Ron wrote: > >Mark makes an excellent point but a special anti-static pad is not required >for a simple procedure like this. However, simply unplugging and replacing >the FP does not require touching anything inside the K3, so there's no >danger. > >If you need to touch the pins on the connectors or anything inside the K3, a >good workable option to the anti-static mat is to simply touch a ground >frequently while working. >
Sorry, I would strongly disagree. Removing the front panel is when you need an anti-static mat and wrist strap the MOST. * You are separating two quite large assemblies, each of which is capable of holding a significant charge (and each of which cost several hundred dollars). * You're just about to expose a large number of unprotected internal connector pins. * And in all probability, you're just about to *touch* every one of those pins when applying antioxidant. This really is NOT a good moment to skip the static protection. Also, "touching a ground" is fundamentally NOT what static protection is about! It's about safely CONNECTING EVERYTHING TOGETHER (including the operator) to discharge any potential differences. This includes keeping them connected together, even while subassemblies like the front panel are being unplugged. In this context, the word "safely" includes the use of high-resistance materials and connecting leads, to avoid damaging discharge currents and minimize the risk of electric shock to the operator. That is why the operator is connected through a *high* resistance to ground - and also why "touching ground" can actually do damage. Note to Pete, G0PNM: in the UK, Contralube 770 (from Maplin) has proved to be an excellent alternative to Deoxit. 73 from Ian GM3SEK ______________________________________________________________ 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
