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Hi.
I have worked for about one year with the same USB Multilink.
Yesterday I broke 2 USB Multilink suddenly:
the cable became hot and after the blue light turn off.

I\'d like to understand what happened...

Can you help me?

Thanks....



(You need to be a member of 68hc12 -- send a blank email to 68hc12-subscribe@yahoogroups.com )

Hello Marco,

this might be a ground loop between the PC and your target. If the
target GND is not at the same potential as the PC's ground then a
current flows through the USB cable which will destroy something --
usually the USB Multilink ...

--- In 6...@yahoogroups.com, marcogalli80@... wrote:
>
> Hi.
> I have worked for about one year with the same USB Multilink.
> Yesterday I broke 2 USB Multilink suddenly:
> the cable became hot and after the blue light turn off.
>
> I\'d like to understand what happened...
>
> Can you help me?
>
> Thanks....
>



(You need to be a member of 68hc12 -- send a blank email to 68hc12-subscribe@yahoogroups.com )

Thank you...
I thought so...

Hello Marco,
>
>this might be a ground loop between the PC and your target. If the
>target GND is not at the same potential as the PC's ground then a
>current flows through the USB cable which will destroy something --
>usually the USB Multilink ...
>
>--- In 6...@yahoogroups.com, marcogalli80@... wrote:
>>
>> Hi.
>> I have worked for about one year with the same USB Multilink.
>> Yesterday I broke 2 USB Multilink suddenly:
>> the cable became hot and after the blue light turn off.
>>
>> I\'d like to understand what happened...
>>
>> Can you help me?
>>
>> Thanks....
>>

______________________________
Stellaris® MCU Family: New Parts, New Package, New Price.


(You need to be a member of 68hc12 -- send a blank email to 68hc12-subscribe@yahoogroups.com )

It's happened again. This time I'm sure that the gnd of the target is well connected to the interface. What can I do if the gnd of the PC is different from the gnd of the target? And how can I be sure that it is the problem?

Hi.
>I have worked for about one year with the same USB Multilink.
>Yesterday I broke 2 USB Multilink suddenly:
>the cable became hot and after the blue light turn off.
>I have changed PC 1 mounth ago..
>
>I\'d like to understand what happened...
>
>Can you help me?
>
>Thanks....



(You need to be a member of 68hc12 -- send a blank email to 68hc12-subscribe@yahoogroups.com )

It's happened again. This time I'm sure that the gnd of the target is well connected to
the interface. What can I do if the gnd of the PC is different from the gnd of the
target? And how can I be sure that it is the problem?
Hi.
>I have worked for about one year with the same USB Multilink.
>Yesterday I broke 2 USB Multilink suddenly:
>the cable became hot and after the blue light turn off.
>I have changed PC 1 mounth ago..
>
>I\'d like to understand what happened...
>
>Can you help me?
>
>Thanks....

______________________________
Stellaris® MCU Family: New Parts, New Package, New Price.


(You need to be a member of 68hc12 -- send a blank email to 68hc12-subscribe@yahoogroups.com )

--- In 6...@yahoogroups.com, marcogalli80@... wrote:
>
> It's happened again. This time I'm sure that the gnd of the target
> is well connected to the interface. What can I do if the gnd of the
> PC is different from the gnd of the target? And how can I be sure
> that it is the problem?

You should check for all supply voltages for correct pins (and not
also shorted to wrong pins).

Think about what changed when this started... new target board layout?



(You need to be a member of 68hc12 -- send a blank email to 68hc12-subscribe@yahoogroups.com )

Jefferson Smith wrote:

> --- In 6...@yahoogroups.com ,
> marcogalli80@... wrote:
> >
> > It's happened again. This time I'm sure that the gnd of the target
> > is well connected to the interface. What can I do if the gnd of the
> > PC is different from the gnd of the target? And how can I be sure
> > that it is the problem?
>
> You should check for all supply voltages for correct pins (and not
> also shorted to wrong pins).
>
> Think about what changed when this started... new target board layout?
>

Run your target of an isolated supply (not grounded)

Andrew Lohmann AMIIE
Design Engineer

PLEASE NOTE NEW EMAIL ADDRESS IS:
a...@bellinghamandstanley.co.uk

Bellingham + Stanley Ltd.
Longfield Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 3EY, England.
Tel: +44 (0) 1892 500400
Fax: +44 (0) 1892 543115
Website: www.bs-ltd.com
>
>
-----------------------------Disclaimer-----------------------------

This communication contains information which is confidential and may also be privileged. It is for the exclusive use of the addressee. If you are not the addressee please note that any distribution, reproduction, copying, publication or use of this communication or the information is prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please contact us immediately and also delete the communication from your computer. We accept no liability for any loss or damage suffered by any person arising from use of this e-mail.

-----------------------------Disclaimer-----------------------------



(You need to be a member of 68hc12 -- send a blank email to 68hc12-subscribe@yahoogroups.com )

I have discovered that the neuter of my socket is 90 volt! and the case of my PC is 90V too.
The voltage supply of the target is isolated.
So it should't be a problem... or not?
Even if I started to use this PC 3 weeks ago, before I used a laptop that doesn't use the earth of the socket...

>Jefferson Smith wrote:
>
>> --- In 6...@yahoogroups.com ,
>> marcogalli80@... wrote:
>> >
>> > It's happened again. This time I'm sure that the gnd of the target
>> > is well connected to the interface. What can I do if the gnd of the
>> > PC is different from the gnd of the target? And how can I be sure
>> > that it is the problem?
>>
>> You should check for all supply voltages for correct pins (and not
>> also shorted to wrong pins).
>>
>> Think about what changed when this started... new target board layout?
>>Run your target of an isolated supply (not grounded)
>
>Andrew Lohmann AMIIE
>Design Engineer
>
>PLEASE NOTE NEW EMAIL ADDRESS IS:
>a...@bellinghamandstanley.co.uk
>
>Bellingham + Stanley Ltd.
>Longfield Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 3EY, England.
>Tel: +44 (0) 1892 500400
>Fax: +44 (0) 1892 543115
>Website: www.bs-ltd.com
>>
>>
>-----------------------------Disclaimer-----------------------------
>
>This communication contains information which is confidential and may also be privileged. It is for the exclusive use of the addressee. If you are not the addressee please note that any distribution, reproduction, copying, publication or use of this communication or the information is prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please contact us immediately and also delete the communication from your computer. We accept no liability for any loss or damage suffered by any person arising from use of this e-mail.
>
>-----------------------------Disclaimer-----------------------------



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--- In 6...@yahoogroups.com, marcogalli80@... wrote:
>
> I have discovered that the neuter of my socket is 90 volt! and
> the case of my PC is 90V too.
> The voltage supply of the target is isolated.
> So it should't be a problem... or not?

90V DC or AC? The AC phase matters. It's hard for me to see details of
your setup.



(You need to be a member of 68hc12 -- send a blank email to 68hc12-subscribe@yahoogroups.com )

Usually there is only a few volts difference between Neutral and Earth.
There should be very little voltage difference between earth and water
taps say. When no current is drawn from the ground connection and the
target is not grounded depending on the mains input filtering you could
measure half the mains input voltage, or the voltage of neutral. Once
the ground is earthed no more than 1mA should flow, so your BDM cable
should not get hot with such a small, safe current. If more current
flows then it sounds like there is something very wrong with your
earthing or isolation.
Andrew Lohmann AMIIE
Design Engineer

PLEASE NOTE NEW EMAIL ADDRESS IS:
a...@bellinghamandstanley.co.uk

Bellingham + Stanley Ltd.
Longfield Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 3EY, England.
Tel: +44 (0) 1892 500400
Fax: +44 (0) 1892 543115
Website: www.bs-ltd.com

Jefferson Smith wrote:

> --- In 6...@yahoogroups.com ,
> marcogalli80@... wrote:
> >
> > I have discovered that the neuter of my socket is 90 volt! and
> > the case of my PC is 90V too.
> > The voltage supply of the target is isolated.
> > So it should't be a problem... or not?
>
> 90V DC or AC? The AC phase matters. It's hard for me to see details of
> your setup.
>
>
-----------------------------Disclaimer-----------------------------

This communication contains information which is confidential and may also be privileged. It is for the exclusive use of the addressee. If you are not the addressee please note that any distribution, reproduction, copying, publication or use of this communication or the information is prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please contact us immediately and also delete the communication from your computer. We accept no liability for any loss or damage suffered by any person arising from use of this e-mail.

-----------------------------Disclaimer-----------------------------

______________________________
Stellaris® MCU Family: New Parts, New Package, New Price.


(You need to be a member of 68hc12 -- send a blank email to 68hc12-subscribe@yahoogroups.com )

--- In 6...@yahoogroups.com, marcogalli80@... wrote:
>
> I have discovered that the neuter of my socket is 90 volt! and the case of my PC is 90V too.

The question is with respect to what?

The case of your PC should be at ground potential, so should your neutral be.

If you measured with respect to the zero volts on a PC board it probably means that the low voltage supply is not directly connected to the mains or earth.

Under such conditions you can measure all sorts of leakage voltages.

Find a good earth somewhere if you are at all in doubt and check that your PC case is actually at zero volts before you fry yourself.

Good Earth means an Earth stake or copper water pipe, be wary of internal taps, modern ones have plastic pipes not copper.

Cheers,

Theo

> The voltage supply of the target is isolated.
> So it should't be a problem... or not?
> Even if I started to use this PC 3 weeks ago, before I used a laptop that doesn't use the earth of the socket...
>
> >Jefferson Smith wrote:
> >
> >> --- In 6...@yahoogroups.com ,
> >> marcogalli80@ wrote:
> >> >
> >> > It's happened again. This time I'm sure that the gnd of the target
> >> > is well connected to the interface. What can I do if the gnd of the
> >> > PC is different from the gnd of the target? And how can I be sure
> >> > that it is the problem?
> >>
> >> You should check for all supply voltages for correct pins (and not
> >> also shorted to wrong pins).
> >>
> >> Think about what changed when this started... new target board layout?
> >>
> >
> >Run your target of an isolated supply (not grounded)
> >
> >Andrew Lohmann AMIIE
> >Design Engineer
> >
> >PLEASE NOTE NEW EMAIL ADDRESS IS:
> >a...@...
> >
> >Bellingham + Stanley Ltd.
> >Longfield Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 3EY, England.
> >Tel: +44 (0) 1892 500400
> >Fax: +44 (0) 1892 543115
> >Website: www.bs-ltd.com
> >>
> >>
> >-----------------------------Disclaimer-----------------------------
> >
> >This communication contains information which is confidential and may also be privileged. It is for the exclusive use of the addressee. If you are not the addressee please note that any distribution, reproduction, copying, publication or use of this communication or the information is prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please contact us immediately and also delete the communication from your computer. We accept no liability for any loss or damage suffered by any person arising from use of this e-mail.
> >
> >-----------------------------Disclaimer-----------------------------
> >
>



(You need to be a member of 68hc12 -- send a blank email to 68hc12-subscribe@yahoogroups.com )

--- In 6...@yahoogroups.com, marcogalli80@... wrote:

90V AC respect to the radiator for example. Respect to the true earth, or respect to the earth stake.
If I touch the case of the PC and the radiator effectly I get a jolt.
I provided to resolve this issue and now I have a socket with its earth at the right potential.
Now I'm waiting for a new USB Multilink.
But I don't understand how I had a great current in the USB Multilink: all the grounds of my devices was 90V: I hadn't a connection from the ground of the PC (90V) and the true hearth ground (0V).
Could my body be that connection?
>>
>> I have discovered that the neuter of my socket is 90 volt! and the case of my PC is 90V too.
>
>The question is with respect to what?
>



(You need to be a member of 68hc12 -- send a blank email to 68hc12-subscribe@yahoogroups.com )

--- In 6...@yahoogroups.com, marcogalli80@... wrote:

> 90V AC respect to the radiator for example. Respect to the true earth, or respect to the earth stake.
> If I touch the case of the PC and the radiator effectly I get a jolt.
> I provided to resolve this issue and now I have a socket with its earth at the right potential.

You now have a chance to live a longer and possibly shock free life.

> Now I'm waiting for a new USB Multilink.
> But I don't understand how I had a great current in the USB Multilink: all the grounds of my devices was 90V: I hadn't a connection from the ground of the PC (90V) and the true hearth ground (0V).

> Could my body be that connection?

Certainly not to the extent the cable started to smoke, you would be smoking first.

It is still a bit of a puzzle, from the sound of it you had a defective Earth, depending on where and when this occurred the end result can vary.

Earths should _only_ be used to divert fault currents away from us, the users, such currents can originate from an appliance with a fault or even from some that have some leakage by design like a fridge.

In Oz for example all fridges are now wired on a seperate circuit, otherwise they would trip the switchboards Earth leakage detectors. (We are a bit more cautious with our 240V then people that live of 110V;-)

These diverted currents can be a few mA or get big enough to blow the mains fuse, but the idea is that during such events the Earth potential stays low enough not to endanger life.

Note that as far as apliances are concerned it makes no difference if the Earth is connected or not, the power circuit is from Live to Neutral, they continue working.

This can have the result that a mains Earth can become disconnected and not be noticed, the next stage is that some gadget develops a fault and the Mains Earth is no longer at Ground potential.

So when a user handles a real Ground/Earth like a water tap or other grounded item like possibly your radiator its zappo time.

For the USB cable to start smoking you must have introduced a real Earth from somewhere, a likely spot would be an Oscilioscope that runs of a different power point or some such item.

So if I understand correctly from what you described you have several faults, a disconnected Earth, an appliance that introduced several amps into the Earth and a second real Earth.

Of course a swapped Earth and Neutral somewhere would do nicely.

I hope we don't have to put it down to; "Don't trust programmers carrying srewdrivers:-)
Regards,
Theo



(You need to be a member of 68hc12 -- send a blank email to 68hc12-subscribe@yahoogroups.com )

I once consulted with a RS-485 circuit between a PC in a building and a
credit card reader on an outdoor gasoline pump. (This was when the
first credit card readers were being installed in the pumps.) They
called me after blowing 2 or 3 computer cards to find the problem. I
brought the meters and isolation transformer for the PC. I could find
no problems or untoward voltages and finally removed the isolation
transformer. AFAIK, the communications link has had no problems and has
worked since then.

Since they used #12 power cables for the communications line and
although the installing technician denied it, I always suspected the
communications line was inadvertently connected to the mains during the
blowing card time. And, I also suspect that the wiring was (silently)
corrected between the last blown card and me showing up.

Although I did not fix anything, I did get paid for my time. I hope you
fare better in understanding and fixing your problem.

Also, I just recently had a neighbor call the fire department for an
electrical problem. It appears the Earth connection failed at the
transformer pole and the electrical company fixed it without mishap.

The moral is that Earth and main connections can get messed up. Check
for any recent electrical work done in or near your residence in case
errors were made. And check with others living near you with shocking
appliances to determine if faults have developed either inside or
outside your residence.

HTH

Emmett Redd Ph.D. mailto:E...@missouristate.edu
Associate Professor (417)836-5221
Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Materials Science
Missouri State University Fax (417)836-6226
901 SOUTH NATIONAL Dept (417)836-5131
SPRINGFIELD, MO 65897 USA

"When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I
thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish
things," like being too embarrassed to ask questions which my peers
might think as stupid.

________________________________

From: 6...@yahoogroups.com [mailto:6...@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of theobee00
Sent: Friday, August 04, 2006 5:17 PM
To: 6...@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [68HC12] Re: usb multilink

--- In 6...@yahoogroups.com
, marcogalli80@... wrote:

> 90V AC respect to the radiator for example. Respect to the
true earth, or respect to the earth stake.
> If I touch the case of the PC and the radiator effectly I get
a jolt.
> I provided to resolve this issue and now I have a socket with
its earth at the right potential.

You now have a chance to live a longer and possibly shock free
life.

> Now I'm waiting for a new USB Multilink.
> But I don't understand how I had a great current in the USB
Multilink: all the grounds of my devices was 90V: I hadn't a connection
from the ground of the PC (90V) and the true hearth ground (0V).

> Could my body be that connection?

Certainly not to the extent the cable started to smoke, you
would be smoking first.

It is still a bit of a puzzle, from the sound of it you had a
defective Earth, depending on where and when this occurred the end
result can vary.

Earths should _only_ be used to divert fault currents away from
us, the users, such currents can originate from an appliance with a
fault or even from some that have some leakage by design like a fridge.

In Oz for example all fridges are now wired on a seperate
circuit, otherwise they would trip the switchboards Earth leakage
detectors. (We are a bit more cautious with our 240V then people that
live of 110V;-)

These diverted currents can be a few mA or get big enough to
blow the mains fuse, but the idea is that during such events the Earth
potential stays low enough not to endanger life.

Note that as far as apliances are concerned it makes no
difference if the Earth is connected or not, the power circuit is from
Live to Neutral, they continue working.

This can have the result that a mains Earth can become
disconnected and not be noticed, the next stage is that some gadget
develops a fault and the Mains Earth is no longer at Ground potential.

So when a user handles a real Ground/Earth like a water tap or
other grounded item like possibly your radiator its zappo time.

For the USB cable to start smoking you must have introduced a
real Earth from somewhere, a likely spot would be an Oscilioscope that
runs of a different power point or some such item.

So if I understand correctly from what you described you have
several faults, a disconnected Earth, an appliance that introduced
several amps into the Earth and a second real Earth.

Of course a swapped Earth and Neutral somewhere would do nicely.

I hope we don't have to put it down to; "Don't trust programmers
carrying srewdrivers:-)

Regards,

Theo

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



(You need to be a member of 68hc12 -- send a blank email to 68hc12-subscribe@yahoogroups.com )

Not yet mentioned on this subject:

In the US you can get plug in power testers with 3 LEDs or Neon lamps for
under $20. They have a diagnostic chart on them to diagnose the wiring.

I have one in my toolbox, and routinely check the outlets in a new location.

I run into wiring problems every few years.

Steve Russell
Nohau Emulators
At 03:53 PM 8/4/2006, you wrote:
>I once consulted with a RS-485 circuit between a PC in a building and a
>credit card reader on an outdoor gasoline pump. (This was when the
>first credit card readers were being installed in the pumps.) They
>called me after blowing 2 or 3 computer cards to find the problem. I
>brought the meters and isolation transformer for the PC. I could find
>no problems or untoward voltages and finally removed the isolation
>transformer. AFAIK, the communications link has had no problems and has
>worked since then.
>
>Since they used #12 power cables for the communications line and
>although the installing technician denied it, I always suspected the
>communications line was inadvertently connected to the mains during the
>blowing card time. And, I also suspect that the wiring was (silently)
>corrected between the last blown card and me showing up.
>
>Although I did not fix anything, I did get paid for my time. I hope you
>fare better in understanding and fixing your problem.
>
>Also, I just recently had a neighbor call the fire department for an
>electrical problem. It appears the Earth connection failed at the
>transformer pole and the electrical company fixed it without mishap.
>
>The moral is that Earth and main connections can get messed up. Check
>for any recent electrical work done in or near your residence in case
>errors were made. And check with others living near you with shocking
>appliances to determine if faults have developed either inside or
>outside your residence.
>
>HTH
>
>Emmett Redd Ph.D. mailto:E...@missouristate.edu
>Associate Professor (417)836-5221
>Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Materials Science
>Missouri State University Fax (417)836-6226
>901 SOUTH NATIONAL Dept (417)836-5131
>SPRINGFIELD, MO 65897 USA
>
>"When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I
>thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish
>things," like being too embarrassed to ask questions which my peers
>might think as stupid.
>
>________________________________
>
> From: 6...@yahoogroups.com [mailto:6...@yahoogroups.com] On
>Behalf Of theobee00
> Sent: Friday, August 04, 2006 5:17 PM
> To: 6...@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [68HC12] Re: usb multilink
>
> --- In 6...@yahoogroups.com
>, marcogalli80@... wrote:
>
> > 90V AC respect to the radiator for example. Respect to the
>true earth, or respect to the earth stake.
> > If I touch the case of the PC and the radiator effectly I get
>a jolt.
> > I provided to resolve this issue and now I have a socket with
>its earth at the right potential.
>
> You now have a chance to live a longer and possibly shock free
>life.
>
> > Now I'm waiting for a new USB Multilink.
> > But I don't understand how I had a great current in the USB
>Multilink: all the grounds of my devices was 90V: I hadn't a connection
>from the ground of the PC (90V) and the true hearth ground (0V).
>
> > Could my body be that connection?
>
> Certainly not to the extent the cable started to smoke, you
>would be smoking first.
>
> It is still a bit of a puzzle, from the sound of it you had a
>defective Earth, depending on where and when this occurred the end
>result can vary.
>
> Earths should _only_ be used to divert fault currents away from
>us, the users, such currents can originate from an appliance with a
>fault or even from some that have some leakage by design like a fridge.
>
> In Oz for example all fridges are now wired on a seperate
>circuit, otherwise they would trip the switchboards Earth leakage
>detectors. (We are a bit more cautious with our 240V then people that
>live of 110V;-)
>
> These diverted currents can be a few mA or get big enough to
>blow the mains fuse, but the idea is that during such events the Earth
>potential stays low enough not to endanger life.
>
> Note that as far as apliances are concerned it makes no
>difference if the Earth is connected or not, the power circuit is from
>Live to Neutral, they continue working.
>
> This can have the result that a mains Earth can become
>disconnected and not be noticed, the next stage is that some gadget
>develops a fault and the Mains Earth is no longer at Ground potential.
>
> So when a user handles a real Ground/Earth like a water tap or
>other grounded item like possibly your radiator its zappo time.
>
> For the USB cable to start smoking you must have introduced a
>real Earth from somewhere, a likely spot would be an Oscilioscope that
>runs of a different power point or some such item.
>
> So if I understand correctly from what you described you have
>several faults, a disconnected Earth, an appliance that introduced
>several amps into the Earth and a second real Earth.
>
> Of course a swapped Earth and Neutral somewhere would do nicely.
>
> I hope we don't have to put it down to; "Don't trust programmers
>carrying srewdrivers:-)
>
> Regards,
>
> Theo
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>



(You need to be a member of 68hc12 -- send a blank email to 68hc12-subscribe@yahoogroups.com )

--- In 6...@yahoogroups.com, "Redd, Emmett R" wrote:

Hi Redd,

> The moral is that Earth and main connections can get messed up. Check
> for any recent electrical work done in or near your residence in case
> errors were made. And check with others living near you with shocking
> appliances to determine if faults have developed either inside or
> outside your residence.

Not sure about other countries but here in Oz we have what is called a distributed Earth.
Each house has its own (smallish) Earth stake that is connected to the neutral at the switchboard.

The essence is that apart from the Earth at the residence an Earth to Neutral connection is provided at every opporunity, starting at the areas mains transformer and continuing at each house, various poles, metal towers, regular bonding to buried water pipes etc.

I needed to investigate this when I specified the Earths on my new house since I wanted it fitted with lightning arrestors.

Of course a distributed Earth system heavily relies on the neighbours etc taking their share of fault currents when shorts develop, in conjunction with the Earth leakage detectors it works well to protect users.

But it doesn't work for lightning protection, the system is not designed for that, due to the distances there is far too much impedance for impulse protection.

Houses burning down and various switchboards exploding of the wall and appliances dying is not uncommon here.

The upshot is that I now have two lightning arresters on the roof, three very large Earth stakes, a copper water mains deliberately circling the building on three sides and everything solidly bonded to the concrete mesh and neutral.

Of course the incoming three phases have diverters fitted to limit mains voltages to one kV or so with respect to the building ground and neutral.

Apart from me providing the best Earth path for half the neighbourhood, the impedance should be low enough to limit the buildings potential rise to less then 10KV, even when I sustain a direct hit during the worst of Sydneys semi tropical thunder storms.

So far it has not been seriously tested with a direct hit, but when recently a building was struck about a hundred meters away I could hear the crack when my mains filters diverted the arc to ground, my computers ignored it, not one even reset.

Things one does to protect these HC12s and enable a good sleep at night:-)
Cheers,
Theo



(You need to be a member of 68hc12 -- send a blank email to 68hc12-subscribe@yahoogroups.com )

--- In 6...@yahoogroups.com, Steve Russell wrote:

> In the US you can get plug in power testers with 3 LEDs or Neon lamps for
> under $20. They have a diagnostic chart on them to diagnose the wiring.
>
> I have one in my toolbox, and routinely check the outlets in a new location.

> I run into wiring problems every few years.

Not a bad idea, apart from disconnected earths, one or more of Neutral Live or Ground swapped over is not unheard of.

Even a Live and Neutral swap is a problem here because the cheapskates only switch one wire, switch the wrong one and the circuit stays live.

This appears not a problem in some countries where a worker cost $6.50, over here that could be an expensive mistake, solicitors talk about duty of care a lot.

I have taken some photos on my travels of really horrific bits of wiring, one favourite shows a stack of T plug-ins about ten high, distributing power to various bits, including fluros, not an Earth in sight.

Even in our workshop here we had problems, one of the things we need to use from time to time is an Isolation transformer, it allows the CRO to be used when circuits are directly connected to the mains.

On the surface safe enough, everything is isolated from ground no?

Until somebody forgets that connecting the CRO provides a circuit and gets zapped, the worst part is that under these conditions the workshops earth leakage detectors don't work either.

I havent found a good way around that problem and for the time being have marked the transformers to be used under supervision only.

If nothing else the supervisor can hit the Kill switch before the tech is more than medium done.
Cheers,
Theo

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Stellaris® MCU Family: New Parts, New Package, New Price.


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Re Neutral Earth or even Live being swapped.

30 years ago the colours of our wiring changed. My then manger told us
that his wife had wired a plug on a new vacuum cleaner using her
intruission. The blue sparky one to live, the dirty brown one to earth,
and the other one left (yellow and Green) to Neutral, then did the
cleaning successfully.

Andrew Lohmann AMIIE
Design Engineer

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a...@bellinghamandstanley.co.uk

Bellingham + Stanley Ltd.
Longfield Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 3EY, England.
Tel: +44 (0) 1892 500400
Fax: +44 (0) 1892 543115
Website: www.bs-ltd.com

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--- In 6...@yahoogroups.com, Andrew Lohmann wrote:
>
> Re Neutral Earth or even Live being swapped.
>
> 30 years ago the colours of our wiring changed. My then manger told us
> that his wife had wired a plug on a new vacuum cleaner using her
> intruission. The blue sparky one to live, the dirty brown one to earth,
> and the other one left (yellow and Green) to Neutral, then did the
> cleaning successfully.

Womans intuition must be coupled with a dose of luck.

Cheers,

Theo

> Andrew Lohmann AMIIE
> Design Engineer
>
> PLEASE NOTE NEW EMAIL ADDRESS IS:
> andrew.lohmann@...
>
> Bellingham + Stanley Ltd.
> Longfield Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 3EY, England.
> Tel: +44 (0) 1892 500400
> Fax: +44 (0) 1892 543115
> Website: www.bs-ltd.com
>
> -----------------------------Disclaimer-----------------------------
>
> This communication contains information which is confidential and may also be privileged. It is for the exclusive use of the addressee. If you are not the addressee please note that any distribution, reproduction, copying, publication or use of this communication or the information is prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please contact us immediately and also delete the communication from your computer. We accept no liability for any loss or damage suffered by any person arising from use of this e-mail.
>
> -----------------------------Disclaimer-----------------------------
>



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Hello All,
Has anyone of you written any drivers for Ramtron serial NVRAM & RTC
chip that you would care to share?
I certainly do not want to re-invent the wheel. Anything would be
greatly appreciated.

Michael Burgess
>



(You need to be a member of 68hc12 -- send a blank email to 68hc12-subscribe@yahoogroups.com )

At 11:10 8/11/2006 -0400, you wrote:

>Hello All,
>Has anyone of you written any drivers for Ramtron serial NVRAM & RTC
>chip that you would care to share?
>I certainly do not want to re-invent the wheel. Anything would be
>greatly appreciated.

I have some I wrote for when we used their NVRAM back years ago. I
think they may be more specialized than you want (we were buffering
stuff through the NVRAM, rather than actually treating it as a
storage device). It's in HC11 assembly, as I recall.

If you don't find anything better, holler and I will see what I can dig up.

jmk
-----------------------------------------------
James M. Knox
TriSoft ph 512-385-0316
1300 Koenig Lane West fax 512-371-5716
Suite 200
Austin, Tx 78756 j...@trisoft.com
-----------------------------------------------



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