Static Electricity? How Do I Prevent Circuit Board Zap?

[piscator]

I think it was Linus that posted a warning somewhere about static electricity potentially 'zapping' the circuit board, when you work on iRiver players.

I don't understand this and was hoping someone could explain.  Is there something I should do to 'ground' the player, 'ground' my hands, tools, etc. to prevent spurious zaps?

I have a Toshiba MK1214GAH coming and plan to upgrade another h340 with the drive and a new battery.  If static electricity is a potential danger, I'd like to take every precaution possible. 

Did I read Linus' remark correctly?  If so, what is the potential danger and how do I minimize it?

Thanks for the help! 

Piscator

Quick Update: 3.0 Running Beautifully!!!

Rockbox 3.0 continues to function perfectly in our family's half-dozen iRiver and Sansa players.  I haven't quantified power consumption, but every player using 3.0 seems to have picked up several hours of 'time between charges'

Rockbox 3.0 -- Nothing Else Even Comes Close!!

[yapper]

The warning doesn't just apply to iRiver players. Most modern electronic devices are susceptible to damage from static electricity.

A simple precaution would be to touch a grounded point (for example, a metal water pipe) before handling the player.

A more 'professional' approach would be to use an antistatic workstation, with a conductive mat linked to 'ground' via a resistor to drain any charge, and to wear a wriststrap linked to ground via a resistor.

[piscator]

Yapper,

Thank you for the explanation.  Makes sense, but being new to electronics, I guess it suprises me that 'a little static' could be so potentially damaging.

I have a radio ground in my work area, I can 'touch' before handling the player.  I suppose I could work barefoot and 'wire' my 'big toe' to the ground as well 

I'll have to check a few electronics catalogs and see what a 'conductive mat' looks like.

Thanks again!

piscator

[LambdaCalculus]

I suppose I could work barefoot and 'wire' my 'big toe' to the ground as well 

You can also wear rubber-based shoes, of course.

(EDIT: Just teasing a little... ignore me, I'm in a silly mood today. )

[bascule]

... rubber doesn't conduct electricity, of course! ...

...meaning that your potential for static is much greater, as it cannot dissapate naturally until you reach for your ipod and then ZAP!

* bascule hopes you were joking

[piscator]

  Funny stuff! 

No problem.  When I wear rubber sole shoes, I'll just connect the ground-wire to my sweaty socks -- those ought to be PLENTY conductive! 

piscator

[gerwen]

Makes sense, but being new to electronics, I guess it suprises me that 'a little static' could be so potentially damaging.

Then you'd probably be surprised to learn that the tiny little zaps you get from static electricity are the result of thousands of volts of potential built up on your body.  Even a little arc, only 1mm wide, requires over 4000 volts to jump that gap.

[piscator]

Gerwin,

Yes, it does surprise me, but I love learning and also find it fascinating.  Thanks for your comments!

piscator