geekhack
geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: rpeterclark on Fri, 31 July 2015, 12:25:52
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When working on a keyboard PCB I have typically used ESD protective mats, ESD safe tools (tweezers, solder sucker) and generally try to minimize the chance of ESD because I don't want to fry or add to the cumulation of static electricity on a difficult to replace \PCB. But then I see a video of someone building a rare/pricey keyboard on their computer desk with apparently no concern...
I'm not looking for NASA-grade ESD prevention, but I also don't want to go overboard if it's not a big concern.
What are reasonable steps to take to prevent ESD when assembling?
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I've never really been concerned about ESD when building boards. But when I build boards I usually also assemble the PCB myself so I have replacements if something were to break.
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It is good to observe common ESD-safe practices as you say you already do. That should be enough. I have built computers wearing non-plastic clothes with a concrete floor and zero ESD protection and gotten away with it. One of the guys in one of my previous (electronics repair) shops where I worked would jokingly say "ESD is a myth!" when someone started making a fuss about the ESD mats having a sheet of paper on them or some similarly overly-anal thing.
You're doing fine. You don't have to go nuts. But if you work over carpet, in plastic shoes, plastic socks, and plastic clothes, on a dry winter day . . . have a spare controller handy for when your keyboard dies!
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Great, I appreciate the feedback! :)