Electrostatic precautions!!
 

Hi All,

Just got my Megasquirt and planning to start building it soon.

This is the first time I've ever handled IC's and I'm nervous about the chances of electrostatic damage to them. In my kit these parts are packaged in protective plastic bags etc...

I see all sorts of bits and pieces available to try and stop this kind of damage happening (earthing wrist straps etc...) but wondered if they are really necessary?

Did you use anything like this?

Do I need to?

You're advice will be most appreciated.

If you are the type to be paranoid about stuff like that it is probably worth the peace of mind they will afford. On the other hand, i wasnt terribly careful and it came out alright.

Only the pieces in pink baggies are electrostatic sensitive. I always just touch some baremetal to discharge any shock i might have built up. Just dont drag your feet around the house a bunch and then go work on MS.

I was wondering about this too. I'm finally going to build mine this weekend.

I have only fried two ICs in my lifetime with static... I've handled a few thousand I'd guess. They really aren't as sensitive as they are claimed to be.