Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!att!pacbell.com!ames!haven!boingo.med.jhu.edu!aplcen!levene
From: levene@aplcen.apl.jhu.edu
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: Re: Static and crashing PC's
Summary: This is a summary
Message-ID: <1991Feb6.144608.16210@aplcen.apl.jhu.edu>
Date: 6 Feb 91 14:46:08 GMT
References: <9102041615.AA04354@aplpy.jhuapl.edu> <4547@ash17.UUCP>
Reply-To: levene@aplcomm.jhuapl.edu (Robert A. Levene)
Distribution: usa
Organization: Johns Hopkins University
Lines: 38

I wrote:

>> [Due to a nearby spark between my chair and the legs of the table on
>>  which the TI Pro is placed,] 
>> My '83 TI Professional Computer (an MS-DOS machine) immediately crashes, as
>> indicated by the immediate blanking of the screen.  A Vulcan-neck-pinch

In article <4547@ash17.UUCP> dunne@motcid.UUCP (Jim E. Dunne) responds:

>  There's the problem!  You're using a TIPC (pronounced Tipsy).  Miserable
>  wretch of a machine, even a DOS machine at that.
[deleted]

Yeah, and while you're at it, how 'bout making fun of the
1973 Dodge Dart V-8 which I used to drive a few years ago. ;-)

There have been about 4 or 5 replies, and the general consensus is
that lots of strange things could be causing the crash to occur, so
it's better to take steps to reduce static electricity, as in:

  Patient: "Doc, it hurts when I move like this." 
  Doc:     "Well, then don't move like that!"

The most common solution recommended was to connect a small touch
plate to ground and place the plate near the keyboard to enable quick
discharging before touching magnetic media.  I also made a similar
set-up for my chair, so that it discharges to ground before it can
touch the table leg.

Thanks for your responses,

Rob

-- 
Robert A. Levene     Internet: levene@aplcomm.jhuapl.edu   Bitnet: RXL1@APLVM
               
Disclaimer: I speak neither for my race, my culture, my country, my religion,
            my political party, nor my employer, but for me alone.