EPROM query

[kelp]

Hi,
OK, this is a slightly odd query but I have some Intel 2716 (16Kbit) EPROM chips. I was wondering what is the main body of the chip made from, as in what material? Is it ceramic or something? For a project I'm doing I would like to paint / spray-paint the chip a certain colour, would this affect the chip working at all? Assume might create more heat in the chip if it's sealed with a layer of paint but I really want the chip to look good and I guess they don't heat too much (will be used in an old 8-bit computer).

[Nusa]

Ceramic.

Electrically, you need to make sure the paint is non-conductive if it comes in contact with the pins.

Thermally, unlikely to be a problem. It was common to put adhesive paper labels over these chips indicating how they were programmed. The labels sometimes had a secondary purpose of protecting the erase window from light, if exposed -- even room lights can erase chips if exposed long enough.

I'd suggest that labels might be easier than painting, and will look more authentic.

[kelp]

Thanks very much for the quick reply. I've got some opaque labels which I'll also be sticking on top, sorry forgot to mention that. The reason for the paint was I wanted to make it look clean / new and ensure the paint gets to the sides of the chip itself as well as the top surface (I wasn't planning to paint the erase window but cover it during the painting so it wasn't a permanent thing). So I just want a good clean look to it. I think a label on its own, whilst looking fine from above won't look so good side-on. It's all just a cosmetic thing really to make the chip fit in with the rest of my project. (Also I was going to ensure no paint got onto the pins by, hopefully, covering them up somehow)

[kelp]

Hah, sorry, I forgot that the pins of course come directly out of the side of the chip (brain not fully active today, apologies). I'll just find a way of covering them up so they don't get the paint on them.

[helius]

perhaps use a liquid frisket on the pins before painting.

[kelp]

Thanks. I've never heard of that and had to google it, looks good. So you put it on, it dries and then you peel it off?

[kelp]

One final question : Any decent tips on buffing up the pins and making them shiny and new looking? (without ruining them obviously)