On the geckodrive servo drivers (amplifiers):
These drives require an oscilloscope to be tuned (according to gecko's user manual). I for one consider this at least a considerable drawback, since I don't have an oscilloscope. What I am hoping is that I will be able to use a freeware PC based scope for the set-up. Otherwise I'll have to borrow or buy a scope (not cheap!).
lptscope.exe works from the printerport, requires a small circuit to be built.
I didn't bookmark where I downloaded it from. There are quite a few soundcard based scopes also. This is something to think about when you're considering your motor/driver choices.
There is the "semi-commercial" (my term) UHU driver that does NOT require a scope for set-up. It can also be had in versions that will drive HUGE servo motors. It's not so easy to find assembled and tested, and is in the $100 to $150 range(each axis). You can search for it in cnczone. Its also available in kit form. Not quite a mature product IMHO, but It has lots of good features.
I hope I'm not making this worse for you, as you can see, the servo option is definitely a bigger PITA to get going than the steppers. I don't think any stepper drivers require an oscilloscope for set-up.  |