[Elecraft] K3 Assembly / Static Dissipation

[Don Wilhelm]

Jim,

Assuming you have modern electrical wiring (2 wires plus ground) at all 
your wall receptacles, just connect it to the center screw of a nearby 
receptacle plate.  That is sufficient grounding for anti-static 
protection.  It will not suffice for station grounding for lightning, 
but that is quite another subject.

For anti-static purposes, the important thing is for everything in your 
work area to be at the same potential, and that is not necessarily earth 
ground.  If you are working on carpet, wearing nylon undies, have a 
fabric chair or stool, then spray the area and your clothing with an 
anti-static spray (Static Gard is available at most grocery stores - it 
is sold for removing static-cling from garments) - that helps tremendously.

73,
Don W3FPR

Jim Bennett / W6JHB wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> Getting ready to take delivery of my K3/100 kit on Tuesday afternoon and
> expect to start assembly after I stop slobbering all over the cool box of
> "stuff"! I've got a nice anti-static mat and attached wrist connector that I
> got from Fry's just for this project.
>
> That was the good news. The bad news is that I'm unsure where to hook the
> alligator-terminated ground wire. Obviously, if I was going to do the
> assembly out in the garage I'd connect it to a copper water or ground pipe.
> But, I'll probably be doing it here in the corner of my microscopic bedroom.
> Would an aluminum window frame be of sufficient size / mass to dissipate any
> static buildup by connecting said ground wire? I've looked around the room
> and don't see a lot of metal objects to connect to. I did have several long
> screws put in my leg from a skiing accident last year, but that probably
> doesn't count!!! :-)
>
> Any suggestions?
>
> Tnx & 73, Jim / W6JHB
>