Gecko 202 Blew up like a Firecracker

[barnon]

I am in the process of build a 3 axis Plasma table. I had all the electronics working great on my dining room table. Then I built an electronics enclosure and installed everyting. Power supply from TTI, Bob Campbells breakout board and 3 Gecko 202 controllers. I just had one of the 202 controllers hooked up with a stepper motor and when I power up the system no light came on the 202 and about 30 seconds it popped like a firecracker and emitted a large puff of smoke. I had already disconnected it from the system when I wondered if I had miswired the positive and ground from the power supply. Would that have caused it to blow?

[KTP]

I don't know the internals of the G202, but assuming it has an internal capacitor on the motor power leads, that is probably what made the firecracker noise. Electrolytics don't really like to have their polarity reversed.

[ger21]

Send it back to Gecko and use your "1 free repair, no questions asked". And ask Mariss what you did wrong, because you'll have to pay for it next time.

[CJL5585]

Originally Posted by KTP I don't know the internals of the G202, but assuming it has an internal capacitor on the motor power leads, that is probably what made the firecracker noise. Electrolytics don't really like to have their polarity reversed.

Also, do not disconnect ANY driver wiring (Power or Motor) with power applied. Additionally, remember to give the power supply enough time to bleed of the voltage thru the bleed resistor.

Not observing these precautions will most likely cause you to create the "Magic Currency Smoke" which seems to dissolve the money in one's wallet.

Jerry

[Mariss Freimanis]

Sounds like power supply '+' went to the G202 'Power GND' and supply '-' went to '24-80VDC'. Not sure if I'd want to be around when you jumper cable a car battery.:-)

Mariss

[unterhaus]

I hooked up a large electrolytic capacitor backwards one time, and I have resolved never to do it again. Not only did it scare the crap out of me, the lab smelled horrible the entire day.

[lakeside]

I just hate it when something like that happens and I always know that I would not do it agin untill next time

[barnon]

Thx for the info.. I sent it back for my one time replacment and letter of confession.