Grounding the Gecko G540, how?

[Rotax91]

Hello everyone,

My Gecko G540 will be here on Monday. I'm confused on the grounding part. I've studied both Keling's & Homann's drawings but I still don't get it. Pins 2, 3 & 4 go to Ground it looks like. I'd like to use buy the already made up DB9 cables from FineLine. I don't get how the grounding established when using those cables. I've seen things such as 'ground only at the driver end' which I assume is the G540 end. Could someone clearly tell me please, what exactly to do for the ground & where exactly to connect?

Thanks for the help.

[draughted]

first off relax it is really simple.
the G540 uses the db9 terminals as stepper motor connectors.
the pins are split into, ground pins, current limiting resistor pins, and motor winding pins.

the best solution to the wiring of these cables is peter homanns new DB9 breakout boards. they are expensive but really make the wiring easy.

i have just made a set of cables that are interchangeable with any of my stepper motors in various lenghts. and the variable resistors are great for that as you can adjust the current limiting, for the stepper you are using.

they say the stepper motor cables only need to be grounded at one end. means that the shielding of the cable you use should only be soldered to the DB9 terminal and not to the stepper motor on the other end.

i haven't tried the pre-made cables but they probably make it much more easy to get this done.

[Rotax91]

hi draughted-

HEY! I found Peter's DB9 db9 connectors. NICE! Indeed pricey but looks like it would make the job SO easy. I just may have to order 4 of them. I looked at the schematic he provides and I see that if you're using a shield it cable, it goes to the center connecting point.

I guess where I'm confused is, what good is connecting it anywhere, if it's only connected at one end? Is it just stubbed off (not connecting) to anything inside the db9 hood at the stepper end?

Thanks.

[Fastest1]

Originally Posted by Rotax91 hi draughted- HEY! I found Peter's DB9 db9 connectors. NICE! Indeed pricey but looks like it would make the job SO easy. I just may have to order 4 of them. I looked at the schematic he provides and I see that if you're using a shield it cable, it goes to the center connecting point. I guess where I'm confused is, what good is connecting it anywhere, if it's only connected at one end? Is it just stubbed off (not connecting) to anything inside the db9 hood at the stepper end? Thanks.

I believe it drains the interference. I have wondered the same thing but always leave it connected at the controller end and not at the machine. I have definitely had many issues with grounding and loops formed because machine and controller physically touches and or the ground from a spindle motor power supply or something unaccounted for surprises you. Nothing that let out the magic smoke but they created errors or the reset to trigger in some way. Plenty of challenges ahead. Maybe it builds up similar to static til it creates a false trigger? I havent seen Peters DB9's but they sound similar to Soigeneris's. Got a DB9, 5 solder pads and a built in pot? Good stuff if so.

[Rotax91]

Hello Fastest1-

Thanks for replying to my post. Thanks for the lead on Soigeneris's db9 connector. I googled and found it. They are $10 cheaper and they are located in the US. A BIG THANK YOU. I do believe I understand it fully now. * 4wire + 1 shield @ G540 side to either pin 2,3 or 4 GND
* 4wire ONLY at stepper side, shield not connected.

Sounds easy, I was only confused because I never heard of a one end connection only.

Question: Where did you put your resistor? Should it be near the motor end of the cable or @ the g540? OR don't it matter?

Thanks!!

[cornbinder23]

I have used these connectors and they are great the resistor is biult in and adjustable, I installed mine on the driver side just take care to not let the sheild wire touch any of the other connectors in the db9
Also they were set pretty close to the G540 3.5 amp setting and required very minimal adjustment to get them set just right


JTCUSTOMS

[Al_The_Man]

An insight into Earth Grounding.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/phase_...se_issues.html
Al.

[Rotax91]

Thanks, I'm gonna order them. Sure will make life simpler. What source did you buy your wire from?

[Fastest1]

Mouser if you need to order it. This wire is typically used in audio and many other applications. Are you in a big city. Most good quality electronics supply place will have it. Depending on how many conductors you need, usually comes in 4,6 or 8 conductors with a shield/drain encasing the entire bundle. When using the connectors from Soigeneris or probably Homanns Design too, they dont need the resistors as they are built in and adjustable. What ever they are set at when received is purely accidental, alway check and adjust. They are very sensitive to the slightest of a turn. Double check the finished reading too. The problem with thinking about the drain wire is to think it is part of the circuit. It is not, though it is necessary in the overall scheme. Not trying to embarass you or anything but for great tutorials in soldering and such (or anything for that matter) never forget Youtube. The college of the future.

[Rotax91]

Hi fastest1-

Thanks for the explanation to me on the drain wire. I'm not embarrassed. This is all about learning. I just got done looking at Mouser and all I can see are 500' rolls of wire for $$$$$$. I'm not in a big city by no means but I'm heading a city tomorrow that has a Home Depot & Menards. Not sure if this kind of place would have it but it's worth a check. Meantime, if you have a source online that sells a 50' or 100' rolls, please shoot me a direct link.

Thanks pal.

[Rotax91]

Is this wire good enough? It's shielded and says it has a drain wire.

per foot Belden 6502FE Plenum 4-conductor 22 AWG - Shielded Commercial Audio Cable

[Rotax91]

Here some more, sold by the foot.

http://www.av-outlet.com/en-us/dept_570.html