Probably a stupid question about ' common ground '

[slotsmagic]

So, I've got my cabinet running nicely with physical lit buttons.

However, I'm planning on sorting out coins in/out at some point.

I've read a lot of issues on previous threads regarding hoppers not working due to them not sharing a common ground with other components (iPAC, PACdrive, e.t.c.).

I'm currently using a teeny little PC with separate external PSU (basically it's a laptop AC adapter). 

Now, this is probably stupid and completely wrong so I will ask some of you electrical types before blowing myself and the machine up... I'm using the original mains supply inside the cabinet (basically it's 5 or 6 IEC sockets). This has an earth harness connected.

Could I use that existing earth harness as a common ground for the hopper? Or is that dangerous and/or utterly stupid? I assume since every other device is connected to that single point (albeit via IEC plugs) that might act as a common ground?

Edited May 8, 2023 by slotsmagic

[MPU_FIVE]

This is something of interest for me too as one day i hope to undertake a cabinet build, so will be watching this topic as i had a similar idea as you by using a plug that's connected to the earth of the plug socket... such as one of these...

 

 

 

... and connecting all the ground wires to that.

As the voltages are different for the different parts (hoppers 24v, LED's for button LEDs 12v, Pacdrive and I-Pac 5v) I was'nt sure if it's safe to do (like you i don't want to blow anything up).

Sorry for not having an answer for you myself Slotsmagic... hopefully someone will be along soon to give a proper answer.

Cheers,

Gary.

[andrew96]

7 minutes ago, MPU_FIVE said:

This is something of interest for me too as one day i hope to undertake a cabinet build, so will be watching this topic as i had a similar idea as you by using a plug that's connected to the earth of the plug socket... such as one of these...

 

 

 

... and connecting all the ground wires to that.

As the voltages are different for the different parts (hoppers 24v, LED's for button LEDs 12v, Pacdrive and I-Pac 5v) I was'nt sure if it's safe to do (like you i don't want to blow anything up).

Sorry for not having an answer for you myself Slotsmagic... hopefully someone will be along soon to give a proper answer.

Cheers,

Gary.

Certainly good if your repairing boards, and installing them in machine or cabs! Mostly used with either a wrist strap (to remove any static clothes and standing on carpet give from humans, to stop damaging sensitive electronics) or a bench mat for the same reasons to stop static.

I use it all the time, every day in fact!

Edited May 8, 2023 by andrew96

[andrew96]

[MPU_FIVE]

@andrew96that's cool, but can it be used as a common ground for the parts in a cabinet build? (Hoppers, LED's for buttons, given they use different voltages such as 24v and 12v) - Preferably without damaging anything like I-Pacs, PacDrives? I know you are more of a real fruit machine person tho perhaps some other people who have made MFME cabs will know such as @WibbleWobble, @123, @Reg, @No1Stoney, @uptown47, @Amusements, @davep180,

(went to the show us your build thread to pull up some names as well as some i knew off top of my head)

Cheers,

Gary.

[andrew96]

well ground  is usually the negative side of the supplies which are all joined together known as a common ground