Re: [Elecraft_K3] Re: My K3 is Due Tomorrow 11/11/11 !

[Alan Bloom]

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@.../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!
>
>

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[gm3sek]

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@.../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
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[G3TCT]

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@.../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?
>
>

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