[sdiy] 'seeing' esd

[Trevor Page]

Hi list,

I noticed tonight that when I touched the metallic enclosure of my
oscilloscope after having just walked into the room and across the carpet, I
see a large spike register on the scope as I discharge myself through the
scope's earth. Then nothing if I touch it again. But rub my feet on the
carpet, I build up a charge again and can again 'see' this being discharged
on the scope.

Bit of a dumb thing to bring up I guess, obvious to most folk maybe, but I
just found it rather curious. It kinda gives you 'proof' that you really do
build up quite charge and it's interesting to see how quickly you can build
up this charge again after messing about on your bench for a few minutes.
Now I'm convinced I need to get a wrist strap.

Anyway, back to reality...

Trev (currently replacing ram chips in a couple of TB303s, so I guess it's
about time I became a bit more esd conscious)


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