[Elecraft] K3 ESD

[Vic K2VCO]

I've mentioned this idea before but I like it so much I'll repeat it:

I attached a metal yardstick (meter stick) to the front of my workbench and connected it 
to ground through a 1 meg resistor. My arms naturally fall on it, and it is invaluable 
when building kits and cutting wire to length.

I have an aluminum muffin tin for holding parts which is also connected to ground via a 
resistor.

I use a wrist strap and mat too, but I suspect the ruler would be enough by itself.

On 12/17/2010 8:22 AM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
> As the KRX3 manual says (pg 5), avoid voltage differences between yourself
> and the components. If you don't have an anti-static mat or wrist strap:
>
> DO NOT use carpet on your work bench (a common practice before solid state).
> Wood, Formica, etc., is fine. Metal is also okay for this, but not a good
> practice for any bench on which you'll power up a rig.
>
> DO NOT use Styrofoam or other plastics to hold parts other than the pink
> bags some parts are shipped in.
>
> DO touch an unpainted metal ground often while working. (When without a pad
> I touch a ground every time before picking up an electronic part or pcb - it
> only takes a fraction of a second to do so.)
>
> DO touch an unpainted metal part of the K3 itself after picking up a part
> and before touching the part to the K3. (That equalizes any possible voltage
> difference between you - and the part you're holding - and the K3 so the
> charge won't flow through the part.) If you ground the metal case of the K3,
> you can touch it before picking up each part to accomplish both objectives
> at the same time.
>
> The Mains supply safety ground is a perfectly good ground to use to
> discharge yourself.
>
> There's more background on page 5 of the KRX3 manual, but the above steps
> will keep you and the parts safe without a dedicated ESD workstation.
>
> Ron AC7AC
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
>
> Dear all,
>
> I am about to install my subreceiver  and would like to finish before the
> weekend but I have no ESD work place. How can I best protect the parts? Or
> do I have to wait until I can get the needed ESD equipment?
>
> OZ1CCM, Kjeld
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

-- 
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/