Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Thanks - was: Things to check? is now: RUNNING~!

Weyland wrote:

>
>
>>>Motors *SEEMED* a bit slow for my likes...
>>>Is there a way to speed them up?
>>>
>>>
>>Is it the MOTORS that are slow, or the computer? Did it lose steps
>>and start rattling if you got above a certain speed, or did it run
>>smoothly, just not fast enough?
>>
>>
>
>It *seemed* to run smoothly, but some growling was audible.
>It just didn't seem fast enough.
>
>

A little growling is probably ragged step pulses. Lost steps will be VERY
obvious, much clattering! It definitely sounds like the step output of the
computer is limiting things. What software are you using? What limit
do you have set for max jog rate?

>If the latter, that just means your
>computer and software can't go fast enough. Speed that up, or set the
>Gecko 210 to multiply the steps by some factor (reduce microstepping).
>
>
>
>Hmmmm... this is a 800Mhz PIII laptop.
>Now, in saying "multiply the steps", do you
>mean setting the Gecko to full steps or micro-steps?
>I'm confused on just what the direction of definitions mean here.
>

First, you should find out whether the computer can go faster. Does one
inch on the computer move the machine one inch? If so, the number of
steps/inch is set right. But, you can set the max feed rates on the screen.
Usually, it defaults to 50% of max. So, if it defaults to 45 IPM, you
can go up to 90 IPM. The .ini file allows you to set the max_velocity
(in units of inches per SECOND), so 90 IPM = 1.5 (IPS). Turn it up
if you want to go faster.

>Ah, okay.
>(it was the BDI-LIVE rc23 because I haven't had the
>ability to dive back into compiling EMC yet. Soon, though)
>

Well, you don't need to recompile EMC. Just install it directly from
the CD.

>What is the "recommended" setting for "steps" in the Geckos?
>Full, half, or less?
>
>
>>It depends on the machine, motors, need for speed, software, etc.
>>Generally, you want it as high as possible, until it cuts into performance.
>>
>>
>
>Right, but is "high" *full* steps, or *microsteps*?
>
>

I guess what you want is to use the most microstepping (1/10 is as high as
the Gecko goes, making a G210 into a G201)) that doesn't interfere with your
desired feedrate. Note that reducing the step multiplication reduces
machine
resolution.

Jon