Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Anilam conversion - recommedn Geck and Mach3, general recommendations

I believe there is a consensus in the group;

Mariss, the designer of gecko drives, gives probably the best technical
support on the planet,
and he is an all-around nice guy.

His clients are (at least ) 99% extremely satisfied, and the product is
excellent.

Mach3 has LOTS of EXTREMELY satisfied users. Highly recommended.
It's extensible, has great tutorial videos, and works very well for what
it does.

If gecko-driven servos/steppers have the power and speed you need, you
can't go wrong, and won't regret it.
80V ix max voltage - whats speed / power do you need or want ?

This is what You need to decide;
1. How fast do you want to go ?
1.1 What volts ?
2. Servos or steppers ?
(I'm sorry, your mail didn't make it clear which way you are leaning)
( Whats you current rapid speed ?
3. What power supply do you have (or want) ?
4. What resolution (mechanical) do you have (want) ?

This is why...
(1) Speed tells you the leadscrew rpm's you need.
(4) The mechanical resolution needed (gearing) tells You the motor rpm's
You need.
This gives You needed motor power and type. Steppers generally max out
at 1000 rpm,
with the new G-rex at about 3000 rpm; in both cases usable power is
abuot 2/3 of max speed.
Needed rpm's gives you the needed torque in your motors, and the volts
you need to get there.
Power of motors gives you output (watts) that your psu needs to generate,
and the voltage you need to get the speed you want.
Your needed power is about 1/2 - 2/3 of max output of all motors together.

General hints, advice;
This is what most people use or agree with.

gear servos about 3:1 to 4:2, steppers about 2:1 to 3:1.
Use timing belts. Couplers are expensive and require high precision in
setting up. Some wear out quickly.
Use 20 to 25 times max voltage of motor for steppers (ie 2 V motor use
40-50 volts for you psu output).
Remember ! gecko limit is 80 volts - use max 70-75 volts.
Back emf needs to be controlled if you have high speeds, a heavy gantry,
or both, or are using a high voltage. (See gecko white paper, design).
Use a breakout board (sound logic, cnc4pc etc)
Use a safety charge pump with mach3 (cnc4pc or others).
Use FTP ethernet for motor wiring (ie shielded). Ground all your shields
AT ONE END ONLY, and only at one point.
Run separate cable for power and motor signals. Separate them at least 2".
I can't think of anything else, but lots of people here have great
advice and some are very knowledgeable and experienced.
Good luck.

>
> I am contemplating replacement of an Anilam 1400 3-axis system on an
> Eagle 400 mill.
>
> The 1400 is a PC-based system, using twin two-axis motion control
> boards to drive Westamp servo cards, which in turn drive tach servo
> motors. Positioning feedback is via 1000-line encoders on each axis.
> I have purchased a stepper-powered Hoffmann rotary axis, and must
> either swap the motor out for a servo, add an encoder, and purchase
> another Westamp board (or equivalent), or upgrade the control
> hardware and software to allow both stepper and servo controls to
> coexist. Since the servo cards are expensive, the parting out of the
> Anilam control system should make the conversion relatively
> inexpensive, so...
>
> Any suggestions? A gecko engineer recommended ArtSoft Mach3, driving
> Gecko boxes. Comments? Experience? Hesitations? Positives? Negatives?
>
> Tom Harrison
>