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/[email protected]/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! > > ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
