Static discharge

[lukedodd]

I was handling my Ion-X after a flight today and received a mild shock when my metal watch band touched the landing skid. I have not had this happen before. Anyone experienced this?

I am pretty sure there would not be an earth leak from the ESC through the frame. Although via the motor case one would assume the frame is grounded. One would think the nylon U/C would isolate the aluminium skids anyway.

Anyone any comment?? Is it worth grounding the ESC heatshink to the frame?

It didn't seem a day particularly conducive to static discharges, ie I didn't get zapped opening the car door etc.

[TomC]

Luke,

It's probably all that hot 12s juice you're feeding it! I cannot really think what might cause this. Maybe check your bearings to see if you have a notchy one somewhere, esp the one(s) that support the tail torque tub in the carbon boom. Guess it would not hurt grounding your esc heatsink. Shocking!

Cheers,

Tom C

[Aussieheliguy]

Wow thats freaky, I work in the telecommunications industry and contact 50 volts DC every day. The only time I ever get a shock is if I contact the ring voltage which is 75 volts AC. There is some equipment that runs at 100+ volts to line and you do get a small sensation, ouch, when you touch that. Bring on the 20S speedies..You might want to be careful you don't toasted your speedy or other electronics with the static discharge. Was it a hot dry day in BrisVegas, would you like some rain guys cause we got plenty up here.... :roll:

Bernie

[gordohigh]

Static discharge, just like when you touch a doorknob. Even though the doorknob is isolated, you are standing on the ground. Same as with your metal skids.

I guess static can build up by just flyin thru the air due to friction, but that is just a guess.

I bet it scared the heck outa you for a second...lol... :shock:

[ChrisS]

Static buildup is just that, a buildup of electrons on the surface of an object. It occures whenever two dissimilar objects are rubbed together, like your rotor blades and the air. Normally moisture in the air and on everything else provides a path for the electrons to migrate away. However, on cold and/or very dry days when there is no moisture, you will get buildups. These buildups will always try to migrate into other areas of less potential, like your hand or radio gear. Be conscious of this and try to touch mechanical things before you touch electrical things to avoid damaging your equipment.

In a past life, I worked in the hearing health industry. We produced very high density hybrid microcircuits...very sensitive to ESD. It was a great learning experience on the proper methods for dealing with ESD.

Chris

[pa18150]

The Static buildup is normal on large Helicopters Ch-54 Skycrane has so much Static buildup that just before ground
personnal Hook a sling load two the Hook they must discharge the Static Ele and they use a Groundung rod. I have Been told that the discharge can throw a Arch 18 to 20 " long in the winter, as Chris said when cold mostly dry condition are