[Elecraft] [Elecraft_K3] Re: My K3 is Due Tomorrow 11/11/11 !

[Alan Bloom]

I agree with all Ian's comments except:

> Almost any ani-static mat and wrist strap will be OK

My testing has shown that not all anti-static mats are created equal.
In particular, the Radio Shack portable mat P/N 276-2370 has much too
high a resistance to be effective.  Here is my previous posting that
includes the results of the tests and a recommendation for a suitable
anti-static mat:

http://www.mail-archive.com/elecraft@mailman.qth.net/msg94407.html

Alan N1AL


On Mon, 2011-11-14 at 08:22 +0000, Ian White GM3SEK wrote:
> Maurice wrote:
> >
> >Thanks to the group and I will go with the kit... Does anyone have any 
> >insight on the static mat that is needed ???
> 
> Almost any ani-static mat and wrist strap will be OK, but you MUST use 
> purpose-made ESD products that dissipate static charges gently through a 
> high resistance.
> 
> The assembly manual tells you exactly what to do, and why.
> 
> The only thing in that manual that is misleading is too much emphasis on 
> grounding. Grounding is NOT your primary source of ESD protection!
> 
> The two features that actually provide the ESD protection are:
> 
> 1. Connecting everything TOGETHER - yourself, the ESD mat, and all the 
> items that you place on the mat - to prevent voltage differences
> 
> *and*
> 
> 2. High-resistance ESD mat and wrist strap to prevent any large current 
> surges. The resistor in the wrist strap should be tested frequently - 
> about 1 megohm is normal. Open-circuit is an ESD hazard, but 
> short-circuit (or worse still, deliberately not using a series resistor) 
> is a threat to you.
> 
> With 1 and 2 *both* in place, you can confidently assemble the various 
> parts of your K3 without risk of ESD damage when connector pins on 
> different boards touch together.
> 
> By all means connect your ESD protection system (mat and wrist strap) to 
> mains ground as well - but please understand that is only a generalized 
> electrical safety precaution. Once again: grounding is NOT your primary 
> source of ESD protection!
> 
>