Where to get a few very basic gear for Electronic workspace -Canada/Internationa - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: RHA_33
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 11, 2016, 02:23:38 am
content: Though I'm just starting to get electronic equipment for home use, I have spent a fair bit of time looking up places to get 2' x 4' rubber ESD Mats, Static Shielding Bags (reclosable/bubble bags), and a simple ESD safe PCB sweeper tool, but I am finding it hard to find these items in Canada.So I am hoping for some help in finding good places [in Canada or online, that ship to Canada] to purchase 'Brand Name' versions of these items.Here is what I have found in Canada:1) 2' x 4' Rubber ESD Mat:-http://www.mroelectronics.com/mro/product.php?id_product=98but not sure if it has an AC ground connection. Plus it is very expensive, but a specs. datasheet is provided.-http://www.uline.ca/BL_7403/Anti-Static-Table-Mats?keywords=esd%20matbut they give no specs.-http://www.rpelectronics.com/esd-mat-antistatic-mat-60x120cm-black.htmlbut no specs given and doesn't look to have an AC ground connection.2) Static Shielding Reclosable Bubble Bags (to keep my various PCB boards / PC cards safe for reuse):-http://www.uline.ca/BL_53/Static-Shielding-Bubble-Bagsbut they are only single use bags and provide no variety pack, so you have to purchase multiple packs, of 100 units each, to get the various sizes you need, at ~$100 per pack. So too expensive.- no other source found in Canada or online for international shipping3) ESD safe sweeping tools (to clean off debris on esd mats and PCBs):-http://www.all-spec.com/products/610-108.html- can any horse-hair brush be used as an ESD safe brush? This links says the brush needs to be 'saturated in liquid' to be ESD safe, though they don't mention what liquid. Don't think water would be the best.Thanks,Rob.

author: ade
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 11, 2016, 09:15:51 pm
content: Maybe somewhere like DigiKey and similar outlets?http://www.digikey.ca/product-search/en/static-control-esd-clean-room-products

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2016, 04:59:03 am
content: ESD control is a good idea, but you don't need to go overboard. Check at computer places like Newegg, there you can find static dissipative mats for working on PCs. They won't be super durable soldering iron proof, but they'll do the job for $20 US or so. A grounded tip soldering iron is needed also. Generally parts will be shipped in antistatic packaging if they need it, just store them in the bags they come in until needed.

author: pmbrunelle
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2016, 05:12:01 am
content: What city do you live in?There is Accessotronik in Montreal which has a lot of stuff:http://www.accessotronik.com/Don't worry about ESD so much... you're not doing production.

author: RHA_33
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 18, 2016, 09:15:43 pm
content: Thanks for the feedback.I'll check out the links provided.I worry about ESD because I have fried a few computer components before by handling them, and because I want to lay my old graphics card down on a surface to visually inspect it for shorts, blown caps, etc, without worring about doing more damage to it.I'll post what I end up buying, and where.Cheers.

author: PoV
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 19, 2016, 03:16:15 am
content: I grabbed a cheap matt off AliExpress for around $12 USD. Chinese New Year just ended, so I might actually see it next month.

author: Adam60
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2016, 01:38:08 pm
content: If you live in Ontario, check out a place called Sayal. They have several locations and carry a ton of stuff. Use Digikey or Newark Element 14. They can ship overnight for very cheap rates.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2016, 04:15:59 am
content: There's a vendor on eBay based out of Canada that specializes in 2 & 3 layer ESD mats, bags, and other such products (canvu0_0). The mat material he sells is from Scientific Americas, and according to a PM I received, is made in Canada. He offers all kinds of sizes (will also do custom sizes if you PM him), different colors, and even different surface finishes (smooth & textured).FWIW, I bought a 2 layer mat from him a few years ago, and it's been an excellent performer.I'd buy from him again at regular street prices, as he's cheaper than any place else I've seen (only time I managed a better deal on a mat, was on a clearance item from All-Spec).As per what you need for ESD safety, a mat and wrist strap will do, so there's no need to go nutz.