Re: BOSS5 to Mach2/Gecko

Well, the larkin drives only take 10 more volts that the gecko...If
you need drives i would go gecko G210 drive...But if i understood you
right you may use existing drive...If it works it should be
inexpensive way to go...

Wally



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

>
> 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