RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] low cost drivers

If anyone wants to read about the API drives I have go to
http://www.ktmarketing.com/CNC.html and there is a link to them on the
top of the page. On the CMD-260 page there is an additional link to some
reviews of the drive that were written by CCED list members that have
purchased the units.

First let me say that I am a big fan of Gecko drives and use the G320
units on Bridgett (my Bridgeport series II and on my Shoptask). I think
that Mariss has created an amazing product line that offer tremendous
bang for the buck. I personally think that in current production units
Gecko offers a value that is unmatched by any other drive maker.
Comparing a CMD-260 to a Gecko G2XX is a little unfair as we are
comparing a drive that sell for 3 - 4 times the cost of a Gecko so it
should have something more to offer. Because I was able to get a
quantity of brand new units as closeouts has allowed me to sell them for
less than a Gecko. With that said here is how I would compare the
CMD-260 to Gecko's.

I think that the CMD-260 is very similar in it's ability to drive a
motor. It has mid band stabilization same as a Gecko. It does have a 1
amp higher output with it being rated as 8 amps. The area where I think
it is superior to a Gecko is in the self protection and safety features.
The CMD-260 has short circuit protection on the motor connections, the
Gecko's don't. The CMD also has thermal protection and will shut down if
they get too hot. The CMD's allow you to change the step setting from
full step up to 254 microstep. From my testing it seems that the higher
microstep settings really require a close match between motor, voltage
and load to work well, but the range from full step to 10x microstep
seems to work well on most combinations. The CMD's are also easier to
set up as they amperage setting and the step ratio is all controlled by
little switches that are externally accessible. No hunting for resistors
or pulling the covers to change setting. The CMD's also offer a
dedicated fault output circuit. On the down side they are bigger than a
Gecko and there is a limited supply available.

Hope that helps answer questions about them. If you have any more feel
free to contact me off list at timg@...

Tim
[Denver, CO]

> The API drivers have also been mentioned. I saw an advert on Tim's
> page for these.
> I know they are now obsolete but how do they maesure up against
> Gecko's.
> Good points, bad points ?
> Am I correct in thinking that these are bigger then the Gecko's at 80
> volt 8 amp, as opposed to 80v 7 amp?
>
> John S.