Re: Problems, cnc/electronic idiot

Thanks for the quick answer. I already have a 5v from pc power
supply daisy chanined to the common on the geckos. I wasn't sure if I
needed to run it to the break out board as well, or just the dir/step
from the geckos. SOuntds like I have it setup correctly.


--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "Tim Goldstein" <timg@k...>
wrote:

> You already posted your own answer <g>.
>
> You need to connect a +5v from the computer to the common on the

Gecko.

> You do not connect any ground from the computer to the Gecko, only

step,

> direction, and +5V to common. This is one of the most confusing

issues

> people run into as it seems to defy logic. It is actually quite

simple.

> The step and direction pins can be either 0V (ground) or +5v. So

your

> circuit is from the +5V you tap off the PC power supply, game port,

or

> USB port to the step and direction pins of the parallel port. The

Geckos

> have an LED in the opto isolator that is in between the +5v and the
> parallel port pin. When the parallel port pin is high (+5v) there

is no

> current flowing through the LED in the opto isolator as there is no
> potential. But when the parallel port pin goes low (0v, ground) the
> current then flows and lights the opto. Other people will tell you

to

> use an external +5V power supply and then connect the ground on it

to

> the PC ground, but there is no need to do this. It works just fine

using

> +5V from the PC and you have far less chance to misconnect it.
>
> Tim
> [Denver, CO]
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>
> > -----Original Message-----
> >
> >
> > I am having problems getting my cnc system running properly. I

have

> > gecko 320's and power supply kit from camtronics. Just finished

it

> > up today, and can't get it to function properly. Power supply

checks

> > out fine. On the db25 breakout board what do I need connected

besids

> > step and direction from each axis? Do I need to run a 5v from my

pc

> > power supply to this, what about a ground? Looking at the wiring
> > diagram, all that goes to the break out board is the step/dir

from

> > the drives. I tried it with just the step direction, and the

servo

> > motors engage, but they aren't getting any signal, anybody got

any

> > ideas where I should start? Thanks
> >
> >
> > Addresses:
> > FAQ: http://www.ktmarketing.com/faq.html
> > FILES: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO/files/