Andy Kunz wrote: > > >Is it *necessary* to use a ground strap when > > >experimenting with pic chips? > > > > No, in fact we often plug them into a powered-up circuit without a problem. > > > > > "Your mileage may vary." Anybody who has implemented a good ESD procedure knows that your return rate on electronic products will decrease due to komponent failures. You will not miss all the strange faults that crop up due to weird components. Most problems of ESD problems will be detected by customers after several month of use. So your comment "Your milage may wary" is very correct. Roberth Lundin