How to ground my rig?

[Laserbeak43]

Hi,
I have a Fanatec CSL Elite with the latest Clubsport Pedals Shifter and Handbrake. I also have the Next Level Racing cockpit without the Motion module.
Every time I get out of my rig there's a jolt of static between it and myself. When I'm connected to my PC, this doesn't seem to matter, but if I'm connected to my PS4, everything connected to the PS4 via USB disconnects. I've never had this problem with my Driving Force GT or my G27.

I've tried to isolate the problem by switching USB hubs and switching what's connected to the hub and not my PS4. This did not really work, so I've recently put rubber washers between the mounting points for my wheel and pedals on my rig. The issue happens a lot less, but it still happens. So far, it seems to happen when it's really cold outside (my rig is in my garage). There is only one power source where my rig is connected at the moment.

I'm wondering if I should drill a hole to bolt a wire to my rig and find some bare metal in my garage to connect it to. I was thinking, maybe the rail of the garage door, but what if lightning strikes it!?! I've also seen a post on Inside Sim Racing's forums where a guy did the same wire connection, but connected the other end of the wire to the ground pin on a 3-prong connector and plugged that into his surge protector. I've not confirmed his success or demise... Any advice?

 

[Outspacer]

So when you're racing, no part of you touches any of the metal, but when you get out you do? Then maybe the problem is static building up on you, and the rig is already grounded (through the wheel?). Whichever way round it is, an anti-static wrist strap would probably help, with the other end clipped onto some bare metal of the rig. Something like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01FA2K2UK/?tag=gtplanetuk-20 Certainly cheap and easy enough to try that first! And safe!!

 

[PzR Slim]

Hi,
I have a Fanatec CSL Elite with the latest Clubsport Pedals Shifter and Handbrake. I also have the Next Level Racing cockpit without the Motion module.
Every time I get out of my rig there's a jolt of static between it and myself. When I'm connected to my PC, this doesn't seem to matter, but if I'm connected to my PS4, everything connected to the PS4 via USB disconnects. I've never had this problem with my Driving Force GT or my G27.

I've tried to isolate the problem by switching USB hubs and switching what's connected to the hub and not my PS4. This did not really work, so I've recently put rubber washers between the mounting points for my wheel and pedals on my rig. The issue happens a lot less, but it still happens. So far, it seems to happen when it's really cold outside (my rig is in my garage). There is only one power source where my rig is connected at the moment.
A
I'm wondering if I should drill a hole to bolt a wire to my rig and find some bare metal in my garage to connect it to. I was thinking, maybe the rail of the garage door, but what if lightning strikes it!?! I've also seen a post on Inside Sim Racing's forums where a guy did the same wire connection, but connected the other end of the wire to the ground pin on a 3-prong connector and plugged that into his surge protector. I've not confirmed his success or demise... Any advice?

This happens to me when I get out of my Next Level rig. I think it’s a build up of static from the seat material. I always just grab hold of a metal piece of the cockpit when I get out of it and that seems to stop the shock.

 

[Laserbeak43]

So when you're racing, no part of you touches any of the metal, but when you get out you do? Then maybe the problem is static building up on you, and the rig is already grounded (through the wheel?). Whichever way round it is, an anti-static wrist strap would probably help, with the other end clipped onto some bare metal of the rig. Something like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01FA2K2UK/?tag=gtplanetuk-20 Certainly cheap and easy enough to try that first! And safe!!

I have a few straps, I was wondering if I could find an anti-static mat big enough for this thing.

This happens to me when I get out of my Next Level rig. I think it’s a build up of static from the seat material. I always just grab hold of a metal piece of the cockpit when I get out of it and that seems to stop the shock.

I did notice that when I put my foot on certain spots while exiting the static dissipates and I'm good.

 

[Laserbeak43]

Sorry for the double post, but I can't fix it. This is a pic of me adding the rubber washers to my rig. I'm the ghost in the pic.
Also please excuse the mess "blush"

Spaghetti Racer

• Laserbeak43
• Jan 27, 2018

 

[Outspacer]

I have a few straps, I was wondering if I could find an anti-static mat big enough for this thing.

Have you tried a strap? I reckon it's more likely that the charge is on you, not the rig.

A mat wouldn't need to be big, just as long as some part of bare metal is touching it. But why use a mat? A strap would do.

 

[Laserbeak43]

Have you tried a strap? I reckon it's more likely that the charge is on you, not the rig.

A mat wouldn't need to be big, just as long as some part of bare metal is touching it. But why use a mat? A strap would do.

I can't think of any bare metal around me aside from the pedal platform that I could touch, but as far as I know, I'm touching that when I'm I'm exiting the rig. Maybe connect a strap to the pedal platform?

 

[Outspacer]

I can't think of any bare metal around me aside from the pedal platform that I could touch, but as far as I know, I'm touching that when I'm I'm exiting the rig. Maybe connect a strap to the pedal platform?

Aren't all the metal parts of the rig bolted together? That should mean it doesn't matter where you connect to (either strapping the rig, or yourself to the rig, or both).

 

[Laserbeak43]

Aren't all the metal parts of the rig bolted together? That should mean it doesn't matter where you connect to (either strapping the rig, or yourself to the rig, or both).

Well the rig is covered in a paint coating. The only bare metal parts are the extension rods for the wheel platform and the pedals platform. They seem pretty isolated from ground in my opinion.

Wife went shopping and I asked her to bring home some fabric softener in a spray bottle. Let's see what that can do

 

[opelgt1969]

Sorry for the double post, but I can't fix it. This is a pic of me adding the rubber washers to my rig. I'm the ghost in the pic.
Also please excuse the mess "blush"

Spaghetti Racer

• Laserbeak43
• Jan 27, 2018

Try finding a rubber anti-fatigue mat (I have a one piece Craftsman mat under my homemade rig) Not in store that I could find. You are building up static because of the carpet your rig is sitting on.
May also try making a ground strap that lays beside rig (make long enough to hold with your right hand while exiting the rig) Just be careful what you run the ground to, a water line would work. From your picture you have lots of wires running everywhere so I would also use insulated wire just strip a large section to hold onto or bolt it to some type of metal handle similar to your shifter/brake handle.

 

[Laserbeak43]

Try finding a rubber anti-fatigue mat (I have a one piece Craftsman mat under my homemade rig) Not in store that I could find. You are building up static because of the carpet your rig is sitting on.

Yeah I recently got rid of a huge one, trying to save some space. Trust me, I'm kicking myself....

May also try making a ground strap that lays beside rig (make long enough to hold with your right hand while exiting the rig) Just be careful what you run the ground to, a water line would work. From your picture you have lots of wires running everywhere so I would also use insulated wire just strip a large section to hold onto or bolt it to some type of metal handle similar to your shifter/brake handle.

Maybe connect one end to a water line and bolt the other to some part of my rig?

 

[opelgt1969]

Yeah I recently got rid of a huge one, trying to save some space. Trust me, I'm kicking myself....

Maybe connect one end to a water line and bolt the other to some part of my rig?

Your still going to be scooting your feet across the carpet building up static. I'm old it's hard to climb out of my rig, Can you get out of your rig while holding onto the shifter or e/brake as those might be grounded through the usb.

 

[Laserbeak43]

Well, no problems so far! But I'm not the tallest guy and my limbs are short so I wouldn't call it convenient. May be a temporary fix until I get to the hardware store tomorrow. Thanks

 

[Laserbeak43]

Bought a bottle of Downy anti-static spray and a spool of wire and connectors to ground my rig. Haven't connected the wires yet, but am having no problems after I sprayed Downy. I'm sure spray is a temporary fix though...