[comp.sys.misc] Static Problem

P82041%BARILAN.BITNET@berkeley.edu (02/03/87)

     I have a unique problem, and if anyone has heard of this or a
similar problem, I would appreciate hearing about it.  If someone has a
solution - even better!

     In one of our offices, we have a PC connected to a Canon LPB-8
laser printer.  The secretaries work almost exclusively on word
processing.  At totally random intervals,  the system "misses" a line.
It leaves no blank line.  The document in the word processor is OK - the
problem is not there.  What's more - if I ask the W.P. to print me, say,
10 copies of the same document what happens is this: 8 of the copies
come out perfect, one copy is missing a line somewhere towards the top,
and another somewhere else entirely.  The problem is absolutely random.

     We have changed PC's, the printer, and the W.P. diskette - all to
no avail.  We have 4 more identical systems in the university, none of
whom report such problems.

     The one possibility that I seriously entertain is the fact that
this one particular office is carpeted.  In this part of the world,
carpetted offices are still somewhat of a rarity,  and very few computer
personell here are aware of the shocking effects of static electricity.
On the other hand, I'm sure that in the U.S. there are standard
procedures for such situations.  I am asking as follows:

     1) What are the standard anti-static procedures and equipment
        used in carpetted computerized offices today?

     2) The above not withstanding,  has anyone heard of the problem of
        line skipping that I mentioned?  Has anyone a solution to the
        problem?


                                 Gershon Kunin

kaufman@Shasta.UUCP (02/03/87)

In article <4202@brl-adm.ARPA> P82041%BARILAN.BITNET@berkeley.edu (Gershon Kunin) writes:

>     1) What are the standard anti-static procedures and equipment
>        used in carpetted computerized offices today?

Well, one could get grounded mats, etc., but for simple problems there
are simple solutions:  Make up a weak soap-water solution (use a liquid
soap, such as Joy) and spray it on the rug (with a Windex or 409 type
sprayer).  This works more often than not.