Silicon Labs SI8380S example design

Summary

This blog details the design and testing of a circuit board 'PCB' for the Silicon Labs SI8380S Digital Isolator PLC input device. The circuit board was designed to use the Arduino compatible pin layout with the code developed for the Cypress CY8CKIT-042 development board using PSoC Creator.

Silicon Labs Digital Isolator
In a previous blog, the approach of implementing PLC inputs using discrete components was reviewed for Single Board Computer such as the Raspberry Pi and Beagle. The use of the Silicon Labs eight input digital isolator could be considered a progression on the discrete solution. Some benefits in using the digital isolator pertain to component count reduction, localised solution, and the option of using a serial interface (SPI).

Schematic Design
Silicon Labs provide a basic application schematic in Application Note 970 which serves as a starting point for the design.

Silicon Labs Example Application Schematic

The Silicon Labs device datasheet and the aforementioned application note also detail resistor values for achieving the necessary IEC PLC Input Types from 1 to 3.

Silicon Labs Suggested Resistor Values

Even though there is little mention of input protection for the design, additional parts were included on the Arduino compatible board for the purposes of testing.

Silicon Labs Alternative PLC Input Section

The schematic displayed above was designed for testing five possible input circuit configurations. Some parts in the schematic are superfluous because of the technology used inside the Silicon Labs device. This is explained later in the blog.

1. Diodes - D1, D2, D3 not fitted. D2 replaced with a zero ohm link. This design is representative of the Silicon Labs design.

2. Diodes - D1, D3 not fitted. Using a single forward biased diode would commonly provide reverse polarity protection for a PLC input circuit. When a diode is used on the test PCB, the bipolar input behaves as a unipolar input in a sinking configuration. No overvoltage protection would be provided to the input of the Silicon Labs device.

3. Diode - D2 not fitted. Using the series Zener reduces the power dissipation in the resistors and provides overvoltage protection for the input of the Silicon Labs device. The inclusion of the series Zener also changes the turn ON and OFF characteristics of the circuit.

4. Diodes - D1, D2 not fitted. D2 replaced with a zero ohm link. The design provides overvoltage protection for the input of the Silicon Labs device and retains the turn ON and OFF characteristics of the circuit.

5. Diode - D1 not fitted. The design provides overvoltage with the Zener and would commonly provide reverse polarity protection. The series Schottky diode would only result in a slight deviation in turn ON and OFF characteristics of the circuit because the low forward drop of a Schottky.

Capacitor C3 was added for signal conditioning.

Arduino Pin Compatible Silicon Labs Adaptor Design

PCB Design
The board layout and connector placement was borrowed from an Arduino Uno board and verified against the Cypress CY8CKIT-042 development board.

Arduino Pin Compatible 8 Input Silicon Labs Prototype PCB

Some prior checking using a Cypress Creator project was required to ensure that the pins chosen for SPI communications would be compatible with the Cypress SPI component and the development board.

PCB Population
Only relevant components and a single input channel were populated for initial testing of the PLC prototype PCB. The image below shows the unpopulated prototype.

Prototype PCB for Silicon Labs SI8380S

Obligatory test points were soldered to the board to observe the data exchange on SPI with the Silicon Labs device. 

Cypress Development Board
A connection for a UART was added on the Cypress development board. A connection was made between the on-board PSoC4 and PSoC5 (Kitprog) devices to provide debug information during code development.

Silicon Labs Prototype Input Circuit 1

For the following tests conducted, a series of measurements were taken with tabulated data detailed after the last test.

Testing Input Circuit 1
As shown in the above capture only resistors R1 and R2 were fitted to the prototype, with input diode D2 replaced with a zero ohm link.

Turn on 7.7VDC and Turn off 7.1VDC

Testing Input Circuit 2
As shown in the capture below, diode D2 and resistors R1 and R2 were fitted to the prototype.

Turn on 7.9VDC and Turn off 7.3VDC

Silicon Labs Prototype Input Circuit 2

Testing Input Circuit 3
As shown in the next capture below, diodes D1, D2 and resistors R1, R2 were fitted to the prototype.

Turn on 12.8VDC and Turn off 12.2VDC

Silicon Labs Prototype Input Circuit 3

Testing Input Circuit 4
As shown in the next capture below, diode D3 and resistors R1, R2 were fitted to the prototype. Diodes D1 and D2 were not fitted and D2 was replaced with a zero ohm link.

Turn on 7.7VDC and Turn off 7.1VDC

Silicon Labs Prototype Input Circuit 4

Testing Input Circuit 5
As shown in the last capture below, diodes D2, D3 and resistors R1, R2 were fitted to the prototype. Diode D1 was not fitted.

Turn on 7.9VDC and Turn off 7.3VDC

Silicon Labs Prototype Input Circuit 5

Input Circuit Initial Measurement Data

As expected only input circuit 3, with the series Zener D1 on the input, was significantly different. One item to note is the reduction in total resistor power dissipation due to the addition of the Zener.

The diodes used for testing were manufactured by Diodes Incorporated. The Zener diodes being part BZT52C5V1 and the Schottky diode part SBR1A40S3. All resistors were from ROHM in a 1206 case, rated at 500mW.

Modified Input Circuit 3
The range of Silicon Labs PLC input devices are compliant to the IEC_61131-2:2003 standard. To modify the input circuit 3 with the Zener diode the turn On voltage was reduced. The IEC_61131-2 standard for a Type 3 input specifies 11V to 30V for a 'Signal 1' or logic high.

Silicon Labs Prototype Input Circuit 3 - Modified

Resistor R2 was reduced from 2k7 to 1k8 by placing a 5k62 resistor in parallel, as shown in the capture above. The same series of measurements were performed with the modified input circuit. Tabulated data with the modified input, 3 Mod, is shown below.

Input Circuit Measurement Data

Using the 1k8 resistor was not ideal because the measured voltage for Turn On is close to the 11V required by the IEC standard. Changing R1 and R2 may provide a better result with respect to the requirements of the IEC standard.

PSoC SPI 
A PSoC Creator project was used to read data from the SI8380S using either SCB or UDB components. The default project settings could possibly be modified for faster performance of the SPI. System clock for example could be increase from 24MHz to the maximum 48MHz. 

For an example, a signal generator set at 10 kHz with a DC offset was used to drive the SI8380S. The green trace in the capture below shows the output of the signal generator. The yellow trace is an output pin on the PSoC which is driven in response to the SI830S data.

Silicon Labs SI8380S PSoC Signals - Turn ON Delay

The listing below shows the code used for initial testing.

/*******************************************************************************
* File Name: main.c
*
* Version: 1.0
*
* Description:
* This example project demonstrates the use of the Silicon Labs SI8380S
* https://www.silabs.com/documents/public/data-sheets/Si838x-DataSheet.pdf
*
* Hardware Connections
* MOSI  P0.4
* MISO  P0.5
* SCK   P0.6
* SS    P0.7
*
*******************************************************************************/
#include <main.h>
#include <stdbool.h>

/* Defines for SI8380S registers */
#define SI8380_CHAN_STATUS      0x0             /* Status of the eight PLC inputs */          
#define SI8380_DBNC_MODE0       0x1             /* Mode control bits for the first four channel debounce filters */
#define SI8380_DBNC_MODE1       0x2             /* Mode control bits for the second four channel debounce filters */
#define SI8303_DBNC_DLY0        0x3             /* Delay control bits for the first four channel debounce filters */
#define SI8380_DBNC_DLY1        0x4             /* Delay control bits for the second four channel debounce filters */

/* Define bits used in control bytes */
#define DELAY_0MS               0x00
#define DELAY_10MS              0x01
#define DELAY_30MS              0x10
#define DELAY_100MS             0x11
#define DBNC_NO_FILTER          0x00
#define DBNC_LP_FILTER          0x01
#define DBNC_LEADEDGE_FILTER    0x10
#define SI8380S_BRCT            0x80            /* Broadcast = 1, Address a device = 0 */
#define SI8380S_RW              0x40            /* Read = 1, Write = 0 */

/* Define UDB or SCB */
#define SCB_BLOCK_USED                        /* 0.24 Mbps with x 10 sampling */
//#define UDB_SPI_BLOCK                           /* 6 Mbps max */
#define debug                                 /* Transmit only to terminal at 115200, 8, N, 1 */

/* SPI registers */
uint8 SI8380S_Control;
uint8 SI8380S_Address;
uint8 SI8380S_R_Data;
uint8 SI8380S_W_Data;


/* Function prototypes */
uint8 SI8380S_Read(uint8 spi_r_control, uint8 spi_r_address);
void SI8380S_Write(uint8 spi_w_control, uint8 spi_w_address, uint8 spi_w_data);


/*******************************************************************************
* Function Name: SI8380S_Read
*******************************************************************************/
uint8 SI8380S_Read(uint8 spi_r_control, uint8 spi_r_address)
{
    uint8 data_temp_buf;

    #ifdef SCB_BLOCK_USED
        SPIM_SpiUartWriteTxData(spi_r_control);
        SPIM_SpiUartWriteTxData(spi_r_address);
        SPIM_SpiUartWriteTxData(0x00);   
        // init task timeout
        while (SPIM_SpiUartGetRxBufferSize() == 0);                 /* Has any data been received */
        // reset task timeout
        data_temp_buf = SPIM_SpiUartReadRxData();
    #endif

    #ifdef UDB_SPI_BLOCK
        SPIM_WriteTxData(spi_r_control);
        // init task timeout
        while (!(SPIM_ReadTxStatus() & SPIM_STS_BYTE_COMPLETE));    /* Wait until byte complete to reassert Slave Select */
        // reset task timeout
        // init task timeout
        SPIM_WriteTxData(spi_r_address);
        while (!(SPIM_ReadTxStatus() & SPIM_STS_BYTE_COMPLETE));    /* Only continuous mode for a UDB component  */
        // reset task timeout
        // init task timeout
        SPIM_WriteTxData(0x00);
        while (!(SPIM_ReadTxStatus() & SPIM_STS_BYTE_COMPLETE));    /* SCB component may be more suitable */       
        // reset task timeout
        // init task timeout
        while (SPIM_GetRxBufferSize() == 0);                        /* Has any data been received */
        // reset task timeout
        data_temp_buf = SPIM_ReadRxData();   
    #endif

    return data_temp_buf;
}

/*******************************************************************************
* Function Name: SI8380S_Write
*******************************************************************************/
void SI8380S_Write(uint8 spi_w_control, uint8 spi_w_address, uint8 spi_w_data)
{
    #ifdef SCB_BLOCK_USED
        SPIM_SpiUartWriteTxData(spi_w_control);
        SPIM_SpiUartWriteTxData(spi_w_address);
        SPIM_SpiUartWriteTxData(spi_w_data);
        // init task timeout
        while (SPIM_SpiUartGetRxBufferSize() == 0);                 /* Has any data been received */
        // reset task timeout
    #endif

    #ifdef UDB_SPI_BLOCK
        // init task timeout
        SPIM_WriteTxData(spi_w_control);
        while (!(SPIM_ReadTxStatus() & SPIM_STS_BYTE_COMPLETE));
        // reset task timeout
        // init task timeout
        SPIM_WriteTxData(spi_w_address);
        while (!(SPIM_ReadTxStatus() & SPIM_STS_BYTE_COMPLETE));
        // reset task timeout
        // init task timeout
        SPIM_WriteTxData(spi_w_data);
        while (!(SPIM_ReadTxStatus() & SPIM_STS_BYTE_COMPLETE));
        // reset task timeout
    #endif
}

/*******************************************************************************
* Function Name: main
*******************************************************************************/
int main()
{
    /* Start components */
    spim_sck_Write(false);
    CyDelay(1);
    Spim_sck_Write(true);                                              /* Resync the SI8380 state machine */
    SPIM_Start();
    UART_Start();
    CyGlobalIntEnable;
    UART_PutString("Start\r\n");
    uint8 channel_data, channel_data_old = 0;
    for(;;)
    {
        channel_data = SI8380S_Read(SI8380S_RW, SI8380_CHAN_STATUS);    /* Update data */
        #ifdef debug
         if (channel_data != channel_data_old)
         {
            UART_PutChar(channel_data);      /* Read data continuously */
            CyDelay(250);
            channel_data = channel_data_old;
         }
        #endif
    }
}
/* [] END OF FILE */

Completed PCB 
The PCB was loaded with a single Schottky diode and the two resistors associated with the divider for each input.

Silicon Labs Prototype - Completed

Testing was conducted with RealTerm acting as the terminal monitor.

Silicon Labs Prototype - Serial Monitor Output

Each input was turned ON in sequence to prove operation.

Excessive Input Voltages
As a final destructive test the input voltage to the board was increased from 24V DC in 2V steps until system failure. All PLC inputs were configured as type 2, series diode and resistor divider only.

A Rigol DP832 was used to increase the voltage with voltage measurements performed at the PLC input connector of the prototype board. Results for the measurements are shown below.

Prototype PLC: Input Voltage vs SI8380S AHx Voltage

Graphed results for the above measurements.

Prototype PLC: Graphed Input Voltage vs SI8380S AHx Voltage Results

At some voltage above 62V DC the SI8380S ceased SPI communications with the Cypress controller. When the cause of failure could not be determined the SI8380S was replaced and operation was confirmed again at 24V DC. The second device was not provided with more than 60V DC consequently the SI8380S may operate with higher input voltages.

Summary
For a minimal external support component count, the range of Silicon Labs isolated PLC input isolators is an obvious rival to similar devices available in the market.

The limited testing in this blog showed more than acceptable performance with a single Silicon Labs SI8380S over a range of input voltages from 24V to 60V DC with the SPI interface. 

Isolation voltages were not tested or verified in this blog.

Downloads

PLC Input Schematic

PLC Input Gerbers

PSoC Creator 4.2 Silicon Labs Project

iC-Haus SSI Data Parity Check

Summary

This blog provides one solution for calculating the parity of a data stream which has been obtained using an SSI interface from an iC-Haus magnetic encoder.

Reason for SSI
Magnetic encoders from iC-Haus perform well for position sensing and are ideally suited for battery backup installations because of their low current consumption. One constraint with these encoders is that the data output of the SPI and SSI communications interfaces is different. It should be pointed out that the hardware solution required with the encoder will largely dictate the communications interface used in the design.

iC-Haus Communication Modes

From the communications interface, information such as the angle offset 'synchronization bits' is available using the SSI but not the SPI communication. The angle offset can be useful if the offset needs to be manually changed or set to a specific setting depending on external conditions.

iC-Haus Angle Offset

While obtaining SSI data from the encoder, data integrity can be achieved using an optional parity bit.

iC-Haus Parity Options

The parity bit is located at the end of the SSI data packet. It should be noted that the MT - Multiturn bit width shown at the beginning of the packet below, is user programmable between 9 and 40 bits.

iC-Haus SSI Data

SSI Data Parity Check
For a SSI data payload of 32 bits, calculating the parity could be achieved using a number of methods. One option for performing this calculation, which may not come to mind immediately, is calculating the parity in five steps. 

Such an example is shown in the code below. Courtesy of Sean Eron Anderson at Stanford University and the associated Bit Twiddling Hacks page for the implementation below.

unsigned int v;  // word value to compute the parity of
v ^= v >> 16;
v ^= v >> 8;
v ^= v >> 4;
v &= 0xf;
return (0x6996 >> v) & 1;

There is a lengthy explanation of the 32 bit parity check and an explanation of a 64 bit implementation by Hraban on his blog http://br0g.0brg.net, credit for helping wrap my head around the 0x6996!

Salvaging electronic parts - Part 2 Spark Gaps

Summary

This blog is a continuation of a prior blog which illustrated the selection of electronic parts for salvage and basic component removal using a soldering iron.

Salvaging Designs
As used in the first part of the Salvaging Electronic blog, the same NESS security system (D8X D16X) control board will be used for the purposes of this blog. The content of this blog focuses more on salvaging, replicating or repurposing designs. When referring to designs this could be the schematic design, Printed Circuit Board (PCB) layout or both.

The section of Ness control PCB under examination in this blog was the sensor input. This area was chosen was to illustrate the schematic (resistors selection) and PCB design (on-board spark gaps).

Ness Sensor Input Section

The image above shows the passive components related to monitoring devices such as relay contacts (PIR sensors). 

A basic schematic representation of one of the input channels is shown below. Note that this hardware design operates in an analogue fashion. That is, the voltage on each sensor input is fed into an analogue switch (4051) and measured by the on-board controller. A break in the line between the externally connected sensor and the sensor input circuit changes the voltage measured.

Of interest in this design is the line facing input resistor (Rb) and the spark gaps (Ya).

Sensor Input Section

How is this design useful? 

When designing a product, with similar specifications, then referencing existing and proven designs can serve as a valuable baseline. This is not to say that newer solutions or devices should not be investigated thoroughly. Consider a product with a similar input requirements such as an external automated gate, marine access hatch monitor or cattle feed flow controller which may require external monitoring of a sensor. A similar input circuit would seem a logical choice. Could the input resistor Rb be exchanged with a standard thick film resistor (1206 footprint)?

Looking at a standard Panasonic 1206 resistor, this part is rated at a continuous 200V for a maximum power of 250mW. For steady state conditions this voltage and power handling would be more than suitable. In some systems, inputs can be subject to transient voltages as a result of external events which may be due to indirect lightning strikes for example. Using a single standard thick film resistor may not be the ideal choice for this solution. 

Undoubtedly for transient events, additional protection such as Varistors, Transorbs or other surge protection solutions are commonly used in conjunction with suitably rated circuit components. Inputs circuits are usually bolstered using devices designed for handling transients (Pulse Withstanding) such as Metal ELectrode Face (MELF) resistors. MELF devices from Vishay are such an example. The Vishay series MMA HV MELF in an 0204 footprint (1206 compatible), operates at a continuous 300V for a maximum power of 400mW. 
For the same footprint and small increase in cost, an input section can be made more robust. This provides the option of switching between standard vanilla and application specific components.

Salvaging Layouts
For the sensor input section, it was mentioned earlier that for transient events other surge protection solutions could be added to the design.

Ness Sensor Input Spark Gap

The Ness board has two solutions for line facing transients. One is circuit components (Yb and Yc) and the second is exposed PCB traces (Ya). Components Yb and Yc are most likely Varistors and Ya is an array of several spark gaps made possible by sections of PCB copper with solder mask removed. It should be noted that component Yb is not fitted to the board in lieu of Ya being 'on the fibreglass'. Certainly Varistors are more accurate for a rated breakdown voltage when compared to a spark gap and add cost to the board. 
A spark gap, as the name suggests, is a gap or distance between two points across which a transient voltage (spark) can discharge. The distance the spark can breach is a function of creep distance. Technical literature on this subject can be viewed at multiple sites such as EDN Access (basic) - ESD Protection for IO Ports, read on Stack Exchange, Wiley, PTR or the distance needed for a design can be calculated on www.creepage.com. Some understanding of material and contamination of PCB's is required.

For those needing a fundamental understanding of creepage, Paschen's law is a solid starting point.

Focusing on the Ness control PCB, the gap between the two spikes is somewhere around 1mm. Using the tables on the PTR website to determine a ballpark transient overvoltage, for a standard level two PCB contamination on FR4 PCB, yields approximately 400V.

In reality 400V is an extremely low voltage for arcing and only marginally above the theoretical 327V required to arc in one atmosphere of air, see Paschen's law. Regardless of the actual breakdown voltage of this design, some level of protection will be afforded to the design with the addition of spark gaps to the PCB. In any event component, Yc will bear the brunt of any residual voltage that the spark gap does not dissipate.

Adding Spark Gaps to a PCB
Depending on your drafting software of choice, the process to add spark gaps may differ from program to program. The subsequent method described requires only changes to the PCB file however, is not the only method for implementing spark gaps in a PCB design. Some designers may prefer to create the spark gap as a schematic / PCB component library pair or modify existing library components to facilitate the additions of spark gaps. Each method has its own merits and should be reviewed carefully.

The target design for adding spark gaps was the Solar MPPT Project designed in a previous blog. There are two external digital lines which provide communications between an MPPT and a Solar MPPT Controller. These TTL lines expose both the MPPT and Controller to transients and use only steering diodes for protection.

Existing Communications Port - No spark gap

A spark gap separation of 0.5mm was used for the purposes of illustration. For a specific design, the necessary calculations should be made to determine the correct separation.

Fortunately there are ample 0V connections on the existing communication connector. Other designs may need to make use of vias to provide the necessary return path for the transient event.

Top Layer Spark Gap Added

In the above image, a polygon was added to the solder side of the component - top layer. A single pair of terminals 'points' for the spark gap is sufficient if the chance of the design experiencing a transient event is low. For higher probability of transient events, then more points should be used where practical for the design.

Top Side Solder Mask Over Spark Gap

Following the addition of the copper to the board the solder mask must be excluded from the region used by the spark gaps. The capture above shows the spark gaps with the solder mask included.

Fill Added - Top Layer Solder Mask 

To exclude the solder mask, a fill was added to cover the area over and between the spark gap terminals.

Top Side Solder Mask Removed Over Spark Gap

Viewing the addition of the solder mask fill to the board shows the exclusion over the spark gap terminals. In some instances the PCB terminals are given a liberal coating of solder at the time of assembly. The main goal is to lengthen the lifespan of the terminals.

Whether components, an input design or PCB layout is recovered from the occasional tear down or salvage, the process can be well worth the exercise. 

Rexon RDM 150D Drill Press Refurb

Summary

This blog follows the refurbishment of a twenty year old Taiwanese drill press, model RDM 150D, manufactured by Rexon. The drill press manufacturer is still in business at the time of releasing this blog although Rexon only lists one model of floor standing drill press on its website, no spares.

RDM 150D Original State 

Below is the plate for the Rexon 3/4 HP drill press.

RDM 150D Name Plate

As the drill press was still in operating condition, there was principally cosmetic work to be performed on the drill press. 

Rust Removal

Most small metallic items were detached from the drill press to remove the surface rust. Larger items such as the drill press table were mounted in a vice and cut back to bare metal using a wire brush mounted to cordless drill. To keep the dust to a minimum during wire brushing, a light coating of motor oil was rubbed into the rusty surface.

RDM 150D Table After Cleaning

Chrome surfaces were cleaned with 00 steel wool and a good helping of an aerosol lubricant WD-40.

RDM 150D Feeder Levers Before and After Cleaning

Table locking bolts were clamped securely in a bench vice and cleaned with a wire brush. After cleaning a light coating of oil was applied to the surface.

RDM 150D Locking Bolt Before Cleaning

RDM 150D Locking Bolt After Cleaning

The chuck was earmarked for replacement with a keyless variety. The arbor was still retained as it was reasonable condition.

RDM 150D Original Chuck with Arbor

To suit the original Rexon chuck a compatible JT-3 Taper Mount keyless chuck was installed.

Replacement Keyless Chuck

The motor was removed and inspected for possible faults and wear and tear. An insulation tester was used to check for any breakdown in the motor windings. The motor passed a 1000V check between the 240V active and the case of the motor - earth.

Drill Press Induction Motor

During the motor removal the belts were inspected and deemed in need of replacement, no surprise after a decade of use.

Drill Press Dual Belts

The Rexon drill press employs a dual belt system with an idler pulley connecting the two belts. The ratio between the two belts and pulleys determining the speed (RPM) of the spindle pulley (chuck). On the Rexon drill press the position of the induction motor can be moved toward and away from the idler pulley to set the required belts tension.

Drill Press Replacement Belts

Even though the drill press was relatively old, the belts were available off the shelf. The two types used were M-25 and M-26.

Original Mains Cabling

Although technically speaking there were no cuts, exposed conductors or similar issues with the mains cable this was replaced regardless. The old grey cable is best replaced with a thicker insulator such as the orange circular type shown below. Additionally mains plugs have undergone changes where the active and neutral are insulated rather than having completely exposed conductors on the plug.

Replacement Mains Cabling

During the recabling additional light was provided on the work area using an LED on a flexible arm. The fitting point for the base of the light was the service entry located between the spindle and the column.

Raco AC DC Power Supply

To power the LED a 12V DC supply was used from Digikey - RAC04-12SC/W.

Navara LED Fitted to Service Plate

The 1W LED used for the drill press is an Automotive type and usually called either a map reading or flexible gooseneck light. Shown in the image above the Navara 87684BL map reading light with a 40cm arm which retails for much less than any commercial workshop equivalent - whether it is as good only time will be the judge. Note the Navara 5 year warranty!

Old Switch Wiring

All original cabling was removed and discarded.

Start Stop Switch Rewiring

To complete the rewiring the primary of the AC to DC converter was wired to the Start Stop switch. Wiring was made so that the LED could be powered as soon as the drill press was powered.

LED to Drill Press Mounting

Once the LED wiring was connected to the DC side of the AC to DC converter all loose cables were tied away, electrical tape fitted were required and the service plate mounted back onto the drill press.

New Cables Mounted

All the updated orange circular cable was fixed in position with the previous cable clamps.

LED Drill Press Activated

With only natural light in the garage the LED makes a significant difference to the light on the work area. The switch for the light is in the head of the light itself so turning ON and OFF is quick and means that in many instances the arm does not need to be adjusted away from the work area.

Work Area LED Lighting

Lastly a short video was captured of the Rexon drill press in operation. There is final alignment and belt tensioning required to reduce some of the noise which can be heard during a drilling cycle.

Additional

Pictured below is the motor starting capacitor from the drill press, 150 uF, AC 250 V (Working).

Rexon Drill Press Motor Starting Capacitor