Echo PLEX LOL! Re: [sdiy] plexiglass panels for modular?

[Tim Ressel]

The artist formerly known as HP EMI Engineer will
answer:  YA!

In fact, I'll do ya one better: the plexi itself will
produce big charges. Just grab a knob and rub your
fingertips against the plexi while turining. 

Here's my fav ESD story: In Alaska the DOD had this
big mainframe that would randomly reset about twice a
week. An ESD expert was dispatched. After much
butt-scratching the problem was traced to the
operator's chair. Turns out that foam rubber, when
expandind, creates much ESD. So everytime the operator
stood up enormous charges would build up. An ESD-safe
replacement chair fixed it.

Special note: ESD does not need a direct discharge to
take out a piece of gear. Sometimes (as in the above
case) discharges can create RFI (remember early
radio?) which can travel a short distance and affect
equipment.

--TR


--- epeasant at telusplanet.net wrote:
> >> on 4/15/02 12:48 PM, Ordeish at aol.com at
> Ordeish at aol.com wrote:
> >> 
> >>> Does anyone know of any reason that I could not
> use Plexiglass for panels
> 
> >>> instead of aluminum? Ive seen pics ofthings like
> the Buchla musiceasal that
> 
> >>> was made out of plexi. Is it ok?
> >>> 
> Wouldn't plexiglass or plastic panels be bad for
> shielding and/or static discharge
> issues? Up here in the Great White North we
> routinely experience extremely low
> levels of humidity (<10%) in the winter time and
> static electricity becomes
> a huge problem. Just brushing a shirt sleeve against
> the right kind of plastic
> can generate very high voltages, not to mention a
> walk across the carpet. Has
> anybody experienced static discharge problems like
> this with clear plastic enclosures?
> 
> 
> Take care,
> Doug
> 
> ______________________
> The Electronic Peasant
> 
> www.electronicpeasant.com


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