Anti static antenna

[sileung]

I've been getting a lot of static when exiting the car which leads to a very painful shock when closing the door. I've tried several of the suggestions recommended before such as wearing different shoes, touching a metal object before exiting the car etc. and none of them seem to work.

I'm currently looking at some anti static antenna's that I can stick on the roof, but am reluctant to purchase one because I don't like the look of an extra antenna on the car. Also, I am not sure how well they work.

If I was to purchase one I'd like to put it slightly behind the radio antenna. Does anyone know if that will interfere with the radio and more importantly how well these anti static antenna's work.

Thanks

[RO-G]

Try the anti-static strap which is installed under the body.http://www.mizter.com/

[Elton Noway]

Try the anti-static strap which is installed under the body.http://www.mizter.com/

Yep! I was going to suggest the same thing. I had a Toyota that was notorius for giant static shocks. Anti static straps did the trick... although I mounted mine a little further under the car by the rear axle so it didn't look as dorky. (like a tail hanging off the back of the car)

Plenty to pick from via eBay Canada:

http://motors.shop.ebay.ca/ite...sopZ3

[philipa_240sx]

I have tried a few of these. I gave up because they always seemed to fall off or wear out too quickly.

[sileung]

Does anyone have experience with the antenna's and how well they work compared with the grounding strip?

[takeshi]

Maybe I'm missing something but I don't understand how an antenna is going to help. You need to discharge the built up static electricity by giving it a path to ground. An antenna won't do that. I'm guessing you're confusing "static electricity" with "static" (i.e. noise on your radio).

Have you tried actually holding on to a metal part of the door while stepping out? If you're already touching a metal piece when you touch ground it can't zap you. You get zapped when you're grounded and your body gets close to metal on the car.

[sileung]

I know it doesn't make sense physics wise since the antenna won't ground any of the electricity which is what's need to discharge the excess build up.

However, I've been searching on the web and there are antenna's which you can stick to the exterior of the car. Supposedly, the antenna will hold any of the electric static that's generated while driving which will prevent you from getting a static shock when exiting the car.

If you google 'anti static antenna' you will be able to see a picture of what I am referring to.

[RO-G]

As far as I know, anti-static antennas are for elminating static noise not static charge.

[sileung]

So I guess my only option is to get a grounding strip which will eliminate any static charge.

Would it work if I rubbed my hand on an aluminum can (let's say a can of pop) before exiting the car? Or does it have to be a highly conductive metal?

[philipa_240sx]

Would it work if I rubbed my hand on an aluminum can (let's say a can of pop) before exiting the car? Or does it have to be a highly conductive metal

Um, no.

[Elton Noway]

Would it work if I rubbed my hand on an aluminum can (let's say a can of pop) before exiting the car? Or does it have to be a highly conductive metal?

Both iron and aluminum will conduct electricity. However it wouldn't work because its your vehicle that has built up the static charge and not the aluminum pop can. Your best bet would be to grab the chrome portion of the gear shift lever just below the knob in the hopes of grounding yourself (prior to exiting the vehicle.)

[sileung]

Thank you Elton, I will give that a try.

[sileung]

UPDATE

I just put on the anti static antenna today and I think it really works. Prior to installing it, I would constantly get a static shock when exiting the car but after putting it on, I didn't have any problems.

Though it doesn't make sense in terms of physics since there is nothing to ground the static charge, this little device seems to work wonders.

[takeshi]

Huh.

I guess if it works...

[RO-G]

^^^^ +1

[Elton Noway]

Though it doesn't make sense in terms of physics since there is nothing to ground the static charge, this little device seems to work wonders.

Well... if it works it works. Earlier in this thread I Googled static and antennas and like others have stated... they all seem to promote the reduction of radio static versus static electricity in your car.

However, based on your response that it works... I went searching again. This time I found one advertised as eliminating static electricity.

- Made from lightweight, weatherproof Soft resin, the spoiler not only looks great placed on the ceiling, bonnet/hood or rear of your car, but helps remove anti static electricity too.

Go figure!

In my searching I also ran across a key ring that is supposed to prevent electric shocks from static electricity!http://www.uxcell.com/black-an....html

And also found a product called the ZAP Absorber: http://www.arenro.com/car_stat...r.php

Oh well! While it appears you have resolved the problem... here are two other tips I came across: 1) When you open the door to exit the car, grip the metal frame of the door for a couple of seconds before you let your feet touch the ground. The static charge is balanced when you're still seated, when you get up the charge of your clothing doesn't have the opposite charge to hold it where it is. Having your hand on the car frame when get up lets it discharge more slowly. All you need to know is that it works. 2)Open your door, and while still sitting in your car seat, reach up and rest your hand on the (outside) roof of the car before you slide out.

Last... here's an interesting video showing why static electricity, your car, and gas stations don't mix.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...lated
Modified by Elton Noway at 7:27 AM 6/18/2009

[sileung]

Hi Elton,

That antenna you posted is similar to the one I have except the style I have closely matches the stock radio antenna that came with the Rogue.

After having it installed for a few days, I still have not experienced an electric shock while getting out of the car so I am now a believer of this product.