[Elecraft] ESD recommendation

[Dave G4AON]

You must use anti-static precautions. It's foolish to assemble a $2500 
radio only to damage it for the sake of perhaps $25 worth of anti-static 
products. Mats and wrist straps must be tested for continuity before 
use, a pin through the mat will usually give a good enough connection 
for a multi-meter. I used an anti-static bench mat approx 500mm x 350mm 
and a wrist strap. Both were bought in 2001 from a UK mail order company 
when I assembled by K2, cost from memory somewhere in the region of $30.

You need some good screwdrivers and plenty of light, one slip and you 
could cause costly damage surface mounted components...

73 Dave, G4AON
K3/100 #80