I'm wondering If I could get suggestions form this great group on improving this machine controller and stepper motor setup.
Here is how it is currently configured:

Type: Gantry
Rails and Bearings: Runs on home made L rail and Pulley Type Bearings. This is OK runs smooth.
Motors: Ministep 2V/2A per phase. Bipolar
Controller: Camtronics 3 Axis Chopper Motion Controller L297/L298 (Non Opto isolated)
Software: Dancam/Danplot (DOS)
Power: 5VDC to electronics 12VDC to motors Current limited by pot on controller board to 0.5Amps.
PC: Old IBM.

Machine runs very slow.

Does anyone know if the Camtronics controller can be upgraded or tweaked to make the motors run faster? I also want to use it with other PC's but since the controller is not optoisolated I'm holding back on doing this. I also want to use this with Mach 2/3 software.

I'm looking at the Gecko drives but not sure whih ones to get.

If I can't get more speed and power from the present setup, I'm looking for a complete CNC retrofit kit that can be used with this type of machine?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Well you will first want to adjust the pot for the current and bring it up to the rated value or as close as you can get it you will be limited by the board itself also raise the voltage level to the motor to roughlly 24 volts or so higher is better but again this is limited by the board check board manual. I only know what I have read and dont want to smoke check your stuff so please do more research on this forum lots of great people here also here is a place that might help you out http://www.cuttingedgecnc.com/cncsetup.htm

Are you sure it's the controller that is limiting the speed? You have to look at it from a 'system perspective'....the type of drive screw....the spec's of the stepper....the controller's capability.....

The L297/298 combo should be able to handle a 40V+ power supply. If there isn't any other aspect of the board that limits the voltage to less, you should see a definite improvement in speed.