Am I the only one here who is intimidated

[ExpAnonColin]

when ICs come in static-free bags AND static-free casings?  I can live with just the little cases, that's common practice, but both of them makes me feel like I'm going to zap something if I'm not careful.

-Colin

[Boofhead]

I get a similar feeling, but it's totally unfounded and the feeling quickly dissipates after logic sets in.  If you live in an area/environment where you get a lot of static shocks then it's a good idea to discharge yourself regardless of the IC packaging.  All you need to do is touch something which is connected to mains ground, eg some equipment on the desk.  It's good practice to do this but in reality (unless you live in a real problem area) the only time you really need to do this is if the part is expensive or that is hard to get and took a long time to arrive (just common sense not to take any risks). I was once totally anal about static but these days I don't get worried about it unless it's necessary.  If I have a lot of CMOS parts to solder I'll discharge myself before I start.

The reference I used was the complete disrepect of static procedures for RAM and CMOS chips by my friends and colleagues .

[javacody]

Nah, after putting together my own pc's, I'm pretty much used to it. Try taking a $200 motherboard out of a sealed, anti-static bag. Then you will know real intimidation.   Or better yet, a $400 video card. One bad shock and you be left with a piece of trash.

But aren't those warning stickers they seal the anti static bags with pretty snazzy?     Good decoration for a pedal.

[J. Luja]

you can't feel a static discharge of less than 3,000 volts and some components can be damaged with discharges of 30 volts or less.
destroying a 50 cent chip is no big deal, but the time spent troubleshooting a circuit because of a semi or non-working component makes me think $5 for a grounding strap isn't alot to spend for peace of mind

-Jeremy

[M.D.]

Last week I replaced a 3000.00 onboard ADB in a caddy very static sensitive GM would have had my nuts if i fryed that thing haha but it's not so bad kinda like brake specs that they have way more tollerence then they stamp on a brake rotor kinda protects them from lawsuites lol.


Mike. :twisted:

[smoguzbenjamin]

You can touch a radiator to discharge yourself too.