Re: opto isolator??

> Posted by: "Brian Fairey" bfairey@... bfairey
> Date: Tue Feb 19, 2008 3:21 pm ((PST))
>
> I want to connect my driver boards to my PC via the printerport. I am
> told I need an optoisolator to prevent damage to my PC. Can I buy one
> or do I have to build one? and how?
> Brian Fairey
> Waterloo
> Canada.
>

They are not strictly needed, but they are recommended. The completed
boards are available from many sources and usually called 'break out
boards', now often being referred to as 'bob'

Besides the optical isolation they also make connection easy with things
like screw terminals.

You could of course build your own, but since most of them are under
$100 it hardly seems worth the effort.

I have used www.pmdx.com boards (note they are a NAMES exhibitor) There
are others.

ron ginger