Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: opto isolator??

Ron Ginger wrote:

>> 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.

Just to muddy the waters.
It does depend on the stepper motor driver you are using. Many of them have
isolation built in, so you don't need a second one.
cnc4pc have a number of options from fully isolated to a simple buffered
breakout board at $26 which will offer some protection AND drive isolated drivers.
http://www.cnc4pc.com/Store/osc/index.php?cPath=33

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