[Elecraft] KPA500 Build

[Kevin Rock]

I was at a Red Cross EOC during a training drill as an ECOM operator.  The  
stack of radios were on a folding leg table with an aisle for people to  
pass on the back side of all of those radios.  When I walked into the  
radio room the first thing I saw were all the low voltage lines exposed to  
touch.  I kept telling the folks in control how very dangerous this was.   
They all wore wedding bands and watches which would have welded themselves  
to the power lines.  They did not seem to understand.  "It is only 12  
volts", they said.  "But at how many amps?", I responded.  They did not  
understand the welding concept.  I searched the place and found a bunch of  
tape which I used to cover all the exposed cables.  Even the other radio  
ops did not seem concerned.  I wonder what they would have done if I had  
shorted a screwdriver across one of the rigs?  Sometimes it is very  
difficult to tell folks they are in danger and have them understand it.
    73,
       Kevin.  KD5ONS



On Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:40:30 -0700, Don Wilhelm <w3fpr at embarqmail.com>  
wrote:

>   Tony,
>
> Your cookie sheet is an OK idea, but it gives me cause to insert one of
> my safety "hot spots".
> When working on a fully conductive surface, keep all power sources at a
> safe distance (at least 1 foot greater than your reach).  That goes for
> even 9 volt batteries and 13.8 power sources, and of course, the AC
> receptacles.
>
> The AC voltage problem is easily recognized - high voltage can kill you,
> but not as readily recognized is that low voltage can maim you - suppose
> your watch or wedding ring comes in contact with a battery terminal.
> Not only will flying molten metal happen, but your finger or wrist can
> be very badly burned by the heat produced.
>
> Work as you see fit, but above all - BE SAFE - low voltage sources can
> maim or even kill just as well as high voltage.
>
> There are no fully conducting surfaces in my work area - static mat,
> yes, but metal sheets, NO!
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 7/8/2011 5:07 PM, Tony Estep wrote:
>> Not only is a muffin tin an excellent parts bin, but a large cookie  
>> sheet is
>> great for building SMT gadgets. It's conductive, so no static buildup,  
>> and
>> the raised edges keep little parts from ending up on the floor. I got a
>> muffin tin and cookie sheet at Walmart, $3.50 each. If the shiny  
>> surface of
>> the cookie sheet is too reflective, put a piece of black conductive  
>> foam on
>> it.
>>
>> Tony KT0NY
>>
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