[Elecraft] Containers for sorting parts

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

No, hardware can't be hurt by foam containers but, like you, I'd rather not
have the stuff around. 

ESD-sensitive parts should always be packaged either in an ESD-safe bag or
with the leads in black conductive foam. If you leave them in the bag or
foam, you're okay, even if you set them in (gasp!) Styrofoam(TM) containers!

Ron AC7AC





-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces+rondec=easystreet.com at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces+rondec=easystreet.com at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of
gwwhatley at juno.com
Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2006 7:05 PM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] Containers for sorting parts


I already built K2 #4758, and getting ready to start a KPA 100 kit.  To sort
the K2 parts, I used plastic utility  boxes with divided bins, and had no
problem with the K2, but wonder if I was just lucky in that no solid state
stuff  got damaged, to my knowledge.  I did put loose transistors in the
plastic boxes, but  all solid state stuff which came on the safety mat was
not placed in any container before installation.  I  used an egg carton
which was expanded polystyrene? for the hardware, and heard later this stuff
is prone to build up static electricity.  Was it risky to put hardware in
the egg carton?   I'm thinking it's not safe to have it anywhere on the
bench.   I always use an ESD wrist strap, and an ESD safe Hakko  936 iron,
by the way.
 
So, what is the preferred safe container??  Is the semi hard plastic utility
box ok?  I don't have any metal containers which are suitable..
 
Love my K2.  It still amazes me after 8 mos of great service.  In the ARRL
dx test, it scored  many EU stations on cw while running only 2 watts, using
my Telrex 20m mono bander (which is about 50 yrs old) fed with 27 yr old
Belden RG 213 coax.  And I seldom had to call stations more than once.   Go
figger!  It's also the only rig I ever had which draws unsolicited
compliments on the nice cw note. Thanks, Elecraft, and thanks to you guys on
the reflector who helped me previously.  I have been hamming for 51 years,
and am having fun again!  Viva Elecraft!
Any suggestions on storage/sorting bins ?
 
Thanks, and 73 from George, N4YM
 
 
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