Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Setting up Gecko 210 - Step settings?

Hi Joe,

You can use any of the stepping "multiplier" rates. All that changes is
how many steps you need to generate for the same speed. More steps
require a faster CPU. Internally, the Geckos always take 10 "micro
steps".

The opto's are a little faster with the +5 common setup. Also, the
parallel port drivers will be "SINKING" in this mode. Some ports can't
SOURCE as well as they sink.

Roland's article sounds interesting. Wish I got the magazine!


HTH
Alan KM6VV
P.S. You might want to join the Sherline CNC list:
"http://groups.yahoo.com/subscribe/SherlineCNC"


"J.T. Travis" wrote:

>
> Hi,
> I need some help about the settings for a Gecko 210 (in regard to
> the stepping settings).
>
> I'm using them to drive Vectra stepper motors on a Sherline mill.
> The motors are 2 Amp, 0.9 deg/step.
>
> Should I set the Geckos to single step, half step, 5 or 10
> micro-step on the jumper blocks?
>
> I am assuming that the half step and micro step are slower since
> there are more impulses per motor step, or can this be offset in the
> software? With the motor doing 0.9 deg/ step is there any practical
> advantage to using half or micro-steps?
>
> Also, I've set them up to use a +5V common (the breakout board is
> set likewise). I haven't really found any info explaining the
> advantages vs. disadvantages of using a +5V vs using the ground as
> the common. My breakout board can be set to either setting as well.
> Any thoughts on this?
>
> Thanks in advance...
>
> FWIW, I am building the controller following the series found in
> Home Shop Machinist and written by Roland Friestad. His plans are
> very robust and expandable - he's left room for almost every option
> you could imagine. Everything including the computer fit on a single
> aluminum plate that fits inside an industrial enclosure. It's a
> pretty slick set up for someone building from scratch that wants a
> compact and efficient set up. After getting some experience with it,
> I plan to use it on a full size mill.
>
> Regards,
> Joe Travis