Re: [Elecraft] Looking for static dissipative bench pad
I have used a large, shallow aluminium tray similar to the cooker tray mentioned and I place all components in the tray still within their a/s bags. With my hands in the tray and the external connections to soldering iron etc thro wrist strap etc, this is my defence against ESdischarge. Everything at one potential is the secret. David G3UNA - Original Message - From: Bill Tippett [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, September 15, 2007 9:26 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Looking for static dissipative bench pad WB2SRF: Using a conductor for a ESD ground pad is not a good idea. Besides the obvious short circuit or electric shock hazard that could occur. I learned from taking ESD courses at Lucent Technology and Motorola where I was employed. that slow gradient discharge of the static electric buildup is required otherwise a high peak current can destroy semiconductors. That is why it is called (ESD) electrostatic dissipative Which is why the 1M series resistor is inserted between the foil and ground. I like a dead short between my body and the foil (to absolutely eliminate any potential difference) and then 1M from the foil to ground for the reasons you stated above. I usually even touch one hand to the foil before touching extremely ESD sensitive devices just in case my wrist strap is faulty! I never apply power to anything (except my ESD-safe soldering iron) when I work on the surface to prevent shorts or shocks. I've burned my fingers many times but haven't killed myself (yet). :-) I've also never zapped any semiconductors in several SMD projects, although I've found less exotic ways to destroy parts, such as mounting them in the wrong place! As I said before, you can certainly spend more but IMHO it's unnecessary. I use the $35 CSI clone of the Hakko 936 for the same reason. I would rather spend my money on other things, but that's an individual choice. 73, Bill W4ZV ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Looking for static dissipative bench pad
I like the tools and options from Cyberguys. Here is a nice pad for $28 http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/searchdetail.asp?productID=451 de ken n9vv Mike B wrote: Looking over the K3 assembly equipment list, I see that I have everything but a static dissipative pad. This is for bench use, so a 24x24 up to 24x36 or so pad would be sufficient. Googling around, I find models from $15 to over $100. I only need it sporadically for hobby use, so don't want to spend a lot on one. I'm leery of the $15 models off Amazon, but they may be good enough for my use. Anyone have a recommendation on a quality but relatively inexpensive model? 73, Mike KW1ND ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Looking for static dissipative bench pad
Thanks for the link, Ken. It mentions a wrist strap, but I can't tell from the picture if it's got a lead to run to ground. Any idea if it does? 73, Mike KW1ND Ken N9VV wrote: I like the tools and options from Cyberguys. Here is a nice pad for $28 http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/searchdetail.asp?productID=451 de ken n9vv Mike B wrote: Looking over the K3 assembly equipment list, I see that I have everything but a static dissipative pad. This is for bench use, so a 24x24 up to 24x36 or so pad would be sufficient. Googling around, I find models from $15 to over $100. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Looking for static dissipative bench pad
Pardon my foolishness - I see the description states it has a grounding lead. I've seen similar products elsewhere, but for $10 - $20 more, so this might be the ticket. Thanks, Ken. 73, Mike KW1ND ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Looking for static dissipative bench pad
In a message dated 9/15/2007 9:51:23 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: _http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/searchdetail.asp?productID=451_ (http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/searchdetail.asp?productID=451) That's a nice looking package at a reasonable price. With a satisfaction guarantee I'd try it. In my opinion: Plusses: low cost, self contained, can also serve as ESD safe container between worksessions or transporting assembies. Minuses: It'll be a little awkward working around the hem lines and handles - I'd hate to see the board and parts take flight if I snagged the handle while turning around or standing or bending down to pick up a dropped item. A wrist strap nice addition and I couldn't tell if it had extra 'snap' for wrist strap. W ould also be nice to know how well it handles accidental contact with host soldering iron tip or solder splashes. ( You have safety glasses, I presume? ) You want to protect your eyes as much as your radio. Comment: I have used a variety of pads from many places and the most often used are from 3M. They are often a blue color or a tan color, are about 1/4 inch thick with a foam like soft backing and a solid but flexible plastic facing. They will melt some with contact of solder iron tip, but not a lot if you can avoid long contact. Electronix Express looks like they have the same item for $14.95 didn't see the handles but the graphic is almost identical. Check out also PC Connection, CDW, Fordham Tools, Tucker Tools. Lots of others - - - Al, WA6VNN ** See what's new at http://www.aol.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Looking for static dissipative bench pad
Bill and all, Although the grocery store oven liner will work, I prefer not to work on a fully conductive surface because I don't like the idea of accidentally shorting two things together when I lay them down, but YMMV. Good anti-static mats can be inexpensive. Check out the ones at TigerDirect (www.tigerdirect.com). Their ULT33122 is a 23.5 inch square mat for $19.99, or if you want something larger, the ULT33121 is 23.5 x 47.25 inches for $24.95. Their wrist strap is ULT31418 priced at $6.99. Other computer related outlets should have comparable prices. An ESD safe work area costing around $30 should be palatable for most builders - that is roughly in the range for the cost for one replacement firmware chip from Elecraft, better to be safe than sorry. 73, Don W3FPR Bill Tippett wrote: KW1ND: I only need it sporadically for hobby use, so don't want to spend a lot on one. 1. Buy an 18 X 26 aluminum foil oven liner at your grocery store for $5. 2. Connect to ground via a 1M resistor in series. 3. Buy Radio Shack's $5.49 wrist strap(# 276-2397) and clip to liner. You can spend much more if you want, but the above worked well for me to build a K2 and several SMD projects (ATS-2, ATS-3, SoftRock, etc.) 73, Bill W4ZV ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Looking for static dissipative bench pad
Another list member emailed me that Radio Shack carries a kit for $24.99. It is their number 276-2370 and is 26 by 24 inches. 73, Mike KW1ND ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
