Re: What makes step and dir?

Why not consider a Basic Stamp?
Easy to program and cheap.
For that application you could use the BS1.
The starter kit includes almost everthing you would need and it's like $80
Up side is it's easy to program, has plenty of IO for switched or
analog inputs / outputs and it can be used for other projects when
you're done with this one.

http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=27205

A google search should turn up plenty of stepper drive programs
already made.
It looks like a hobby item but there are plenty of them in industrial use.

James

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "dharhay" <dharhay@h...> wrote:
> Hi, I have only posted a few times and was asked a question that I
> couldnt answer: I was wondering if I wanted to make a machine that
> made one move in the X direction then back to cut slots. What could I
> use to make the step and direction to Geko drives that power steppers?
>
> In the past I have always used a PC based CNC, but I really wouldnt
> need to have the features and flexibility of a CNC because I want to
> go one direction and a fixed amount and then back.
>
> Can a plc do step and direction or is there another simple way to do
> one move and back? Thanks for any input.
>
> Dave Harhay