My basement layout is nicely carpeted and don't intend to rip it up. Anyone have any solutions to reduce or eliminate the static? I touched the LCD screen on one of my throttles with my finger and zapped it to an illegible state.
You can use an anti-static spray on Your carpeting....that usually works:
http://www.amazon.com/AntiStatic-Liquid-32-ACL-Staticide/dp/B002WWNLVO
Take Care!
Frank
Check the humidity in the room. It may be desert like and need a humidifier.
Bob
Don't Ever Give Up
I'll agree with Bob. I doubt you'll have a problem if you keep your humidity between 40% and 60%. And it should make your benchwork happier.
Ed
Here in the desert sometimes when the wind blows it is so dry and static is so high you can get shocked when you touch anything conductive, even water running in the sink, or the metal corner of a wall even though it is covered with paint and joint compound.
The metal screws on light switch covers are grounded. I touch those often to get the static off of my body and clothes. I try to do it before I touch anything electronic. I also had to cover the screws on my walk around throttle with tape so they wouldn’t be conductive.
J………….
I do something similar. Whenever I walk around the layout or before I adjust the stereo receiver or iPod I touch one of the metal lally columns. Works very well to discharge me.
Touching a wet dog nose also works well.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
In my layout area I have rubber foam type mats that go together like a jigsaw puzzle and walking on them generates a lot of static electricity. I've found that spraying the surface of the mats with anti-static clothes spray kills the static for a good while and the room smells pleasant too.
Joe
Humidifier. Dry air create more static electricity issues.
Dry air also causes just as many issues as too moist air, too little moisture creates issues, in addition to increasing static, as too dry or too moist air will cause warping of materials. (This includes bench work, wood buildings, and other issues.) This can lead to other not so welcome concerns.
Add humidity during winter, remove it during summer, in most places.
It also helps with breathing issues caused by things like asthma, as too humid or too dry will cause more frequent flare-ups. (Another reason for me to control humidity in my home, but admittedly a non-issue for many people.)
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.