[Elecraft] ESD question

[Vic K2VCO]

Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
> I make sure the grounds for all the equipment on my bench are tied together.
> That also means that they are tied to the mains ground, since the 'scope,
> soldering station, bench power supply and a few other items are all plugged
> into mains outlets. 
> 
> My wrist strap connects to the same ground, through its 1 meg resistor of
> course, as is my static-dissipating mat.  

I also have an aluminum yardstick (meterstick) attached to the front top 
of my bench and connected to ground through a 1M resistor.  Even if I 
forget to put on the wrist strap, my hands often rest on this -- and 
it's useful for measuring lengths of wire for toroids, too.

In addition, the metal muffin tin I use for holding small parts has a 
ground lead and 1M resistor of its own.  I have a clip lead with 
resistor that I can clip to my Panavise (used for holding circuit 
boards) or anything else, like a chassis.

Finally, I removed the carpet from my shack and replaced it with light 
colored vinyl tile.  This produces less static as well as making it 
easier to find dropped parts and clean up cat messes (now we are getting 
to the more-than-you-wanted-to-know part).

Today the relative humidity in my room is 39% -- very dangerous for ESD. 
  The temperature outside is expected to reach 113 f (45 c)!
-- 
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco