In a message dated 98-05-04 13:35:21 EDT, you write:

> Has anybody else had this problem?

I think some have, but not as you have described it.  The 3 KV value indicates
that static cling is your problem, since you can't feel anything tacky.

>  Did the supplier use bad plastic?

Depends.  I don't think the plastic is bad, but there is a difference between
blue plastic and blue anti-static plastic.  Sometimes the ahhh "ethically
challenged" vendors sell one as another - hey plastic is plastic.

>  Is the reel of parts finished?

If you mean are they DOA, maybe.  Better treat them as suspect till you solve
the problem.  If you mean, is there a topical antistatic agent on the reels,
the answer is probably.  Many reel vendors add a topical antistatic agent to
make the surface conductive.  Keep in mind this material can transfer to the
components.  The topical antistats are designed to be conductive and to
attract moisture.  This can get on your parts.  This can also degrade your
parts, so have some caution.

>  Can I dissipate this charge, or will it build up again when the reel is
back on the machine?

This will probably be an on-going problem.  You might consider a self-leveling
air ionizer to blow in this area.  A self-leveling ionizer can put out both
positive and negative ions, depending on the field it senses.  Many
manufacturers have them.

>  Do vendors ever answer their phones?

If they sense a sale, yes.  If they have to atone for sins or answer real
questions, forget it.

Doug Pauls
CSL

################################################################
TechNet E-Mail Forum provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8c
################################################################
To subscribe/unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the body:
To subscribe:   SUBSCRIBE TechNet <your full name>
To unsubscribe:   SIGNOFF TechNet 
################################################################
Please visit IPC web site (http://jefry.ipc.org/forum.htm) for additional information.
For the technical support contact Dmitriy Sklyar at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.311
################################################################