Re: Bleed Resistor... Do geckos need a fan?

YES you do NEED a bleed resistor.

The resistor provided 2 functions:

It puts a minimal load on the power supply at all times (a Gecko Does
Not), this limits an unregulated power supply's tendency to "float
high".

It will also bleed the excess charge from the cap. With the sort of
draw you mentioned you have a pretty healthy power supply and a
pretty healthy cap. If you've ever been "bitten" by a cap you'll
know it hurts a lot. Get the resistor.

If you don't believe me, look up a few folks who sell them (I sell
them as well), they will ALWAYS include a bleed resistor. They serve
a valid purpose.

You may also want a dump resistor (tied to an E-Stop), that's you to
you.

Also, a Gecko is a solid state device and although the G320's or
G340's you have are rated for 20A they like to be cool. All solid
state devices like to be cool, the cooler the better. Get the goop,
Radio Shack has if for a few bucks, one tube will cover you.


Thanks
Aaron Moss
www.IndustrialHobbies.com

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "AbbyKatt" <cnc@a...> wrote:
> I was wondering..
>
> Power supply is all nice and working now, and am about to hook it
all up
> to the geckos.
> I was wondering: Do I need a bleed resistor across my cap? What
happens
> if I neglect to put one in?
>
> Also, do I need a fan for geckos, I'm only going to be doing a peak
of
> 12 amps @ 50V, and I have it already bolted to some nice aluminium.
Will
> I need thermal paste?
>
> Thanks!
> ~Abby