Elecraft KX1 Manual - Manual (Page 8)

E
LECRAFT 7
Unpacking and Inventory
Preventing Electro-Static Discharge Damage
Problems caused by Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) may be very
difficult to troubleshoot because damaged components may still
operate somewhat rather than fail completely. We strongly recommend
you take the following anti-static precautions (listed in order of
importance) to avoid trouble:
 Leave ESD-sensitive parts in their anti-static packaging until
you install them. The packaging may be a special plastic bag
or the component’s leads may be inserted in conductive foam.
Parts which are especially ESD-sensitive are identified in the
parts list and in the assembly procedures.
 Wear a conductive wrist strap with a series 1 megohm
resistor. If you do not have a wrist strap, touch a ground
briefly before touching any sensitive parts to discharge your
body. Do this frequently while you are working. You can
collect a destructive static charge on your body just sitting at
the work bench. DO NOT attach a ground directly to
yourself as this poses a serious shock hazard.
 Make sure your soldering iron is ESD-safe and has a
grounded tip
 Use a grounded anti-static mat on your work bench.
Inventory
We recommend that you do a complete inventory, using the parts lists
in Appendix A.
i
DO NOT HANDLE PARTS OR CIRCUIT BOARDS
WITHOUT ANTI-STATIC PROTECTION (see Preventing
Electro-Static Discharge Damage above). Do not remove the black
foam from the leads of any parts. This foam is further protection
against static damage.
Many components are inside small envelopes and bags. Open them
one at a time, and return all of the parts to the envelope before opening
another. Be careful to avoid mixing parts and putting them in the
wrong bags or envelopes.