Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Newbie has some simple questions

Sound like a good plan. To answer the question about the Gecko drives. Yes you can use them on larger motors. They use current limit resistors which essentially adjusts their output amps for different motors.

There are many router designs to choose from. Look in the "files" section of this group and shop around the web for ideas. Alot of folks use Mach3 software for the performance and ease of use and excellent support. It runs in a Windows environment. www.artofcnc.ca

For Plasma, Thom Caudle sells a THC (Torch height control) unit at www.CandCNC.com (I think thats right) For Breakout boards, I use Bob Campbell's board. www.campbelldesigns.com Although there are many to choose from.

Another alternative to drives are the single-board, single-chip per axis solutions such as HobbyCNC.com and Xylotex. These are for small steppers only though, 3volt 3amp max.

It's a fun project and much material available to research.

Ron

P.S. Retired at 58? Man I'm in the wrong business...

William Meincer <bmeincer@...> wrote:
I have developed an interest in building a plasma table (I already do
metal artwork as a hobby and have a Hypertherm Powermax 600 plasma
cutter). Although I am a EE it has been MANY years since I did any
electronics work (I am 58 and retired) so I need and want to learn a
lot.

My idea is to first build an inexpensive small XYZ engraver with small
stepper motors. From this effort I plan on determining if I want to
proceed on the more expensive plasma table. Since I also have use for
an engraver it wouldn't be a waste.

My questions:

1. Does this make sense?

1. I plan on only procuring one set of: Software, interface breakout
board and motor controllers. Does this make sense? Essentially this
question boils down to: Can I use larger controllers (i.e. Gecko) for
small motors at first and then larger ones later (I realize an EE
ought to able to aswer this but I haven't even researched it yet).






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