How can I reduce static electricity in my basement?

[iamme]

I've been working out in my basement. I bring my laptop down and stream MP3's to work out to. I run on the treadmill, lift weights, and dribble my basketball around. I think dribbling my basketball picks up tons of static electricity, because when I touch my laptop or speakers, I get a huge shock. To my knowledge, static electricity and electronics don't mix, right?

How can I reduce the static electricity?

btw, i've been trying to ground myself by touching some metal objects, and i get a nasty shock. is there an easier way to do this?

 

[thirtythree]

I doubt it will damage your hardware if you just shock it on the outside .. I don't really know what to do about the static though.

 

[SagaLore]

Raise your humidity to 30%. Static will go away.

 

[JC]

Maybe a humidifier is the answer. Less-dry air=less static buildup.

Of course, not too much humidity.....don't want condensation on the electronics! :Q

JC

 

[iamme]

Originally posted by: SagaLore
Raise your humidity to 30%. Static will go away.

that's what i was thinking. would a regular humidifier for children's room do the trick?

 

[iamme]

maybe i need to sweat more, so raise the humidity in the room

 

[thirtythree]

Originally posted by: iamme
maybe i need to sweat more, so raise the humidity in the room

That's what I was going to suggest.

 

[Skel]

downy works well in my office for it...

 

[Mrfrog840]

Originally posted by: Deslocke

Originally posted by: iamme
maybe i need to sweat more, so raise the humidity in the room

That's what I was going to suggest.

work harder you wuss

 

[iamme]

Originally posted by: Mrfrog840

Originally posted by: Deslocke

Originally posted by: iamme
maybe i need to sweat more, so raise the humidity in the room

That's what I was going to suggest.

work harder you wuss

my basement's kinda big, so i'll probably pass out before i reduce the static electricity

 

[AnyMal]

Get a humidifier, you'll breathe easier too.

 

[Parrotheader]

Move to the Southeast. We've got plenty of humidity to go around. I actually use a DE-humidifier in our basement. Just make sure you water your computer regularly, give it lots of sunlight and it should be fine.

 

[Tom]

Fill it with water.

 

[iamme]

whoa, Parrotheader and Dead Parrot Sketch. what's up w/ the parrot fetish?

edit: added smiley to show i'm just kidding

 

[pillage2001]

Put a bucket of water and use a fan to blow on top of it. It'll circulate the air in the room.

 

[PCMarine]

Originally posted by: iamme
whoa, Parrotheader and Dead Parrot Sketch. what's up w/ the parrot fetish?

edit: added smiley to show i'm just kidding

Heheh

 

[Tom]

Put a fan in a bucket of water, that will work better.

Be sure it points up.