Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Gecko 201 drives, can I drive them directly with a Parallel port on my computer

Jim,

If you have a new PC with a 3.1 buss voltage it most likely will not work.
Many new PCs and laptops use a low voltage bus. The best solution is to use
a breakout board that will buffer and boost the voltage. The one that I sell
also was designed to fully support the Gecko drives.

Robert Colin Campbell
Bob Campbell Designs
www.Campbelldesigns.com
Mach 2/3 breakout boards
Relay boards
Spindle Speed boards
Stepper motors
Plasma Torch Height control

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Dubois" <jdubois@...>
To: <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 9:51 AM
Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Gecko 201 drives, can I drive them directly with
a Parallel port on my computer


>I have a problem with Gecko drives not working, I am assuming I have
> done something stupid or have overlooked something....or will a PC
> parallel port not actually "sink" the required 16ma? I have used
> the parallel port for control of many drivers, but for what ever
> reason the Geckos are not working. This is my first effort with
> Gekos....
>
> I have replaced a set of IMS drivers on a formerly functioning
> controller with new out of the box Gecko 201 drivers. I have +65
> vdc, tied to a chassis ground, I have +5vdc for the common terminal
> on the drives, also tied to chassis ground. The parallel port, also
> grounded properly, is communicating with the controller as I can
> turn on and turn off the aux devices, ie spindle, coolant and the
> like. The power light is "on" on the drives, the motors "lock".
> Current setting on the drives is at default, 7 amps. No connection
> to the "disable" connection. There are no limit switches or other
> complexity...just a 3 axis controller with 2 aux's and the aux's
> work.
>
> I have checked out the controller with a different computer, no
> change. I have verified the +5vdc to common stays steady. I have
> not been able to verify the TTL signals, no scope or logic trace
> tools in house. But, it worked with the IMS...so...I would think it
> would work with Gecko.....
>
> any thoughts? do I need a parallel port interface card to drive the
> Gecko's?
>
>
>
>
>
>
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