Re: BOSS5 to Mach2/Gecko

Not sure if it is running belt drive or not...I do see what could be
belt covers on the machine, but haven't had a chance to fully go over
it since I picked it up last week. Much to my disbelief, I have been
busier in the past 2 months (7 days 14-18hrs/day) than all year.

Here's an exact link to the drivers:
http://www.larkencnc.com/motion/steppers.htm

I put a similar post on the CNCZone board and another member is
telling me that it is possible to run Mach2 setup for MaxNC
(waveform/quadrature instead of step/dir) and wire it directly to the
8-pin connector on the EDI board...then I can use the stock stepper
drivers and run Mach2. If this is true, life just got a whole lot
cheaper!

-Brady

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "cnc_4_me" <cnc4me@g...>
wrote:

>
> 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