Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] bridgeport series 1 retrofit

On Thursday, January 8, 2004, at 05:19 PM, Bob Japundza wrote:

> 1. Stupid question:

No, it isn't.

> how can I determine if my motors are capable of
> microstepping? This will obviously determine my choice of drives
> between the G201 or the G210.

This is more about the PC than the motors. I've never heard of a
stepper that wasn't capable of microstepping. The G210 has a pulse
multiplier. This means your PC doesn't have to output as many steps per
second to get the same speed as a G201.

> 2. Would a 77vdc power supply with some large caps on the output
> sufficiently filter out ripple and not damage the Gecko's? I'm
> concerned that my power supply may be a wee bit too close to the 80v
> rating for the Gecko's.

That's a bit close for comfort for me too. It should be possible to put
some hefty diodes in series with the output to drop the voltage. If
possible, I would connect them before the main output capacitor. Each
silicon diode will drop about 0.6v. You could also connect a low
voltage supply of appropriate current in series with your supply,
except connect it so the output is dropped, rather than raised. i.e.
connect it's + to the 77's +, and use it's - as the overall + output.
You'll want to use a linear/analog supply, not a switcher.

You didn't ask, but I prefer TurboCNC to EMC. EMC was cumbersome to use
(admittedly, my PC made the interface slow). EMC's constant velocity
cutting is nice though. Something we're hoping for in a future version
of TurboCNC. I like TurboCNC's ability to use a home switch on each
axis connected separately to the PC. That way I can hit 'H' to home all
axes, and they all home at once. That and saving offsets really helps
in doing multiple passes on a piece of work if I need to exit the
program, to copy files, etc. http://www.dakeng.com

Sounds like a nice setup you'll have. Those are some big honking
steppers!

Regards,
JJ