I agree. I was a total neophyte when I assembled my K3S. I used a cheap mat and wrist band. Never had a static failure. As Walter said, cheap insurance.
John WA1EAZ > On Dec 22, 2017, at 2:22 PM, Walter Underwood <wun...@wunderwood.org> wrote: > > When working on tube gear, keep one hand in your pocket. When working on > solid-state gear, keep one hand on the chassis. > > But a static mat is cheap insurance for when you need to scratch your nose. > > Amazon has one for $11. I think I paid more for mine at Fry’s, but whatever. > > https://smile.amazon.com/Velleman-AS4-Anti-Static-Ground-Cable/dp/B001IRVCJC/ > > wunder > K6WRU > Walter Underwood > CM87wj > http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog) > >> On Dec 22, 2017, at 11:08 AM, rkr...@johngalt.biz wrote: >> >> >> >> On 12/22/2017 12:16 PM, G4GNX wrote: >>> Firstly, you absolutely MUST use an anti-static mat, suitably connected to >>> ground and an anti-static wrist strap. Whilst you might "get away with it" >>> without those items, you may cause unseen damage and you won't know until >>> it breaks down. I know the manuals state that you can "touch a metal >>> object", but that's very hit and miss. >> >> I'm going to respectfully disagree. The problem is not the static or the >> ground, the problem is when you have a differential voltage between items. >> >> If you always maintain a forearm on the frame of your device and handle >> things carefully while maintaining contact with the frame, you will all be >> at the same electrical potential. Be sure to be in contact with the frame >> when opening anti-static bags, too. Hold boards by the edges, don't finger >> the gold contacts, and don't touch components if you don't have to. >> >> This technique has worked for me for years. I don't do sensitive work >> often, but I never seem to have all the 'anti-static' stuff when I need it. >> >> The only danger is if you get carried away and lift that arm. >> >> 73 >> >> Ray >> KK4WPB >> >> Molon labe >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> Message delivered to wun...@wunderwood.org > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to jstengrev...@comcast.net ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
