In response to the post on the front page about a user frying their pcb from ESD…

I noticed this during building. I didn’t use the sheet because I don’t like PE foam. However I wonder if this is causing some of the ESD problems people are having. This thing carries a ton of static in my 50% humidity house.

Not sure if the Windex or dryer sheet method works on PE foam but maybe it could help

Perhaps. I don’t really use PE sheets or foam so I don’t bother. But for those that do, that could be a good solution.

Always ground yourself before handling a PCB, and of you picked up the sheet first, while you are grounded, then all static will be discharged to earth via you. This is just accepted good practice when working on any electronic equipment that contains sensitive semi conductors.

Having said that, the guy in the "other post" killed his when it was fully built, so all bets are off.

Not to worry, this is one of my spare pcbs and just wanted to show this for the sake of others/science. I tested the board afterward and it still works. This sheet has a ton of static the minute you pull it out of the sleeve in the box. I’m just curious that this might be why people are zapping the board.

That and a lot of homes built prior to 1974 in America don’t have grounded outlets. So essentially your PC and all it’s related peripherals are not grounded unless the home had electrical wiring updated.

My home is new construction with grounded outlets and I live in a humid climate. I can’t remember the last time I felt a static shock..

>I’m just curious that this might be why people are zapping the board.

Unlikely, as if it was caused by this it would be dead upon building it. The guy who posted yesterday zapped a fully built, working board that was in daily use.

Also, there's only been one post of a zapped Space, so it may not be widespread. (shrug)

I’m no scientist and have no evidence to say otherwise. Could all just be a fluke. I just find the topic fascinating :)

The OP (of the other thread) described getting a static shock off his case, and the board instantly died, so it was definitely ESD that killed it. If you mean was it just some weird fluke event that was a combination of rare, unlikely circumstances that would be difficult to repeat? Sure.... no reason why not, but it does show that the board is not as well hardened against ESD as it could be.

What if I don't have any ground wires nearby?

Do you have a central heating radiator that has any unpainted parts visible? While it may not necessarily be grounded, that sheer mass of the central heating system would present a low resistance destination for any residual static you may be carrying.

Also... your computer would be grounded, so touch any metal parts of the computer case. Unless it's painted with something insulating, it would do a similar job. One of the chassis screws on your PSU would be a good choice.

Good call! Never thought of that.

You're welcome.

this must be the route cause of the ESD breaking these things

this might be being shown because apparerntly some space65's are being broken from ESD

I don't think this is the cause of the ESD issue. While interesting, the PE sheet has to touch the PCB no matter what. Once the ESD is discharged, the sheet should remain discharged, no?

I disagree. There’s actually been a LOT of complaints about ESD ever since the PE foam mod took off. It was an accepted risk of the mod but now that it comes stock with some boards I suppose more people are having the issue.

Interesting, I guess ill avoid using this sheet when building mine then,