Re: BOSS5 to Mach2/Gecko

Early bridgeports had direct drive steppers and later went to 2-1
belt drive...Hopefully you have the 2-1 setup...The only problem with
your steppers is the geckos will be struggling to power them with
their 80 volt dc limit...

As for the larkin drives, i only found a 3 axis kit for $2000.00 and
few specs given...For that price you could probably buy a whole new
drive package, motors and all...

But there are many on this list that have used the orignal steppers
and are happy...Rapids may be a little slow with the gecko because of
low voltage...You may get something in the 60 to 80ipm range...

Search for this message on this list...It goes into a lot of detail
on bridgeport, steppers and gecko drives...

From: Ian Eagland <ian@e...>
Date: Wed Nov 1, 2000 4:42am
Subject: Gecko Stepper on Bridgeport


Wally

P.S. Steppers Rule!!!

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "braidmeister"
<braidmeister@y...> wrote:

>
> Been there...read that.
>
> I really don't want to spend the money on servos, encoders and

drives

> at the moment. This is why I want to use the original motors and
> power supply. They are good enough to move the machine with it's

old

> control (at advertised rapids) and just want the same in return BUT
> with PC control to leverage higher memory and advanced functions

not

> available with the stock control system.
>
> I have a CNC router and CNC plasma cutter with stepper motors on
> them. Yes, if you push any stepper system they will lose

steps...but

> so do servos if you overdo it. My machines make me money...and
> steppers are simple, cheap and reliable. Maybe one day in the

future

> I will swap out the steppers on the BOSS for servos...but it isn't

in

> the budget at the moment. This is why I specifically stated not to
> mention servos.
>
> Basically, the goal is to convert the BOSS over to PC control via
> Mach2 and the mentioned hardware so that I can run a program larger
> than 14k. I am not spending $1300 for a BTR. DNC doesn't work with
> BOSS5. The most cost effective option right now is Mach2.
>
> The Larken drives can be found here: www.larkencnc.com
>
> So...I guess that no one has done this before using the stock PS

and

> steppers without frying a drive?
>
> -Brady
>
> --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "turbulatordude"
> <dave_mucha@y...> wrote:
> >
> > <snip>
> >
> > > Not interested in servos. Not interested in off the shelf kits.
> > >
> > > Thanks!
> > > -Brady
> >
> > I would say to read Message 77354 From: "Mariss Freimanis"
> >
> > It explains how to chose a motor and why.
> >
> > Also, there was a post on 'Mystery Motors' that mentions the
> problems
> > with huge steppers. a lot of energy goes into getting over the
> > cogging.
> >
> > Dave