Re: Losing steps...

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, Jon Elson <elson@p...> wrote:

>
>
> Patrick wrote:
>
> >I've recently discovered my machine is losing steps, as steppers

do,...

> If you don't restart the CNC program, or power off the drives, then

you

> should not miss a step, ever.
> Jon

Jon,

Thanks for the information, that's exactly the kind of objective
statement I was looking for. I hear so much about the advantages of
servos that I find myself wondering if stepper systems are a viable
alternative.

Next question. By swapping stepper drivers I am able to eliminate
the possibility that the driver is the problem. How does one go
about testing a stepper motor? It "sounds" fine, and the bearings
are tight. Do steppers that are failing begin by failing (missing
steps) intermittently?

Thanks

mp