Re: [Elecraft] [Elecraft_K3] Re: My K3 is Due Tomorrow 11/11/11 !
Alan Bloom wrote: 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 Thanks for the correction, Alan. Does anyone have details of ESD mats that comply to similar European performance standards, and where to buy them at reasonable prices in Europe? -- 73 from Ian GM3SEK http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] [Elecraft_K3] Re: My K3 is Due Tomorrow 11/11/11 !
I've just measured my a/s mat. I used two small metal boxes about 4 x 2, spaced 3. I applied 13V thru my DMM and pressed fairly hard (thru' good insulation!) to get 0.2uA, giving a value of 65Mohm. RH here is probably 60% or more. Pressing lightly gives 0.1uA, the smallest the DMM indicates. I think this is probably OK. The mat is Maplin N74CR. It's £14.99 http://www.maplin.co.uk/large-anti-static-mat-99068 Graham On 19:59, Ian White GM3SEK wrote: Alan Bloom wrote: 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 Thanks for the correction, Alan. Does anyone have details of ESD mats that comply to similar European performance standards, and where to buy them at reasonable prices in Europe? __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] [Elecraft_K3] Re: My K3 is Due Tomorrow 11/11/11 !
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 +, 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! __ 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
