[Elecraft] Looking for static dissipative bench pad

[David Cutter]

I have used a large, shallow aluminium tray similar to the cooker tray 
mentioned and I place all components in the tray still within their a/s 
bags.  With my hands in the tray and the external connections to soldering 
iron etc thro wrist strap etc, this is my defence against ESdischarge. 
Everything at one potential is the secret.

David
G3UNA

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bill Tippett" <btippett at alum.mit.edu>
To: <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Saturday, September 15, 2007 9:26 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] Looking for static dissipative bench pad


> WB2SRF:
>
> >Using a conductor for a ESD ground pad is not a good idea.
>
> >Besides the obvious short circuit or electric shock hazard that could
> occur.
>
> >I learned from taking ESD courses at Lucent Technology  and Motorola
> where I was employed. that  slow gradient discharge of the static
> electric buildup is required otherwise a high peak current can destroy
> semiconductors. That is why it is called  (ESD) electrostatic dissipative
>
>         Which is why the 1M series resistor is inserted
> between the foil and ground.  I like a dead short between
> my body and the foil (to absolutely eliminate any potential
> difference) and then 1M from the foil to ground for the
> reasons you stated above.  I usually even touch one hand
> to the foil before touching extremely ESD sensitive devices
> just in case my wrist strap is faulty!  I never apply power
> to anything (except my ESD-safe soldering iron) when I work
> on the surface to prevent shorts or shocks.  I've burned my
> fingers many times but haven't killed myself (yet).  :-)
> I've also never zapped any semiconductors in several SMD
> projects, although I've found less exotic ways to destroy
> parts, such as mounting them in the wrong place!
>
>         As I said before, you can certainly spend more but
> IMHO it's unnecessary.  I use the $35 CSI clone of the
> Hakko 936 for the same reason.  I would rather spend my
> money on other things, but that's an individual choice.
>
>                                 73,  Bill  W4ZV
>
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