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

Robert,

thanks for the quick response, the computer in question is an old
computer that has been used for machine control for a long tims...a
486-100 mhz machine. While I also did test a more recent portable,
a P3, it too has been used successfully with this SW package and a
similar controller.....just not Gecko drives....I will check out
your products, thanks for the lead.

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "Robert Colin Campbell"
<bob@...> wrote:

>
> 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?
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Addresses:
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