[Elecraft] Parts Storage

[Don Brown]

Hi

I'm a little surprised after all the discussion about static problems the
last few weeks that people would not realize that styrofoam blocks and
plastic boxes are the worst possible thing you can use to store electronic
parts in. The static fields that can build up on a styrofoam block can reach
up into the 10's of Kilo volts. Even if the parts you are storing are not
static sensitive just having such materials around the work bench is not a
good idea. Taping the parts to a sheet of paper is also not wise. I have
seen a demo of a strip of scotch tape after removing from the roll can have
several Kilo volts on the tape. I leave the parts in the antistatic bags
until ready to use or inventory and place them into an anti static tray or
metal tray. I always ground myself to the tray before touching the part.

Don Brown
KD5NDB