Installing Integrated Circuits

[harrys]

I bought a line tracking mouse from Dick Smith, but am unsure how it can be installed without being ruined. Do you have to be touching something metal while installing the IC into the IC socket?
Thanks

 

[ericgibbs]

hi harry,

Its good practice, when handling 'electro-sensitive semiconductor' devices to wear a 'wrist strap'.

You can buy them from a hobby/components shop.

All they really do is 'ground' you via a high value resistor. [ 100k to 1Mhm: ]

You can make your own strap, search the web for details.

Look here: https://terrauniversal.com/products/ionizing/conductwristrap.php

Touching something metal is not a good idea, if the 'metal' is not grounded, you could pick an electro-static charge,
from say, a metal cabinet.