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close to your wireless phone. Then the base station sends out radio
waves that are detected by a receiver in your telephone, where the
signals are changed back into the sound of a voice.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) each regulate wireless telephones. FCC
ensures that all wireless phones sold in the United States follow
safety guidelines that limit radio frequency (RF) energy. FDA monitors
the health effects of wireless telephones. Each agency has the
authority to take action if a wireless phone produces hazardous levels
of RF energy.
FDA derives its authority to regulate wireless telephones from the
Radiation Control provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act (originally enacted as the Radiation Control for Health and Safety
Act of 1968). [fda.gov/cdrh/radhealth/].
FCC derives its authority to regulate wireless telephones from the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and the
Telecommunications Act of 1996
fcc.gov/telecom.html. Updated 7/16/2003
Hands-Free Capability All CTIA Certified portable products provide
the consumer with a toll-free number for the purchase of a
compatible hands-free device. 1-800-881-7256
STATIC ELECTRICITY, ESD, AND YOUR PALM DEVICE
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can cause damage to electronic devices
if discharged into the device, so you should take steps to avoid such
an occurrence.
Description of ESD Static electricity is an electrical charge caused
by the buildup of excess electrons on the surface of a material. To
most people, static electricity and ESD are nothing more than
annoyances. For example, after walking over a carpet while scuffing
your feet, building up electrons on your body, you may get a shock—
the discharge event—when you touch a metal doorknob. This little
shock discharges the built-up static electricity.
ESD-susceptible equipment Even a small amount of ESD can
harm circuitry, so when working with electronic devices, take
measures to help protect your electronic devices, including your
Palm
device, from ESD harm. While Palm has built protections
®
against ESD into its products, ESD unfortunately exists and, unless
neutralized, could build up to levels that could harm your equipment.
Any electronic device that contains an external entry point for
plugging in anything from cables to docking stations is susceptible to
entry of ESD. Devices that you carry with you, such as your Palm
device, build up ESD in a unique way because the static electricity
that may have built up on your body is automatically passed to the
device. Then, when the device is connected to another device such
as a docking station, a discharge event can occur.
Precautions against ESD Make sure to discharge any built-up
static electricity from yourself and your electronic devices before
touching an electronic device or connecting one device to another.
The recommendation from Palm is that you take this precaution
before connecting your Palm device to your computer, placing the
device in a cradle, or connecting it to any other device. You can do
this in many ways, including the following:
•
Ground yourself when you're holding your device by
simultaneously touching a metal surface that is at earth ground.
For example, if your computer has a metal case and is plugged
into a standard three-prong grounded outlet, touching the case
should discharge the ESD on your body.
•
Increase the relative humidity of your environment.
•
Install ESD-specific prevention items, such as grounding mats.
Conditions that enhance ESD occurrences Conditions that can
contribute to the buildup of static electricity in the environment
include the following:
•
Low relative humidity.
•
Material type (The type of material gathering the charge. For
example, synthetics are more prone to static buildup than natural
fibers like cotton.)
•
The rapidity with which you touch, connect, or disconnect
electronic devices.
While you should always take appropriate precautions to discharge
0ectricity, if you are in an environment where you notice ESD events,
you may want to take extra precautions to protect your electronic
equipment against ESD.
I M P O R T A N T S A F E T Y A N D L E G A L I N F O R M A T I O N
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