Andi,

One of the cryostats in this lab has had a long history of frost 
problems.  The problem is noticeably worse when large burley (Santa 
Claus-like) fellows/lasses come into cut.  I used to hand-defrost 
frequently.  I got tired of that, however, and found if I set the 
temp in the cryostat about 4C higher when the cryostat isn't in use, 
the frost build-up is greatly diminished.

Karen in mossy old Western Oregon




>Fellow Histonetters,
>This question is directed mostly to those techs who live in humid areas and
>do lots of frozens in old labs which are not "climate controlled". 
>Usually Tucson has a very dry climate but during the summer monsoons it gets
>a little swampy. We are in the monsoon season now and the rain is great for
>most things but not for my cryostat.
>My cryostat, a Leica 2800N, has been frosting up something awful because it
>is so humid in our room. I put a tray of drierite in the chamber and it
>turned pink almost immediately. Of course it doesn't help to be cutting
>sections and having the window open for long stretches of time. Does anybody
>have any tips on preventing the frost build up in a normally frost free
>cryostat?
>Thanks!
>Andi Grantham
>University of Arizona
>
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>   =^..^=