I've got a Lincoln Tig. Its about 25 feet from the nearest computer, a few walls between but its only drywall, so no particular shielding benefit from that. I can hear kind of a "frying sound" emanating from the speakers when the TIG is running, but that's about it. Never had data trouble yet.
Plasma cutters also generate more RF trouble than a TIG, I believe. Stronger field emitted. I've had a bit of trouble, not with a computer but with other sensitive stuff in the shop picking up induced currents in supply lines.
I do use surge protectors on both ends of my comm lines, strung from the office to the various machines in the shop. You can buy serial port surge protectors from Tripplite.
I believe the metal housing on you computer provides a fair bit of external RF protection, so make sure you have all the sides on it.
__________________
First you get good, then you get fast. Then grouchiness sets in.
(Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management) |