For various and sundry reasons, I wish to be able to opto-isolate multiple inputs into my SmoothStepper( without use of a BOB).

I have around 10 inputs for things like limit switches that I would like to keep opto-isolated. All of the inputs are 5VDC and under.

I know that I will need optocouplers/sockets for them, a breadboard or make a circuit board, 2 power supplies, and terminal blocks for attaching the inputs and power supplies.

How would I go about this? anyone have any recomendations for optocouplers and how to connect all this?

I have made a PCB or two in the past, but am otherwise a novice...

Best,
Nate.

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Optek/OPI7340/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMteimceiIVCB7pvIurvlx9%2fZttGPD22suA%3d

Do you guys think these would work? I like that they are not surface mount. Ie: I can bend the legs and put them into sockets of some sort...

Nate, opto 22 might be an option for you.  They have all types of moduals and racks to put them in.  Pricey but plug and play and hardened and proven.

http://www.opto22.com/site/pr_selector.aspx?cid=4&qs=1003#10071003

Brett 

Thanks Brett.

I looked at "G4 DC Input 4-16 VDC 16-channel Integral Rack" http://www.opto22.com/site/pr_details.aspx?cid=4&item=G4PB16J

It looks simmilar to what I was thinking about building. It even has LEDs for showing the status of each input!

How would I interface this to my SS/Mach3?

I take it I would run my inputs in to this device, it would then pass them on (optoisolated) through its output and I could then input those outputs into my SS's input pins. This right?

 

Looked through the G4 datasheet. I dont know how I would interface it with the SS. I know that it is intended to interface with one of their cards in a PC, or a Brain.

I would assume that I could get or make a BOB for the output strip of connections on this device. then I could wire them to the input pins of the SS.

The datasheet did not specify what the output voltage or signal is... the data sheet assumes that you are using one of their cards or brains...

They have racks taht have individual pins for logic connections (5V control).  You can choose different moduals for dc input, ac input, dc output, ac output.  You could use one of the boards with a header for logic and just get an IDC connector and some ribbon cable.

Brett