>Hi All.
>
>Is it *necessary* to use a ground strap when
>experimenting with pic chips?
>
>TIA,
>Ray

Well, *necessary* probably isn't the right term. Are you launching a space
probe or just mucking about with PICs on the workbench? There's a spectrum
of tolerable risk. All in all, PICs are pretty rugged, at least as
idiot-proof as most of the other chips you might be using. But they're not
indestructible. If you shuffle across the rug and pick up your circuit
board, all bets are off.

A wrist strap, properly used, can help a lot. The best defense is
understanding how ESD is generated and controlled.

Reg Neale