[Coco] EPROM question

[Joef6809]

Interesting, The window has a sticky label over it as most do. I'll probably 
take a dump of it just in case anyway.
Its not like its valuable or anything but its part of the collection now so 
it need to be taken care of.
BTW are you saying alpha particals will also erase an EPROM?
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Gene Heskett" <gene.heskett at verizon.net>
To: "CoCoList for Color Computer Enthusiasts" <coco at maltedmedia.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2008 1:23 AM
Subject: Re: [Coco] EPROM question


> On Wednesday 06 February 2008, Joef6809 wrote:
>>Does anyone know how long an EPROM can retain its memory. I remember from
>> the data sheets that the stored data will degrade over time but I don't
>> remember how long it is. I'm asking as I just bought a Radioshack 
>> Videotex
>> terminal from Ebay and oddly enough it has an EPROM instead of the mask 
>> rom
>> I had expected. BTW does anyone else on the list have one and does it 
>> also
>> have an EPROM? Thanks.
>>
> Depends on how well programmed it was, and how much light has gotten into 
> the
> window.  Direct sunlight and its making mistakes in 3 days, well erased in 
> 2
> weeks.  Anytime I come into possession of something with an eprom, I make
> sure it works, and put a layer or 2 of Scotch 88 tape on the window.
>
> That would be 20-25 years old now, so I'd tape it if it isn't anyway. 
> I've
> heard the chip makers claim 100's of years, in an old lead box.  New lead
> still has some alpha in it.
>
> And no, I don't have one of that particular item.  Sorry.
>
> -- 
> Cheers, Gene
> "There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty:
> soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order."
> -Ed Howdershelt (Author)
> Dyslexia means never having to say that you're ysror.
>
> --
> Coco mailing list
> Coco at maltedmedia.com
> http://five.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/coco