Do you guys use an isolation transformer for your lab/workbench? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: bigfoot22
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2023, 06:31:13 pm
content: deleted

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2023, 06:46:35 pm
content: Let’s put it this way: if you don’tthoroughlyunderstand why and when you’d want an isolation transformer, and what it does and doesn’t protect you from, then you shouldn’t work on mains-powered stuff yet, specifically, things with a live chassis.If you get one, make sure you don’t let it lull you into a sense of false security, such that you actually let your guard down around mains voltages.As for the specific question of using one to isolateallof your test equipment: an emphatic no!!!!If you want to add safety to your bench, install a sensitive GFCI (more sensitive than the one your home may already have installed).

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2023, 06:52:54 pm
content: Quote from: bigfoot22 on February 01, 2023, 06:31:13 pmThere's probably not a good reason to do so and most test equipment will isolate their innards from the mains anyway via the power supply transformer or whatever. Y-cap leakage can still be an issue in some cases though.Isolation transformers typically pass through the ground connection but that is a separate issue. You typically would not want to break that ground, certainly not by default.

author: AVGresponding
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2023, 06:55:52 pm
content: Quote from: tooki on February 01, 2023, 06:46:35 pmThis ^ 100%Simple quotepost becauseit bears repeating.

author: AVGresponding
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2023, 07:07:13 pm
content: I don't know how things go in the US, but here in the UK, that would NOT MEET electrical safety standards, and would be technically be illegal to sell.@bigfoot22 sorry, forgot you're an Aussie. I can't imagine it would pass safety regs there either.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2023, 07:11:27 pm
content: Quote from: bigfoot22 on February 01, 2023, 07:05:23 pmYou don't want that for powering your bench unless you plan on modifying it with a ground somewhere. It might be appropriate for powering a DUT in certain cases, but I don't like the fact that it has an earth socket that isn't connected to anything. If there was a device to measure the voltage at that isolated earth socket to actual earth and disconnect the power if that potential rises above SELV voltage, then it might be acceptable.

author: AVGresponding
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2023, 07:17:26 pm
content: Primarily the reason it's non-compliant is that it has the capability to plug in a class 1 (requires an earth connection) device, without having the required earth connection. If it had 2-pin outlets it would comply.

author: nightfire
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2023, 10:01:19 pm
content: As a proud owner of an old isolation transformer of the 70ies- has anyone some hint of the actual IEC (Or VDE/german) standard revision for those?

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2023, 10:26:20 pm
content: An electrostatic shield between windings greatly reduces capacitive coupling of high-frequency common-mode garbage (on line and neutral) to the secondary, and such a transformer usually connects the PE ground to the output.Topaz transformers used to be popular in critical laboratory applications, and can be found at surplus vendors and eBay, but seem to be hard to locate since Schneider bought SquareD.They look nice and have very low primary-secondary capacitance.Here are some at a large US surplus vendor:https://www.surplussales.com/class/inductor/isolation_1k-4k.htmlI couldn't find anything Googling for Schneider Topaz.

author: Gregg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2023, 11:29:48 pm
content: I have a medical grade toroidal isolation transformer dual voltage windings primary and secondary and an electrostatic shield that I rewired the secondary so that I can easily disconnect the output receptacle from the input mains ground via a jumper link on the front where it is readily visible as to the ground status. This also allows connecting a jumper to an ammeter etc in the ground circuit or to connect to an isolated ground. The ground binding posts are connected to 4mm banana jacks on the side of the case.I also installed a switch type circuit breaker and 4mm banana jacks on the output.It has come in handy in a few cases but it certainly doesn't reside on the bench top.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2023, 11:36:52 pm
content: Quote from: bigfoot22 on February 01, 2023, 07:13:48 pmAnd get CAT rated high voltage differential probes. These are very affordable (from MicSig for example) and will provide safety while measuring in mains powered circuits.Also think long and hard if you even need to provide mains power to a mains powered device. Switching power supplies always have a low voltage supply in the primary side. If you use a bench power supply to power the primary side (and a different channel to apply some power to the secondary side) you can test 99.9% of a power supply without even connecting it to mains.

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2023, 05:09:31 am
content: I have one that does about 100W, made by taking apart two halogen lamp transformers and reassembling one with two primary windings. I use it more for the current limiting although the isolation is definitely a plus.For more power, I run a 1000W power inverter from a surplus 1400W server PSU. It's rare that I have to do that, even working on fairly large PSUs the 100W isolation transformer is sufficient to see if it at least powers up correctly.

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2023, 09:13:38 am
content: Study isolation transformers in detail till you understand what type for what task,how to test the actual level of input to output 'isolation', chassis relations,and that it will do the task before using it,but not before understanding the source of the incoming power from your mains switchboard first, the earth bond/grounding thing etcIt's actually SUPER SIMPLE even using generic isolation transformers once you have understood the above,with the wiring option of various degrees of 'isolation' from the mains and or connected suspect equipment etcMy rig has the option of any type of isolation needed,regulated, varied or limited AC,and options to use GFCI or RCD,and be able to externally test trip them also to ensure they actually do worki.e. If risky businessI simulate the snafu first, then hook up and power upand there's a UPS rig too but that's another story as to how it's transformer works on backup disconnected from the mainsMy intentions when learning about this stuff were really to be personally 'isolated' from hospital bedsand or a one time permanent earth/ground connection, after a few good overconfident idiot zaps and walkaways over the years.'Isolation' has way too many variables for people unfamiliar with all the voodoo and confusion,to either zap their equipment and themselves,or cop spark shrapnel in the eyes,or worse still, send panic'd kitty and fido packing down the streetinto an oncoming beer swilling, bad hair day, 'friday tradie' ute, with cranked up mindless detuned metal mayhem trash.Isolation: No research? = No Do !

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 02, 2023, 12:51:56 pm
content: Quote from: AVGresponding on February 01, 2023, 06:55:52 pmI was going to do exactly the same - for the same reason.

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2023, 06:09:02 pm
content: Quote from: tooki on February 01, 2023, 06:46:35 pmIn the US, UL standard 943 covers GFCI devices and they trip at 4 to 6 mA of ground current. I don't think you will find anything more sensitive. These are used for individual branch circuits, we do not trip the panel main breaker with a GFCI nor do we use something like the UK RCD device. Typical ratings are for 125/250V up to 50AIt is my understanding (from a quick read on Google) that UK RCD devices trip at 18..23 mA (30 mA max).

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2023, 06:54:31 pm
content: Quote from: rstofer on February 02, 2023, 06:09:02 pmThe US is a bit of an anomaly in this regard, in that it uses very low current GFCIs. Elsewhere in the world, 30mA is typical. At my previous job (vocational training center) here in Switzerland, they have 10mA GFCIs protecting each workbench, both so they trip sooner if there’s a fault, and so that it won’t take out the entire lab if there is.

author: Infraviolet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2023, 09:39:07 pm
content: I've heard they can be useful for some forms of high (mains) voltage work, haven't really looked in to the accuracy of such rumours or reasons behind them, but for lower voltage stuff I'd expect they could be a practical menace. Lets put it this way, the things you're designing are probably going to end up being battery powered or run from wall wart supplies, either being imperfect. If you get used to producing designs in a "perfected" environment where everything is isolated from the ground to avoid some particular sort of noise then things you design might then not work in the real world where that noise is present and the isolation isn't.That said, a lot of low voltage stuff will be isolated anyway, low voltage wall warts are floating and ungrounded relative to mains. And bench power supplies often have a phsyically grounded pin socket on them, but unless you use it the supplies will be floating relative to mains.

author: timeandfrequency
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2023, 12:44:19 am
content: Hi bigfoot22,tooki's first post sincerely provides you with good advice.When I have to probe into a device (DUT) with mains/live exposed parts (like boards within situSMPS), I do not use an isolation transformer (even if I've got one).My DUT is powered via a 10mA RCD/GFCI (trips at about 6-8 mA) and the sole allowed TE are first tier (bench) multimeters withIEC1010 compliant accessories, and a truly isolated oscilloscope (Scopemeter) with adequatefully isolated probes.You may also check out thesetest leads with selectable safety category and double-insulated silicon wire. Same stuff but withbanana connexion.Another set fromPomona.If the DUT has a metallic enclosure, I always use a strong alligator clip to make an additional link from chassis to earth.Even if it's not practical, wearingclass 00 or class 0 insulated glovesprovides an additional level of safety.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2023, 01:23:32 am
content: Quote from: timeandfrequency on February 03, 2023, 12:44:19 amGloves implies 2 hands are used which for mains breaks the good old rule of keeping one hand in the back pocket when working on mains.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2023, 01:23:49 am
content: Has anyone mentioned not to wear jewelry?

author: timeandfrequency
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2023, 01:45:11 am
content: [...]Quote from: tautech on February 03, 2023, 01:23:32 amThe well-known rule is undoubtfully good advice when working with bare hands. If you need both hands to probe inside a DUT, wearing insulated gloves usually provides a sufficient level of safety. I couldn't find any seller that only sells one glove.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2023, 01:58:10 am
content: Quote from: timeandfrequency on February 03, 2023, 01:45:11 am

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2023, 03:03:37 am
content: QuoteYa didny look very hard,although buying a pair might be cheaperhttps://www.smoothradio.com/artists/michael-jackson/white-glove-sold-auction-value/

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2023, 10:35:35 am
content: Quote from: tautech on February 03, 2023, 01:58:10 amBob has you covered:www.bobthewelder.com.au/products/xt-left-handed-welding-gloves-green-long---------------------FWIW folks: 30ma RCDs rarely trip at 30maAnywhere from 15 to 28ma is what usually happens, and a good unit will have about 2 to 3ma repeatabilityi.e. test the suckers properly before trusting your life and gear with them,better still, use two RCDs piggy backed.One of the two 'may' trip 'faster', or both will work if the trip current approaches zap city.But they won't do you much good with an electrical fault or short in the chain, so..FUSE UP, just past the DUTs current rating,and you won't need an imitation rabbits foot or garlic necklace

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2023, 10:57:15 am
content: Quote from: bigfoot22 on February 03, 2023, 10:43:46 amOnce your hands get sweaty in those, you better think of possible conductivity consequences,especially if there's a pinhole or paper cut slice you can't see, especially if salt is a favorite in your diet.I usually have cheap thin cotton gloves on first, then work large nitrile or similar gloves over. You get a few good dry hours use from that.Or if it has to be tight thin nitriles for finicky handling, then I swap them over for dry ones once I feel the hands getting sweatyThe sweaty gloves get 'flipped out' and put out to dry etc= a bit hard to put on again, but the effort is great for the wallet

author: AVGresponding
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2023, 02:19:15 pm
content: Quote from: Electro Detective on February 03, 2023, 10:35:35 amYes, unlike fuse or circuit breaker ratings, the RCD trip current is themaximum allowablefor it to meet its standards.This is a pretty good source of info on RCDs:https://www.eaton.com/content/dam/eaton/products/electrical-circuit-protection/circuit-breakers/xeffect-rccb/eaton-rcd-application-guide-br019003en-en-us.pdf

author: nightfire
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2023, 02:52:23 pm
content: While we are getting into the topic of RCD:a) They usually trip in between 0,5*rated diff. current and 1*rated diff.current. Usually manufacturers try to adjust the ti the middle of that range when they are new, so usually those RCD trip between 20-25mA for a 30 mA standard type.b) When relying on RCD protection: Which waveforms do you expect? If it is not sine wave, the standard RCD type A would not do much...German manufacturer Doepke has very good material there, called "Allstrom Fibel", downloadable as pdf. Also some general notes on RCD and stuff.(www.doepke.de)

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2023, 03:02:54 pm
content: Out of curiosity do the rules for GFCI in the states stipulate a disconnection time,ive had a quick google but find conflicting advice,the only thing that made sense was T = (20/I)1.43 , but this seems to give longer times than permitted in the uk,so whilst ours have a higher current before operation it appears ours must operate faster

author: nightfire
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2023, 07:23:20 pm
content: In germany, the corresponding standards mandate a maximum of 0.3s, the low voltage regulations ((up to 1000V) mandate 0.2s above 230V- in reality a fresh RCD in mains installation is tripping faster than 30ms- older models can take a bit longer, in some cases due to old grease in them. This is also the reason why those RCD should be actuated in regular intervals, to prevent grease hardening etc.

author: wilhe_jo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2023, 12:09:59 am
content: Just a thing to consider...Even at some none budget suppliers website, a differential probe is at 200.-I got my vintage Tektronix ones very well below this...Migsig ones are below 100.-Do you really want to risk touching life mains, or do you want to risk mains/Gnd short just because it always was like this?I had quite a enlightening event with a client (10B/a revenue!) some years ago.When I arrived, I was taken too seriously, because I got there with dated stuff.... Yeahh... Ok..I sell knowledge not decoration ...Then they got their measurement rig up....Probing with two brand new Lecroy HD Scopes and 2 isolation transformers (also fresh from the egg).... Perfect.Effectively they had 2 usable channels per scope.And using the touch screen is out on the intentional use....Yeahh. That's the way I want to work!They were frightened about frying the touch... So we had to shutdown power for every interaction with the scope....Really, get diff-probes!2x diff probes1 current probeThat's what you want to have for single phase!Just to be clear: my 3 phase dif-probes and my 3 phase current probes were around the price of the 2 premium iso-transformers.Apart from this, a RCD protects you from things, somebody clever hasn't thought about (or is really, really, really unlikely).Debating whether ab RCD is an appropriate safety measure to protect you from common mistakes is ... brave.Work as if you were drunk!Honestly. That's pretty much what happens in accidents due to laziness or distraction.Diff-probes keeps the RCD on your side.An Iso transformer makes the 10+A breaker your only friend!Oh, yes I work with isolation transformers... A LISN needs that... But you can reduce the pain...73

author: nightfire
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2023, 10:01:36 am
content: I have some diff probes on my shopping list, but even micsig are 200+ Euros here in germany- do you have any hints where to buy used gear that is not worn down?Regarding RCD: Yes, they are very useful, so they should be included in every setup on a work bench, but in case you really need then and they do the things they are intended to do, you also get zapped- at least a little bit.Therefore I would regard them as one of the multiple pieces you (or the one setting up a bench) should consider as part of safety measures.Which means, that the person doing the setup is responsible for this, and has to think beforehand if a safety/isolation transformer in front of the DUT will and can improve the safety, or simply be a cause of different issues.In the same league I would sort:- gloves- isolated bench- isolated tools- diff probes- lightbulb inrush current limiter- RCDs (including type B for pulsed or DC currents)

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2023, 10:56:53 pm
content: Whatever 'isolation' strategy used, don't forget protective eyewear, it's one- oops! arghhh!!! ****! -you can't easily walk away fromHow many times do people stick their face into a project or repairfilled with with pop-able capacitive parts and solder fumes etcFWIW, there is NO way I would rely on one 'worked fine yesterday..' RCD or GFCI to bail me out of a situation involving voltage surfingespecially if not externally trip tested immediately beforehand rather than the onboard TEST switchHave come across a few faulty mains switchboard units that tripped fine with the onboard TEST monthly 'good luck' switch,that NO ONE on this Earth ever tests, remembers, or even knows about..but same RCD big fail when pumped externally or at the domestic power point receptacle with 30ma and beyond.Another factor many may have not considered is using smaller, fast fuse input and delayed fuse output, isolation transformers,that just meet the current draw requirements of the DUTThis way you at least are not copping the full output of the street transformer through the shorted gear or shorted YOU!i.e. if most of the powered DUTs you work with only pull in under 1 amp, why have that 10 or 20 amp isolation transformer monster powering it,unless there is DUT inrush surges to consider?Plus the junior sized one hums and buzzes less, easy to move about and find parking space,and may be all you can afford at this time.or if you can afford or have both, bring out the big one when neededEither way any of the above may be 50/50 coin toss 'luck' unless you read up and understand 'isolation' in all it's forms and RCD/GFCI pros, cons etcYou only have to spend that time learning and testing ONCE, verifying what you think you now know safely, and get on with it,or toss coins for the rest of your long (or cut short) electo-life using and surfing suspect voltagesPersonally I'd rather swap out fuses, reset breakers and RCDs,and work from a a tested working isolation transformer,and avoid the local street power transformertrying to supply all it's current into the gear or me

author: nightfire
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2023, 12:17:33 am
content: To alleviate the fear of grilled by the street transformer: It only can do 230V in case of a short circuit in the DUT. Voltage in case of a real low impedance short also tends to drop a little, so basically the most annoying part of it would be particles moving away from the DUT with high velocity and/or temperature.This is also limited a bit by the impedance of the cable from the DUT to mains, which limits the short circuit current a bit. Rule of thumb: After 3 meter of 1.5mm², there can be onyl around 2000A- in reality, a standard outlet brings between 200A and 400A short circuit current- here the type of fuse you use would be important, as those clear glass fuses can break under this stress. So ceramic fuses are strongly recommended if you want to protect against shorts like this.Also a reasonable fuse limits the short circuit current a bit, so that part of the (prospective) energy goes into melting the metal inside of the fuse.Depending on the isolation transformer, you can change the fuse, so exchanging the mostly slow-blow fuses to faster ones or with lower rated current is also a way of getting them a bit more sensitive.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2023, 04:01:28 am
content: Quote from: bigfoot22 on February 05, 2023, 03:45:39 amToo complex, just KISS.That was a similar plan to what I had with an always ON DBT through the bulb and flick the switch the other way to bypass the DBT and supply full power to the DUT.I just used that ^ setup for a very short time then became properly aware of the hazzard it was and changed the switching to just a series power switch to properly kill the power and not the user !That's not to say you can't build something lots lots safer with dual switches or a 3 position switch but unless you're using it all day IMHO it's better to KISS.Below is the DBT I knocked together with scrap from around the bench all those years ago and it's remained unchanged since the mods to make it safer.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2023, 09:57:30 am
content: Quote from: AVGresponding on February 03, 2023, 02:19:15 pmDid'nt read the Eaton article but fully I doubt this statement is entirely true. There has to be a minimum as well so you have a defined amount of allowed leakage current. Otherwise it wouldn't make sense to sell unsensitive (300mA) and super sensitive (5mA) GFIs / RCDs

author: AVGresponding
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2023, 10:15:29 am
content: Quote from: nctnico on February 05, 2023, 09:57:30 amIf you had bothered to read the article, you would have found out that the regulatory requirement is that the device should operate at between 50% and 100% of the rated trip current, and that typical trip values for a 30mA RCD are 18-23mA, with a 2-3mA variance in repeatability for good quality devices.

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2023, 10:42:24 am
content: Quote from: AVGresponding on February 05, 2023, 10:15:29 amNow we're rockin',well said mateSeriously folks, what part of trusting fool zone is not clear, when prodding OUCH!/HOSPITAL/BBQ/MORGUE voltagesand trusting an RCD or GFCI, you struggled to release from a blister packwith bolt cutters and oxy cutting torchwith entitlement to a refund, exchange, or gift voucher if faultyThis comment is mainly aimed at newbies and overconfident amateurs, and many of us have been there at one timeguilty as chargedApparently pros never get zapped terminally by RCD GFCI fails,and many that did past and present have never returned to tell us whether it was the current, voltage,or pacemaker failure that did them in

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2023, 11:06:11 am
content: I notice the original poster has deleted the first post. It does annoy me when that happens. There's no point in doing this. It just implies he's gone off in a strop.To answer the question: yes, I have one on my bench in the lab at work. Not only does it provide shock protection, as the circuit has no RCD, but it occasionally comes in handy for probing mains circuits with an oscilloscope and it reduces the leakage on switched mode power supplies. It's a useful piece of kit. Obviously I'm fully aware of the dangers and don't rely on it to provide complete protection against shock. I know full well, when the 'scope is connected, the circuit becomes connected to earth, although I often use a battery powered Owon 'scope, to prevent that.

author: nightfire
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2023, 12:37:59 pm
content: On my bench at home I have also in my apartment no RCD installed for the wall outlet- cabling is older than standards dictate mandatory usage of RCD for every layman-operable circuit.I got my hands on ebay on a new 19" power strip from Rittal, andd mounted a PRCD plug on it, so this power strip is protected by a 30mA RCD.As an additional benefit the build quality of that strip is solid as a tank, and together it cost me less than 50 €.

author: timeandfrequency
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2023, 03:44:28 am
content: Quote from: Zero999 on February 14, 2023, 11:06:11 amI agree. Maybe he prefers being isolated from our answers.

author: MrMobodies
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2023, 04:12:51 am
content: Quote from: tooki on February 01, 2023, 06:46:35 pmI am not an electrician but it reminds me of this video:youtube.com/watch?v=FBeSKL9zVroThe most deadly project on the Internet (Wood fracking)Quote

author: Nominal Animal
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2023, 04:28:49 am
content: As I play with microcontrollers and very low DC voltages only, I don't have nor need an isolation transformer, but I usually connect the projects to my computer via USB while developing and testing. Me being the butterfinger I am, I have learned to use a cheap USB isolator (ADuM3160 clones off eBay, they're direct implementations of the datasheet/appnote, with the only difference being the isolated DC-DC converter used – which I recommend checking before relying on > 100mA of current being available) between the project and the computer, just in case. My gadgets all tend to have native USB support.I can't really tell if I've actually saved any hardware doing this, but it calms my nerves and reduces stress levels when poking at the project while it is running and powered. It makes development more relaxed and fun.(The only downside is that ADuM3160 is limited to full speed, 12 Mbit/s, but faster but roughly equally simple isolators like ADuM4165, ISOUSB211, etc., are still rare enough – chipageddon – to keep high-speed 480 Mbit/s isolator prices relatively high. My Teensies have native high-speed USB, which is nice. I guess I'll have to build my own damn isolators?)Anyway, I wonder how many others use such equipment to limit damage to their tools because of their own butterfingery, and peace of mind, rather than as a necessary precaution for safety?

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2023, 09:44:35 am
content: Quote from: timeandfrequency on February 15, 2023, 03:44:28 amWhen I spot (and remember) someone has done that in the past, any reply of mine will "quote" their message so they can't pull that trick again.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2023, 01:27:29 pm
content: Ah yes, bigfoot22, a repeat offender. I't looks as if he went round and deleted the first post onallof his threads on the 11th. [Edit: and all of his posts]

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2023, 10:43:52 pm
content: Quote from: Gyro on February 15, 2023, 01:27:29 pmHe's deleted all of his posts.Here's a link to a quote of one of his now deleted posts.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/your-pet-peeve-technical-or-otherwise/msg4691378/#msg4691378It appears he's thrown his toys out of the pram and left. Did I miss the fireworks?

author: Nominal Animal
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2023, 02:30:10 am
content: The sad thing is, when he calms down and realizes the effects of it, and how it looks, he'll want to undo it, but will not be able to.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2023, 07:53:32 am
content: Quote from: Nominal Animal on February 16, 2023, 02:30:10 amI somehow doubt that reflection is one of his strengths…

author: iMo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2023, 09:17:18 am
content: I made myself an isolation transformer mainly for measurements with my oscope. I did it simple way - with two back to back ~200W transformers (230/34V) off my junkbox, I added a fuse, sockets and a switch. It works, what I see as a minor issue is its weight and the power consumption of the combo without a load is around 30W

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2023, 11:13:26 am
content: Quote from: imo on February 16, 2023, 09:17:18 amHow about rewinding one of them for 230V out?I've done that before. At first I did a few too many turns and it gave 280V out unloaded, so I removed some until I got just under 250V out, with 230V in, unloaded and close to 230V at full load.

author: ebastler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2023, 08:22:16 am
content: Quote from: Zero999 on February 15, 2023, 10:43:52 pmNot sure what drove his decision, but he had certainly disclosed a lot of detail about his challenging personal situation in his posts. In my opinion it was a wise decision to remove them and let that published persona disappear.I wish bigfoot the best for his future; hopefully he gets the right support and can turn things around for himself.

author: pcprogrammer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2023, 09:02:31 am
content: QuoteMe too.Must have been quite a job to delete his posts. I think he had near or over 500 of them. He could have left the ones that did not include bits about his personal situation. He did show willingness to work on his problem and try to earn money. Don't want to feed the ones that don't show this willingness.

author: Nominal Animal
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2023, 10:00:08 am
content: Quote from: ebastler on February 19, 2023, 08:22:16 amPerhaps. I saw details that closely reminded of myself a decade and a bit ago, when I was really in a bad place, not having started cognitive-behavioural therapy yet. Very, very close similarities, although my problems stem from my work history and lack of work-life balance.I have been open about my own history, exactly because a large part of my problems was that I did not know how to speak about them, or evenhowto seek help. My problems didn't/coudn't fester, but they certainly ground me down during the years. Yet, having issues with depression and burnout is really no different than having a broken leg: in most cases, you can heal and become strong enough to not suffer anymore, even if you'll have some lingering effects like a twinge whenever the weather changes. Some disagree, but they're wrong.(I agree to removing the personal posts possibly being wise, simply because many people are stupid, and revealinganythingabout oneself makes one a possible target for stupid people. I have considered that myself, and decided that the positive effects (of maybe helping someone consider checking if they need help) are much bigger for myself than the risk of being targeted by stupid people. I already get targeted by stupid people for all sorts of reasons anyway, down to the choice of a mascot, one more isn't a big deal. So, the best decision will definitely vary from person to person.)

author: pcprogrammer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2023, 10:23:13 am
content: Quote from: Nominal Animal on February 19, 2023, 10:00:08 amTrue, one can heal from a depression or a burnout, and I don't see it as a weakness to tell others about it. As written before, I have been there myself. But in my case, and probably in the case of many others, it is due to ones own personality that it happens. And this is one of the most difficult things to change. Your personality.I had to learn to say "no" to avoid taking on to much work. In itself a lot of work is not a real problem, but when time enters the building it introduces stress. And that is where it went wrong for me.Quote from: Nominal Animal on February 19, 2023, 10:00:08 amIt is not just stupid people that might target someones weakness. Greed, vengeance, envy, etc. are trades of dumb as well as smart people.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2023, 10:52:26 am
content: Quote from: Nominal Animal on February 19, 2023, 10:00:08 amI regard being open about problems (technical, personal, personality, etc) to be a strength rather than a weakness, for two reasons:acknowledgement is the necessary precondition for improvementthe information can smooth future plans and interactions, leading to a better resultHaving said that, I won't mention something unless it is relevantto the audience. Sometimes that might be a public forum, sometimes a family member.I won't mention it to random strangers unless there is a reasonably belief they might help. A few random strangers are malicious, most are uninterested in me (very sensibly!).

author: Nominal Animal
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2023, 11:34:13 am
content: Quote from: pcprogrammer on February 19, 2023, 10:23:13 amVery good point; agreed. In anger, in the heat of a moment, anyone can stoop that low, without thinking; it is only human.Quote from: tggzzz on February 19, 2023, 10:52:26 amVery sensible approach, I agree. I do worry myself if I bring it up too often, because it is not something I consider adefining characteristicat all; more like an anecdote about ones work history, like a tale about a coworker dismissive of personal protective equipment losing a finger and an eye in an unfortunate, but entirely foreseeable, table saw and fluorescent lamp accident. It is not useful to repeat such anecdotes too often.

author: AVGresponding
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2023, 11:40:15 am
content: Quote from: tggzzz on February 19, 2023, 10:52:26 amCompletely agree, and I have no hesitation in joining others wishing bigfoot22 all the best, and hope they can come back to the forum some day, as they made an actual contribution to the place, unlike some.

author: giubin
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2023, 10:08:46 am
content: I just tried the ADuM4165 (on its eval board) and it's freaking good... the speed and the reliability.