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Arcade Collecting => Miscellaneous Arcade Talk => Topic started by: aPr0mpt on August 04, 2009, 11:33:12 pm

Title: Where Can I get Anti static Bags? and shipping question
Post by: aPr0mpt on August 04, 2009, 11:33:12 pm
I've been looking for anti static bags to keep my boards in for shipping but cant find them... can anyone help? Ideally i would like to just go to a store and buy them but i cant find them anywhere.

Also, whats the best way to pack a board for shipping if i dont find these bags (or even if I do).
Title: Re: Where Can I get Anti static Bags? and shipping question
Post by: RayB on August 05, 2009, 12:07:34 am
You don't really need it for old arcade boards. The components are big enough the odds of static actually building up and damaging anything are pretty much nil. It's more modern boards with the tiny surface mount low-voltage parts that are more fragile in that respect.

I've ordered boards that came wrapped in bubble-wrap and in a big box with squished up newspaper filling the gaps. So long as the board is protected and won't bounce around much, it'll be ok.

Title: Re: Where Can I get Anti static Bags? and shipping question
Post by: aPr0mpt on August 05, 2009, 01:39:23 am
well its a newer"ish" game... mk1... i mean its old but still a jamma. you think its still ok to not use a bag?
Title: Re: Where Can I get Anti static Bags? and shipping question
Post by: Dr Zero on August 05, 2009, 09:47:37 am
I've been looking for anti static bags to keep my boards in for shipping but cant find them... can anyone help? Ideally i would like to just go to a store and buy them but i cant find them anywhere.

Also, whats the best way to pack a board for shipping if i dont find these bags (or even if I do).

Here are some
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=anti+static+bags&safe=active&cid=12618158291917305617&sa=title#p (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=anti+static+bags&safe=active&cid=12618158291917305617&sa=title#p)
Title: Re: Where Can I get Anti static Bags? and shipping question
Post by: MonMotha on August 05, 2009, 09:17:02 pm
All CMOS devices are potentially ESD sensitive.  The size of the package has little to do with just how much so, but semiconductor geometry (feature size) does, which tends to mean that newer parts, which do tend to be in smaller packages, are often a bit more sensitive.  Even stuff from the late 80s and early 90s often has quite a few CMOS components which can be sensitive to ESD.  Purely TTL boards tend to not be overly ESD sensitive, and you likely don't have to worry.

Do not wrap a board in aluminum foil if it has a battery.  You'll potentially short out the battery, which could cause it to leak or even explode!  ESD bags are just slightly conductive: enough to dissipate and divert static charge, but not enough to short out powered components.

ESD bags can be bought from most electronics suppliers, but the big names will tend to overcharge you.  You'll need a pretty big one for your average JAMMA board, which may be a little harder to find.