4 Dec
1998
4 Dec
'98
5:12 a.m.
This is giving me fits. There's something strange with my minivan, that it
generates a *ton* of static electricity whenever I drive even a few
blocks. When I touch the metal of the door upon getting out, I get a
shock that hurts all the way up to the shoulder. The real problem, and
what makes this on topic, is that I use this vehicle to pick-up/transport
my classic beauties everywhere. I'm terrified that I'm going to pick up
that once-in-a-lifetime S-100 rescue or something and kill the guts with
one of these lightning bolts. What I do now is keep a wrist-strap and a
box of Bounce dryer sheets (don't laugh) in my jockey box. Does anyone
know what could be causing this?
Aaron C. Finney Systems Administrator WFI Incorporated
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"UNIX is an exponential algorithm with a seductively small constant."
12:28 p.m.
Athanasios Kotsenos wrote:
Probably nothing useful. They serve the purpose when inserted in a
dryer the Downey does in the washer, chemically treating fabric so as
to reduce static electricity. In a vehical, there would be little
effect.
--
Ward Griffiths <mailto:gram@cnct.com> <http://www.cnct.com/home/gram/>
WARNING: The Attorney General has determined that Alcohol, Tobacco,
and Firearms can be hazardous to your health -- and get away with it.
What I do now is keep a wrist-strap and a
box of Bounce dryer sheets (don't laugh) in my jockey box.
Sorry, but what do the Bounce sheets do?
12:49 p.m.
New subject: OT: Fabric Softeners (was On topic: Serious static problem)
On Fri, 4 Dec 1998, Ward Donald Griffiths III wrote:
Athanasios Kotsenos wrote:
Probably nothing useful. They serve the purpose when inserted in a
dryer the Downey does in the washer, chemically treating fabric so as
to reduce static electricity. In a vehical, there would be little
effect.
They do the same thing as diluted Downey from a spray bottle. When I'm
carrying static-sensitive things, I take a couple sheets out and rub down
the carpet, seats, and plastic panels with them. Actually works fairly
well (and I read somewhere that they repel mosquitos too).
What I do now is keep a wrist-strap and a
box of Bounce dryer sheets (don't laugh) in my jockey box.
Sorry, but what do the Bounce sheets do?
1:08 p.m.
New subject: OT: Fabric Softeners (was On topic: Serious static problem)
Aaron Christopher Finney wrote:
On Fri, 4 Dec 1998, Ward Donald Griffiths III wrote:
Downey solution is good enough for me -- those damned dryer sheets
cost too much and there's no guage as to when the chemical runs out.
To repel mosquitos, I prefer cigars. Since they do double duty and
repel liberals as well. (Actually, they repel liberals much better
than they repel mosquitos, since the liberals shy away from the
rumor and the mosquitos insist on checking out the actual aroma
before they avoid the site, and that's experience, not reading).
--
Ward Griffiths <mailto:gram@cnct.com> <http://www.cnct.com/home/gram/>
WARNING: The Attorney General has determined that Alcohol, Tobacco,
and Firearms can be hazardous to your health -- and get away with it.
Athanasios Kotsenos wrote:
Probably nothing useful. They serve the purpose when inserted in a
dryer the Downey does in the washer, chemically treating fabric so as
to reduce static electricity. In a vehical, there would be little
effect.
They do the same thing as diluted Downey from a spray bottle. When I'm
carrying static-sensitive things, I take a couple sheets out and rub down
the carpet, seats, and plastic panels with them. Actually works fairly
well (and I read somewhere that they repel mosquitos too). What I do now is keep a wrist-strap and a
box of Bounce dryer sheets (don't laugh) in my jockey box.
Sorry, but what do the Bounce sheets do? 
4:59 p.m.
New subject: OT: Fabric Softeners (was On topic: Serious static problem)
Ward Donald Griffiths III wrote:
They do the same thing as diluted Downey from a spray bottle. When I'm
carrying static-sensitive things, I take a couple sheets out and rub down
the carpet, seats, and plastic panels with them. Actually works fairly
well (and I read somewhere that they repel mosquitos too).
Downey solution is good enough for me -- those damned dryer sheets
cost too much and there's no guage as to when the chemical runs out.
There is another point to the Bounce (and similar brands) sheets in the
car/truck. Leave them in your vehicle in the hot summer with the windows rolled
up sometime and see how your eyes, nose and throat feel in a little bit. The
prefume in them is terrible when heated. They do a nice job though by just
rubbing a sheet lightly over the velour seats say every month or so. There are
commercial products made by reputable manufacturers such as 3M, but at the
present time I don't have access to the catalogs of places that carry these
items. I know I did buy a good antistat spray from MCM some time back but I'm
not sure if it wa safe for fabric. I did use it on the carpet alright though.
>What I do
now is keep a wrist-strap and a
>box of Bounce dryer sheets (don't laugh) in my jockey box.
Sorry, but what do the Bounce sheets do?
Probably nothing useful. They serve the purpose when inserted in a
dryer the Downey does in the washer, chemically treating fabric so as
to reduce static electricity. In a vehical, there would be little
effect. To repel mosquitos, I prefer cigars. Since they do
double duty and
repel liberals as well. (Actually, they repel liberals much better
than they repel mosquitos, since the liberals shy away from the
rumor and the mosquitos insist on checking out the actual aroma
before they avoid the site, and that's experience, not reading).
As will a good pipe filled with black cavendish. Cigarettes here went up an
average $4.50 carton so I'm back to the pipe since there was no effect on loose
tobacco and I'm not really into rolling my own. Mosquitos are best repelled by
staying indoors while drinking a good stiff beer. Liberals can be driven off by
other things as well but they are really a little iffy to discuss in this list
- too broad a spectrum of people.
3:02 p.m.
On Fri, 4 Dec 1998, Ward Donald Griffiths III wrote:
Athanasios Kotsenos wrote:
Probably nothing useful. They serve the purpose when inserted in a
dryer the Downey does in the washer, chemically treating fabric so as
to reduce static electricity. In a vehical, there would be little
effect.
Unless, of course, he were to tumble it end over end...
- don
What I do now is keep a wrist-strap and a
box of Bounce dryer sheets (don't laugh) in my jockey box.
Sorry, but what do the Bounce sheets do? --
Ward Griffiths <mailto:gram@cnct.com> <http://www.cnct.com/home/gram/>
WARNING: The Attorney General has determined that Alcohol, Tobacco,
and Firearms can be hazardous to your health -- and get away with it.
3:56 p.m.
Don Maslin wrote:
On Fri, 4 Dec 1998, Ward Donald Griffiths III wrote:
Been there, done that. Static electricity was not high on my list
of concerns at the time. Rather glad I wasn't sharing the car with
an S-100 system, now that I think on it. Though shortly before I'd
been turned down for a loan to get $12,000 worth of Cromemco gear
and assorted peripherals (early 1979).
--
Ward Griffiths <mailto:gram@cnct.com> <http://www.cnct.com/home/gram/>
WARNING: The Attorney General has determined that Alcohol, Tobacco,
and Firearms can be hazardous to your health -- and get away with it.
Athanasios Kotsenos wrote:
Probably nothing useful. They serve the purpose when inserted in a
dryer the Downey does in the washer, chemically treating fabric so as
to reduce static electricity. In a vehical, there would be little
effect.
Unless, of course, he were to tumble it end over end... What I do now is keep a wrist-strap and a
box of Bounce dryer sheets (don't laugh) in my jockey box.
Sorry, but what do the Bounce sheets do?
5:03 p.m.
Ward Donald Griffiths III wrote:
Been there, done that. Static electricity was not
high on my list
of concerns at the time. Rather glad I wasn't sharing the car with
an S-100 system, now that I think on it. Though shortly before I'd
been turned down for a loan to get $12,000 worth of Cromemco gear
and assorted peripherals (early 1979).
Back in 79 or so most vehicles still had vinyl seat covers and cloth was an
option and as someone else pointed out the newer tires/tyres have less carbon
and more insulative silicon now. I don't remember ever getting nailed when on
a vinyl cover, other than the 'roids screaming in pain on a frozen seat.
Anyone remember the Denim option for the Gremlin way back when? Boy could we
start a thread on cars that were worse junkers than some failed computers
huh?
--
Ward Griffiths <mailto:gram@cnct.com> <http://www.cnct.com/home/gram/>
WARNING: The Attorney General has determined that Alcohol, Tobacco,
and Firearms can be hazardous to your health -- and get away with it.
7:11 a.m.
On Fri, 4 Dec 1998, Aaron Christopher Finney wrote:
This is giving me fits. There's something strange
with my minivan, that it
generates a *ton* of static electricity whenever I drive even a few
blocks. When I touch the metal of the door upon getting out, I get a
shock that hurts all the way up to the shoulder. The real problem, and
what makes this on topic, is that I use this vehicle to pick-up/transport
my classic beauties everywhere. I'm terrified that I'm going to pick up
that once-in-a-lifetime S-100 rescue or something and kill the guts with
one of these lightning bolts. What I do now is keep a wrist-strap and a
box of Bounce dryer sheets (don't laugh) in my jockey box. Does anyone
know what could be causing this?
Aaron C. Finney Systems Administrator WFI Incorporated
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"UNIX is an exponential algorithm with a seductively small constant."
My guess would be the upholstery and the seat of your pants. It is
obvious that you and the vehicle are not at the same potential!
- don
8:07 a.m.
Don Maslin wrote:
On Fri, 4 Dec 1998, Aaron Christopher Finney wrote:
He needs to quit wearing his wife's underwear (just kidding). The wonderful world of
nylon upholstery has created such a wonderful place for static in a totally isolated
vehicle. This is why fuel trucks have a conductive strap on the road, or even a
piece of chain. This might not be a good idea on the minivan but a good brand of
static spray on the seats and carpets will greatly diminish the problem. Another may
is to be sure to keep the equipment away from the driver and make sure you touch
(ouch) a bare metal part of the van before touching the equipment. A length of
stainless braid wire from the body to the sliding door can also reduce the
possibilty when you slide the side door.
I wonder if leaving the wire braid exposed on your radial tires would work? Again,
just kidding....
This is giving me fits. There's something
strange with my minivan, that it
generates a *ton* of static electricity whenever I drive even a few
blocks. When I touch the metal of the door upon getting out, I get a
shock that hurts all the way up to the shoulder. The real problem, and
what makes this on topic, is that I use this vehicle to pick-up/transport
my classic beauties everywhere. I'm terrified that I'm going to pick up
that once-in-a-lifetime S-100 rescue or something and kill the guts with
one of these lightning bolts. What I do now is keep a wrist-strap and a
box of Bounce dryer sheets (don't laugh) in my jockey box. Does anyone
know what could be causing this?
Aaron C. Finney Systems Administrator WFI Incorporated
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"UNIX is an exponential algorithm with a seductively small constant."
My guess would be the upholstery and the seat of your pants. It is
obvious that you and the vehicle are not at the same potential!
- don 
10:13 a.m.
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12:45 p.m.
On Sat, 5 Dec 1998, Tony Duell wrote:
What else are you touching at the time. In particular
are your feet in
the van or on the ground.
On the ground. The inside panel of the door is all plastic, and it's not
until I touch the side of the door to close it that I get shocked.
If your feet are on the ground, then the most likely
thing is that the
vehicle is charging up, due to friction in the tyres. You used to be able
to get grounding straps that you dangle from the underside as a quack
cure for care sickness. But they actually do solve this problem
If you're still in the vehicle, then most likely you're charging up due
to friction between you and the seat.
Well, I can't help but dance when I'm wearing silk bikinis and
listening to the Spice Girls...
Seriously though, I never get a shock while still inside, so I'm assuming
it's the tires/dry climate combination.
I dug my JC Whitney catalog out of the recycle bin and will order a couple
of those ugly-ass straps tomorrow...
Thanks for all the help, everyone!
Aaron
10:13 a.m.
On Fri, 4 Dec 1998, Aaron Christopher Finney wrote:
This is giving me fits. There's something strange
with my minivan, that it
generates a *ton* of static electricity whenever I drive even a few
[...]
Does anyone know what could be causing this?
Silicon based rubber in the tires. New vehicles have less carbon in the
rubber and thus the tires are more insulative. This was done in the
interest of reducing rolling friction and increasing fuel economy. What
you should do is get one of those automotive grounding straps from an auto
supply store, and this should do the trick. you've probably seen cars
around that have that black thing hanging from the rear bumper.. that's
what it is.
I learned this on Car Talk, on NPR. Those two guys are a riot.
ok
r.
11:50 a.m.
Yeah, try the J. C. Whitney catalog (Chicago Il, US. I believe), if your
local auto parts
supply store doesn't have these "static ground straps". My wife used to
have two of them
on her car, as the static would make her clothes "cling".. Plus they're
a lot quieter than
dragging a chain, although less attention attracting.
"R. Stricklin (kjaeros)" wrote:
On Fri, 4 Dec 1998, Aaron Christopher Finney wrote:
I agree! Heard on WBUR 91.9, Boston.. Their web site is a subset of
www.cars.com...
They have several different forums on the site!
Will
This is giving me fits. There's something
strange with my minivan, that it
generates a *ton* of static electricity whenever I drive even a few
[...]
Does anyone know what could be causing this?
Silicon based rubber in the tires. New vehicles have less carbon in the
rubber and thus the tires are more insulative. This was done in the
interest of reducing rolling friction and increasing fuel economy. What
you should do is get one of those automotive grounding straps from an auto
supply store, and this should do the trick. you've probably seen cars
around that have that black thing hanging from the rear bumper.. that's
what it is.
I learned this on Car Talk, on NPR. Those two guys are a riot.
ok
r.
11:58 a.m.
New subject: IBM 5161
I haven't seen one of these in a *long* time. They were rare even back
when the PC was king. Somebody closer to VA should go for it:
<<
AJ <y2k_computer(a)hotmail.com>
VA USA - Friday, December 04, 1998 at 20:02:35
I have a IBM Personal Computer Expansion Unit (5161) that has a working
power supply & a reciver card, I do NOT have any cabels for this unit. 7
slots are available 4 slots are missing covers. The unit is USED, but
working. I Don't have the room to keep it around, so I need to get rid of
it. First to make a good offer + Shipping gets it. I come across ORIGINAL
IBM PC's, XT's, & AT's plus other "old" systems regularly (Most
under
$5.xx), If you want me to keep an eye out for the system(s) or part(s) you
want/need drop me a note.
AJ
>
12:30 p.m.
New subject: IBM 5161
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7 Dec
7 Dec
1:10 a.m.
New subject: IBM 5161
I haven't seen one of these in a *long* time.
They were rare even back
when the PC was king. Somebody closer to VA should go for it:
Yup, they were rare because the cable is a bear. It constantly came apart
at the connector. I have one, including the black felt covered foam pad
so it can sit on top of (or under) the pc without rattling too much.
4 Dec
4 Dec
5:10 p.m.
Will Emerson wrote:
Yeah, try the J. C. Whitney catalog (Chicago Il, US. I
believe), if your
local auto parts
J.C. Whitney outside Chicago and I still believe Warshawski & Sons in Chicago, on
the corner of Archer Ave and State Street. Any mail you get from them is now
marked "W & Co." probably to cover both DBAs. Pep Boys and AutoZone, both
chain
auto parts stores, should have something but I'm guessing the best quality strap
would come from a fleet truck parts place where they have to fit DOT quality
straps to trucks that carry hazardous materials. If yoy can't locate one, call a
nearby trucking outfit and talk to their shop foreman about where you can get one.
If they lease then they will have their own mechanic for the company they lease
from, such as Ryder. Our trucks at work carry groceries and they still are
outfitted with the drag straps by Ryder, especially the refrigerated units.
9512
days inactive
9515
days old
19 comments
10 participants
participants (10)
-
a.kotsenos＠rca.ac.uk -
A_Finney＠wfi-inc.com -
ard＠p850ug1.demon.co.uk -
bill＠chipware.com -
donm＠cts.com -
gram＠cnct.com -
red＠bears.org -
rhblake＠bigfoot.com -
wpe101＠banet.net -
yowza＠yowza.com