Re: gecko wiring help

Hi Dennis,

Yes, with the "common +5" jumper configuration, you don't need a ground
from the PC (As Mariss points out in the white paper, there are TWO ways
to connect the drive). If you NEED a ground from the PC (using common
gnd jumper setup), then you need to check pins 18-25 of your cable to
"find the ground". Sometimes pin 18 is "stolen" for other things too.
Bad idea, IMO. Also watch for "serial only" cables masquerading as
parallel printer cables. They sometimes fail to connect pin 1 through!
I look for all 25 conductors, and use a separate "plug in" parallel port
card (SIIG) when ever possible. A good card will tie all pins 18-25 to
ground. Giving a better shielding effect. A foil shield and drain wire
are also pluses in a "printer cable".

Often, if the +5 is missing, the drive will only turn ONE way! GUESS
where it's getting the +5v power!

Alan KM6VV
P.S. How DID you blow up the drivers?


Dennis Cranston wrote:

>
> Alan
> In your response
>
> >
> > --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., Alan Marconett KM6VV <KM6VV@a...> wrote:
> > > Hi Matt,
> > >
> > >
> > > Run "common +5" jumpers, get +5 from game port.
> > >
>
> I had a problem with the G210s and here is what Geckdrive responded:
>
> *********** quote from direct email
> Dennis,
>
> Good evening! If you have the jumpers set to common ground, you do not need
> a +5VDC supply. Take terminal 10 to your PC port ground. How did you blow
> the drives up? Check to make sure one motor winding goes to terminals 3 and
> 4, the other winding to 5 and 6. Make sure terminal 2 goes to your supply
> "+" and 1 goes to your supply ground.
>
> Mariss
> Geckodrive Inc.
> ********** end of quote
>
> I spent two weeks working on a similar problem and found that the PC
> parallel port only had common on pin 25. I had used pin 24 (assuming that
> 18-25 all tied together). I still measured a voltage change on the step and
> direction leads, but getting no steps from the drive.
>
> Bit far off, but something to check
> Dennis