hv hazard? Not much...

[Happy Harry]

Hi Eric...

Sorry. You misunderstood my intention.
The thread was about DELIBERATELY touching
circuit points to make strange noises.

Obviously from your response... YOU do not
encourage people to poke fingers around inside
your equipment. The product warnings are quite
appropriate.

I also agree that reasonably limited current
will pose more surprise hazard than shock
hazard. If you assume a human body resistance of
10K ohms... you might draw 18mA from a 180V supply.
I don't know if you limit to below this value or not.

At any rate... you should not touch this stuff
intentionally !!!

You would agree (I think) that the implications of
touching (lets say) a 6VDC battery powered Casio or
similar unit, and touching a mains powered Tube unit
deliberately... are two different stories.

NOTE: I have not made any implied comment about the
safety of Metasonix products used as the manufacturer
intended !!!

(OTOH my point was... you don't intend them to be
bathtub toy....  ;^)

H^) Harry

>From: Eric <synth at metasonix.com>
>To: synth-diy at node12b53.a2000.nl
>Subject: Re: hv hazard? Not much...
>Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001 01:03:03 -0800 (PST)
>
>
> >The jibe to Eric was for his Vaccuum tube synths... touching those in 
>just
> >about anyplace would be ill-advised and possibly lethal !
>
>NO. That is NOT CORRECT.
>
>My circuits use 140v dc. The maximum current is limited
>by series resistors and by back-to-back transformers.
>
>I have not shocked myself in more than 18 months. In that
>time I have finished, aligned and tested more than 40
>assorted Metasonix devices. Even when I do touch the plate
>supply, it is DC and current limited, so it is only a
>minor annoyance.
>
>The user has no access to the plate supply without
>ignoring 2 warnings and removing 8 cover screws.
>The units do not need any regular maintenance, so
>opening the case is advised against unless the user
>is experienced with high voltages. Even if the cover
>is removed and the user changes tubes,
>the plate supply is not directly touchable.
>
>Before you make statements about my products, Harry,
>first: please try and get one and inspect it closely.
>
>Eric Barbour
>METASONIX
>

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