Shocking!

  • Thread starter Thread starter VINCE__
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VINCE__

VINCE__

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Anyone have any idea as to why my pedals and shifter are giving me a low voltage shock? It happens when my spotter talks and when other engines vibrate my butt kickers. I have checked all my wires and have no chaffing . The only thing I can think of is my Mic USB is plugged into a 3.0. I do not feel it on my rig frame, only the pedals and shifter. Any thoughts? Thanks to any replies.
 
new type of force feedback? shock feedback?


anyway, do you have any pics of your setup so we can see if we can spot a potential problem?
 
I have posted a few pics of my rig in the past. Nothing new to mention except for the PC that got flooded. The only thing I can think of different is with it being summertime I race barefoot a lot and never noticed it prior using socks or shoes. It has, I am sure something to do with my butt kickers. Because with them not active I have no tingle sensation. It's an enigma at this point, I've covered everything.
 
I know that there is one room in my house with a concrete floor where I will get all manner of zaps when barefoot. Also, I had two rigs set up, the mostly metal one kept losing connection, while the mostly timber one was fine. Even humble AV connectors were zapping me. I aint no 'lectric guy, but it seems you may have a similar situation. A grounding issue perhaps? Easy solution may be to stop going barefoot ya hippy!
 
Have you checked your outlet/power strip to make sure your not getting a grounding fault issue?

Go pick up an outlet tester, usually around $6 bucks or so.

Outlet_Polarity_Tester.jpg
 
Ground your pedals. Run a wire from the pedals to your computer case (preferably one of the screws where your power supply bolts to your computer case in back). That should solve the problem.
 
JohnBodin
Ground your pedals. Run a wire from the pedals to your computer case (preferably one of the screws where your power supply bolts to your computer case in back). That should solve the problem.
Click to expand...

Tried that John. Thanks for the idea but it didn't fix the problem.
 
Grounding springs to mind with me too. I had that happen with a phone once, turned out the USB port was incorrectly grounded somehow?? O_o Anyways, re did my ground screws and it was all good after.
 
It could be a static build up thing. If it is, it could be due to the fabric your seats are made of, the fabric your clothes are made of, or the tires I mean shoes (maybe not the shoes, rubber is probably just related to cars). Certain fabrics and materials can cause a build up of static which can cause a shock when it is discharged.

Did you change your wardrobe lately?
 
grog
It could be a static build up thing. If it is, it could be due to the fabric your seats are made of, the fabric your clothes are made of, or the tires I mean shoes (maybe not the shoes, rubber is probably just related to cars). Certain fabrics and materials can cause a build up of static which can cause a shock when it is discharged.

Did you change your wardrobe lately?
Click to expand...

Cotton is best for avoiding static buildup.
 
It only happens when (iRacing) spotter talks and sometimes when car engines rumble by while waiting to grid. I've put on socks to race and that had eliminated the foot shock, but I'm still getting it via my shifter (TH8RS).
Also. It's not static shock because it is too consistent.
 
VINCE__
I have posted a few pics of my rig in the past. Nothing new to mention except for the PC that got flooded.
Click to expand...

:nervous:

Still using the same case by chance? If so, I'd re-check all the screws in the case, because it sounds like maybe you've got some oxidation under some screws and that's causing a high-resistance ground.

Check the power supply mounting screws in particular -- any oxidation or rust is a danger sign.

Small shocks like that are dangerous because they could be small today, then larger tomorrow if oxidation increases, thus creating more of a "floating ground."

Putting socks on isn't a solution -- it's a band-aid, and as an electronics tech, I can tell you that you have a potentially serious problem here, because you should NOT be getting even "small shocks" from consumer electronics devices (or from personal computers).
 
Ok, John. Will do. I replaced the original tower with an over shipped one from amazon. It was only minor flooded but still got wet on the base. All the other parts are new so it could be oxidation on the newer tower. I'll check it out. Thanks again.
 
Heads up guys. New tower with a good ground from power supply to pedals and no tingle. Barefooting too! Thanks all.
 

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