Re: BOSS5 to Mach2/Gecko

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

>
>
> I need some help/advice regarding the conversion of a BOSS5
> Bridgeport to Gecko/Mach2 control. I plan on retaining the BP power
> supply and steppers and running Campbell's breakout board, Gecko
> 201/210s and Mach2. Has anyone done this sucessfully? I don't know
> much about the BP power supply or steppers (other than they are
> NEMA42 frame), and that both are good from what others tell me. I

am

> not sure if the BP motors require more amperage than the Geckos can
> put out. Can anyone help me out who has done this?
>
> My other option at a higher cost is to run Larken drivers which are
> beefier than the Geckos. Max they will do is 1/8 step, no 1/10.

They

> will handle 16A/phase, although some tell me that they are a bit
> noisy compared to the Geckos.
>
> Not interested in servos. Not interested in off the shelf kits.
>
> Thanks!
> -Brady

Brady
Be very careful regarding using the original power supplies of your
Bridgeport Boss5 Mill since they do not use conventional transformers
but -on my Series 2 machine at least - saturable reactors. These
require a switching DC current in the secondary winding to produce a
variable AC voltage on the primary. This AC is then rectified to give
a variable DC supply. The output can be anything from a few volts to
100 volts depending on the ratio of "on time" to "off time" of the
switching DC. If you get it wrong you will destroy the Gecko's.

My own machine runs with Gecko 201's and the original Superior Nema
42 stepper motors, which are now wired half winding. I never wanted
high rapids so I run my Gecko's at 56v and 5amp which is well within
their limits. My stepper motors run cold and the Gecko's barely
aired. I am very satisfied with the results but my rapids of 43ipm
(which could of course be increased) would not satisfy everyone.