[Elecraft] ESD precautions?

[John A. Ross [RSDTV]]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: G3VVT at aol.com [mailto:G3VVT at aol.com] 
> Sent: Monday, May 24, 2004 1:41 AM
> To: john at rsdtv.com; vic at rakefet.com
> Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ESD precautions?
> 
> Confirm that normally that a medium level of humidity is 
> essential in minimising static levels. 
> I worked for quite a number of years in the deserts of Arabia 
> where the humidity levels are extremely low for a large part 
> of the year. The bulk of our communications buildings were 
> artificially humidified with the air conditioning plant to 
> about 40% humidity to minimise static build up. So essential 
> was this seen that an alarm was generated to the control 
> centre if the humidity deviated from the norm. 

Bob

I think I said high humidity? But it was late and my eyes and fingers were weary. 

Like yourself I have been used to working in either enviromentally controlled situations generally
set to 18-21 Deg C and 30-40%RH (rooms, 19" cabinets, lots of stuff, plenty cabling, lots of floor
tiles to fish under :-) .....) or working with equipment which has its own, or self contained ECU. 
 
> In the domestic environment the main culprit for static is 
> often carpets made out of man made fibres that can generate 
> phenomenal levels of static electricity. Floor coverings of 
> this type are to be avoided at all costs where static 
> sensitive devices are being handled.

I missed that one, but I think you will agree the very chair one sits in can cause the same issues?
Especially if one swivels around on it first :-)
 
John (GM1BSG)