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Thread ID: 56814 2005-04-15 23:53:00 Static advice sought Myth (110) Press F1
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345418 2005-04-15 23:53:00 Heyas
I'm looking for advice on ESD (static electricity).
Recently I did some hardware changes on my partners computer using usual (what I thought was sufficient ... I was wrong) precautions re static (touch psu or case every now and then to equalise). However even using care I am almost 95% sure I zapped the RAM (haven't fixed it yet, but all symptoms lead to that... BTW thankyou pctek for helping with diagnosis).
So obviously I am working in a highly static area, so to avoid zapping more RAM, or even motherboards etc; I need advice on how to kill it. I especially don't want to be zapping my mates RAM as I can't afford to keep replacing it.
I know you can get antistatic straps (wireless and wired.... how effective are these? (both wireless and wired)
What about antistatic mats, how good are these; and where can I get the mats from; and at what cost?
Any other precautions I need to consider.
Myth (110)
345419 2005-04-16 00:03:00 I use an anti-static mat wired into earth,and an anti-static wristband, I can't afford to casually destroy ram . . . . . .

How effective are they?

Well, Since I saterted using the mat my peace of mind is far better . . . . :eek:



Where can you get em?

Just about anywhere, I can source the mats for you if your in a pinch,cost about . . . . hmm . . . . Can't do bizzo on the forum, They aren't expensive and you should be able to source them locally . If not pm me and ill chuck one in the mail . . .
Metla (12)
345420 2005-04-16 02:23:00 I need advice on how to kill it.
I know you can get antistatic straps (wireless and wired.... how effective are these? (both wireless and wired)
What about antistatic mats, how good are these; and where can I get the mats from; and at what cost?
Any other precautions I need to consider.
How to kill it? - numerous ways, hehe.:-)
Mats are good if you have the money.
If not, get rid of the carpet! Take your socks off. Take off that fluffy nylon jumper.
What you did, having it plugged in and touching the case is good, but I'd touch it all the time, not just on occasion.
Antistatic straps that aren't connected to anything are a joke. Accomplishs nothing.
The ones you clip to something earthed are the correct way to use them.
If yyou haven't got one you can improvise and make one - the idea is just to earth yourself.
BTW Metla can you send me a PM with a price on a mat thanks? I could do with one...
pctek (84)
345421 2005-04-16 02:39:00 Thanks for that advice.

BTW Metla; read ya PM's... :cool:
Myth (110)
345422 2005-04-16 04:32:00 It's a good rule to never touch the contacts. I've seen people who are fascinated by the shiny gold, and feel a compulsion to rub it.;) It's easy enough to handle memory sticks by the edges.

An imrovised antistatic strap should not have a direct wire connection to earth. It's electrostatic charges on your body you want to earth, not the mains. A commercial strap has a 1 megohm resistor.
Graham L (2)
345423 2005-04-16 06:29:00 I just by how the TV tech in the shop next door had his,wired into the wall,are you suggesting it should be wired onto the body?... Metla (12)
345424 2005-04-16 06:36:00 I just by how the TV tech in the shop next door had his,wired into the wall,are you suggesting it should be wired onto the body?...
I was told that the wire needs to be attached to a metal part of something that is plugged in so that it is earthed. For example, hooked onto the metal back of my computer case. I hope that information is correct for the informant's sake. :D

Incidentally, do you stand on the mat or put the patient on it??

Calling Godfather... please come in!!
FoxyMX (5)
345425 2005-04-16 06:41:00 Ok, The mat has to be earthed,not to the person.

The "person" is taken care of by a wrist strap.

The compouter sits on the mat as i work on it.
Metla (12)
345426 2005-04-16 06:41:00 Is it possible that you make an anti-static wrist strap your ownself? I was thinking that you tie a copper wire around your wrist and somehow stick the other end to the ground. Is that how it works? How about the idea that another person touches your back and his another hand is getting in touch with the ground constantly? :D Cheers :) Renmoo (66)
345427 2005-04-16 06:53:00 I am just wondering if rubber matting would be ok to use, especially if you have carpet (that I know the landlord will object to having ripped out)?

This in conjunction with an antistatic mat

Is there any type of special matting?
Myth (110)
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