[Elecraft] ESD Damage Question

[Jerry T. Dowell]

I suspect that the K3 does not have any design features for minimizing
susceptibility to ESD. The K2 apparently does not. When I moved to NV from
CA I had a rude awakening. The humidity here is low, often in single digits.
I always draw sparks to every piece of metal, e.g., light switch plate
screws. I found that the K2 would go into hyperspace and require an off/on
reset whenever I reached for it and drew a spark to the case. One day I
sparked to the case containing the KPA100 and KAT100 and the amp stopped
working properly. The firmware probably got zapped. I restored function by
putting in a new firmware chip and bringing all the mods up to date. Since
then, I have grounded everything to power ground and have an operating table
with conducting paint (Walmart). It is now easy for me to keep discharged to
the table. Nonetheless, the K2 still burps if I happen to spark to the case,
even though it is well grounded. My K3 was set up with great care and
attention to grounding, but I expect that it may also respond to case
discharges. I sure am going to try to avoid testing that surmise!

Jerry   AI6L

-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Thornton [mailto:wc0l at yahoo.com] 
Sent: Sunday, July 27, 2008 2:30 PM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] ESD Damage Question

I have my K3 on order, and plan to take all of the standard ESD precautions
when I build it.  My question is about after it is built and in operation.

I just got through paying to have a new control board put in my Kenwood
TS-2000 because it apparently had some ESD damage.  I always disconnect my
gear during thunderstorms, etc., so I assume it came in as a result of
having the audio input and output and data lines connected to other
equipment.  I would hate to have a repeat of that situation with the K3.
Does anyone have any thoughts about the K3 and static damage or any special
precautions that should be taken?

Thanks for your help.
73, 
Mike, WC0L