Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Completely new to all this...

Hi Warren,

No problem, I was in the same boat as you about a year ago and it can be a bit overwhelming at first. Once you get moving with the system build it goes pretty smoothly once you have clear direction.

Here is how I see a breakout board like Bob Campbell's: Its a liason between PC/controller software and the servo/stepper drives plus it adds many features to the control system. the best way to find out about all of the components I mentioned is go to their sites and read up on it. Google "Gecko wiring" for a typical wiring diagram.

The Breakout board operates on 110volt then it supplies current to the drives for encoder operation and it will handle 4 axies of motion and 3 output signals for solid state relays to control spindle, coolant etc. Monitors pulse stream to the drives and on and on.

A note about Servo motor voltage: Geckos are limited to 80 volts DC and 20 amps output, it is not imperative to find a servo motor within these limitations. Servo motors can be operated at a lower rated voltage and they will lose some speed but not any torque providing your power supply can deliver the amperage. 80 volts and 20 amps is plenty of current to operate a small mill or even a Bridgport like mine. Its servos running on less than rated voltage on Geckos deliver 5 horsepower to the ballscrew via a 2.5:1 reduction. Enough power to break stuff.

Ron
wvickery2003 <wvickery2003@...> wrote:



Thanks for the help Ron,

That's cleared up some problems I had. I never even knew that a
breakout board existed. Just as a matter of interest, does the
power supply connect to the breakout board if you use one?

Do you know how many axes can be operated off Bob Campbell's Mach2
board and how many 'extras' can be operated as well (like coolant
etc.)?

Thanks
Warren Vickery


--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, R Rogers
wrote:

> Warren,

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