Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom Bottiglieri
The FRP is non conducting, so there is no path from the robot to the ground while it is driving around.
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Perhaps, but as writchie notes, a grounding tail will allow static to discharge readily. We used some finely-stranded #10 wire, about 3 inches long, one end into a ring terminal and the other end fanned out into a good imitation of a paintbrush.
This was purely precautionary, as we have not experienced any issues where we might suspect ESD or static.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wayne C.
We wear Static Guard like cologne.
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Ah, that explains that
Folks should also note that just the spark of an ESD event is not the only chance for damage - the spark creates an electromagnetic field which can cause damaging voltages to be induced into near-by conductors. So it's not enough to control when & where it sparks; you need to control the sparks themselves. Team 25, with their anti-static wrist straps and mats, are on the right track, This isn't rocket science people.
Quote:
Originally Posted by David Brinza
One of the tricky issues with ESD is that it can cause "latent" damage. A piece of equipment might continue to work after a "zap", but in reality some internal damage may have occurred. The next zap - even a tiny one, can cause a permanent failure.
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Such latently damaged items are also called "walking wounded" and are especially problematic - the wound may also cause unintended operations, but it will be so intermittent it becomes difficult to find. And, in a high-reliability application (such as a spacecraft) it is a disaster.
I will ask our coach to ask Q&A to 'approve' a 1 MOhm resistor between components (frame, power, and cRio) for ESD bleed.
Don