RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Missing link

The computer outputs step and direction signals and the stepper drives
(can be one of may brands, but virtually all of them work on step and
direction signals as does the Geckos) read that and then move the motor
one step increment for each step they receive. Normally there is a
breakout board of some sort between the computer and the drive, but for
conceptual purposes you can ignore it. The breakout board is just there
to create an easy way to connect the logic signals from the computer to
the drive.

Stepper systems are typically open loop and use no feedback. You set
them up properly and short of hitting something or just plain running
them faster than your configuration is capable of they will move exactly
as commanded.

Tim
[Denver, CO]
Sherline products at Deep Discount
Mach1 & DeskCNC with credit card ordering
www.KTMarketing.com/Sherline

> -----Original Message-----
> Hello, I am new to this group as of today. The archive here
> is huge and having trouble searching through it all, but will
> continue to do so. My question is: I am wanting to build a 3
> axis gantry machine such as the Torchmate. It will run plasma
> and a wood router. The mechanical part is something I can
> figure out, but the electronic is something still a bit
> confusing. I know you have a Computer running some CAM
> software, a power supply, some drive controllers such as
> "Gecko" and some Stepper motors. Does the computer send a
> signal to the gecko directly, or is there another piece that
> I am missing? I am wondering exactly what part of a CNC
> system does the computer hook to and communicate with. And
> also will a gecko provide feed back to the computer to keep
> track of what step it's at to keep from losing position? Thanks.
>
>
>
> Addresses:
> FAQ: http://www.ktmarketing.com/faq.html