Can it fry my precious computer

[CnC_BoY]

Hi,

I just ordered everything I need for my machine and I can't wait to recieve this stuff . There's my question; I got a Xylotex three axis kit and I would like to plug it to my normal computer so i wouldn't have to buy another one to run mach 3. I just wondered if there would be any risk for my computer. If there's a short cirtuit is it dangerous for my computer or there's no risk?

Thanks a lot

Mathieu

[miljnor]

I don't have any experience with the zylotex but the short answer is yes unless it is opto isolated. And alot of commercial boards don't really implement Opto/iso very well.

One of my employees has already blown up three computers and 2 hobbycnc boards because of lack of opto/isolation.

[Al_The_Man]

It's strange, over the years, of all the systems I have installed that are PC based I have never used completely isolated sections in the installation, and have never lost a PC yet, and some have been in service for many years in very harsh environments.
I have used Opto-isolation between low-level logic and 120vac etc, but even then the it has never been truly isolated because of the neutral being grounded.
I have always made a point of a central grounding of all power supplies, including the PC.
I have hooked into external PLC's, servo drives etc.
Personally I feel there is alot more problems because of non-grounded systems than the insistance of using complete isolation.
Al.

[ger21]

The owner of Xylotex has said on his Yahoo group has stated that he's not aware of anyone ever having their computer damaged due to the Xylotex's lack of isolation.

Actually, Miljnor's post is the first time I've heard of anyone having their computer damaged from a stepper drive.

[miljnor]

me either Al but my employee has nothing but problems. But I agree its probably a grounding problem, but then the opto isolation probably would have saved the computer.