Return-Path: Received: from [161.88.255.139] (account marv@lancaironline.net) by logan.com (CommuniGate Pro WebUser 4.2.1) with HTTP id 410613 for lml@lancaironline.net; Tue, 14 Sep 2004 13:59:09 -0400 From: "Marvin Kaye" Subject: Re: P-static blew my VM1000, autopilot and trim indicator today To: lml X-Mailer: CommuniGate Pro WebUser Interface v.4.2.1 Date: Tue, 14 Sep 2004 13:59:09 -0400 Message-ID: In-Reply-To: References: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="windows-1252"; format="flowed" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Posted for "Lorn H. Olsen" : Lorn, Sorry for the delay. I keep forgetting about your e-mail. From what I can remember 12 years ago: - I am pretty sure that I twisted all power/gnd cables to all the avionic instrumentation. You can verify that by looking at the power distribution behind the panel. I keep trying to remember to look at the build photo album and see. Twisting wire pairs reduces RF emissions and RF susceptibility, but it probably helps reduce static problems also. - An important component of Static damage could be how equipment chassis are grounded. I am pretty sure I grounded all chassis in addition to the Power ground feeds in the harness connectors. I tried to follow all best practices that I was familiar with. Just prior to building the plane I had been working at Delco Electronics working on Automotive electronic controllers. Of course, the automotive industry has VERY stringent standards and practices in place to harden their electronics. I forget some details of those practices now...but they have to withstand a hell of a lot of situations. In summary though.... Static damage protection along with Lightening damage prevention is VERY elusive art. Hope this helps. ------------------------------------------------------------ Doug Stoyer VP-Engineering SmartMicro intl dstoyer@smartmicro.com