ago and only a few have seen it. I have a ton of things i wanna put in it and im kind of anxious to see what people can do with it.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Tue Jan 13 2009, 04:11PM

From the main junk box thread:

5) The box should be passed on as soon as possible. Please don't sit on it for a week before sending it to the next person.

Sometimes people have other things going on -- we can't presume to know how busy someone may be, or what other circumstances may have arisen. We have no power to actually do anything if someone takes too long with the box, so we'll just have to be patient.

I've sent a PM to Anon01. The box should be on its way soon. If you want to give him a little gentle and polite encouragement to get the box moving again, feel free to PM him as well. The good news is, we've got a lot more people wanting to participate, so the next map update should be interesting!

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
teslacoolguy, Fri Jan 23 2009, 11:15PM

It's been over a week and i still haven't received the box yet.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Fri Jan 23 2009, 11:42PM

Has anyone sent a PM to Anon01 and heard back?

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
rp181, Sat Jan 24 2009, 12:04AM

I thought i saw a post by him saying he sent it out before the attack.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
teslacoolguy, Sat Jan 24 2009, 02:46AM

If it doesn't arrive tomorrow then i am going to have to send him a PM.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Tom540, Mon Jan 26 2009, 10:43PM

I just saw him online.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
rp181, Mon Jan 26 2009, 10:57PM

I saw him on a couple days ago.... I hope this is not any bad intentions.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
teslacoolguy, Tue Jan 27 2009, 02:37AM

If inough people are interested in a couple months when im back in Ohio i have UBERLOADS of junk and i would be glad to start another junk box for the USA when this one heads off to Europe. Just a thought.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Tue Jan 27 2009, 03:52AM

Looks like we're moving again.

By the way, I'm getting set to do another large map update tomorrow. If you sent me a private message about joining the junk box in the last 7-10 days, please re-send it, as I've likely lost your address. Remember that I need a real name and address if you want to participate -- I'll only be sharing that information with the person immediately prior to you on the list. Map pins are also intentionally rounded off at a low degree of accuracy, if there's any concern there.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Plasma Lover, Tue Jan 27 2009, 04:16AM

I'm glad to see that everything's up-and-running. I'm looking forward to (maybe) getting the box, sometime soon, myself!

I have some stuff that I'd like to get rid of that others will, almost definitely, enjoy having.

By the way, Chris, what's up with the map? I would have expected that, on the update, you would include the rest of the path you have up-to-date. I know it would be a lot of work, but maybe it was just wishful thinking.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Tom540, Mon Feb 09 2009, 06:17PM

So where is the MIA box of junk? Map isn't updated.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Billybobjoe, Mon Feb 09 2009, 08:32PM


Check the main stickied thread at the top of this forum. I just got it on Friday and sent it out today.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Tue Feb 10 2009, 04:19AM

Whew, that was quite an update. Took me a while to track down everyone's names, addresses, and approximate geographical locations. Also had to request additional information from a few people. At any rate, the map is complete. It can be a bit confusing, as some members are pretty close together, and the path now crosses itself in a few places, but just follow the path in order and you can see where it's going, and who is getting it.

Everyone should now have a PM with the address of the next person on the list. Everyone who is participating should now be on the map. If anyone doesn't have such a PM, or doesn't appear on the map, PM me right away, so we can get it straightened out.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
cavemen, Wed Mar 04 2009, 04:52AM

I am a dumpster diver. I have every part in quantities of 1 or 2.

If i need several identical parts, I have to buy those parts.

I like the idea, but i am not sure if the junk box can solve this problem.

I am thinking of something like a mass-disassembly plant. :)

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Backyard Skunkworks, Wed Mar 04 2009, 06:31AM


Actually the junk box isn't a box of trashed electronics. The box is a way to swap spare parts, it has nothing to do with removing parts from dead appliances.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
GhostlyFigures, Mon Jan 25 2010, 03:53AM

This Idea is totally awesome, I also have a bunch of odd stuff, Like parts from an old MRI lol: I would love to someday see this box!!!

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Fri Jan 29 2010, 06:16PM

Sorry, it appears the box has been mostly destroyed. I've asked for it to be returned to me. I'll know more about the condition of the box and when it can get moving again once I've got it.

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
teravolt, Sat Jan 30 2010, 04:11AM

how about sending around more than one box maby 3. I have enough stuff for a cuple

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Alex M, Sat Dec 10 2011, 12:30AM


What happened to the box in the end? did someone take off with it?

Re: Great Internet Migratory Box of Junk
Chris Russell, Sat Dec 10 2011, 09:06PM

The US box was lost/destroyed, and has been replaced with a stationary communal junk box.