Need some startup advices...

[b_cybe]

Well I found this wich is very like the machine I plan to build, exept that I am going to build the frame from either aluminium angle, or steel angle, and I also are limited to 6mm (0.24") thick aluminium/steel. Mine is also going to be a bit smaller.

[b_cybe]

I am very unsure about those motors... I want the cnc machine to have ok speed (it does not need to be a racer though). Well I did those calculations and ended up with a torque of .2Nm, with 200N force on the nut and a 5mm/turn ballscrew and a 0.05m/sjog speed. This calculation is though pretty simple since i dont see on the weight of the gantry nor the friction. Though I am still cinda confused about the motors...

I am also thinking about the power supply, wich if I understood corectly is going to power the 3 PICstep drivers and the interface to the computer. I have seen on a power supply with around 13V and 10A. Or would it be better to get a 30V power supply? If so I propably build the power supply myself from a 300W transformer (300W/30V = 10A). Is there any reason that I should stay with lower voltage exept from heat?

I am also thinking about how to build up the cnc machine, I guess it would be easiest to first build the Z axis, then the Y, and lastly X?

I am also wondering about compatibility between the PICStep and pmino's 4 axis PC interface.
On pminos pages it stands that is you use the 4 axis interface with the PICStep you have to use jumpers to power the PIC on the PICStep, I don't understand what he rally means with that? Does he mean the jumpers on the top layer or does he means something else?
The second the dont understand is when he says that jumpers for pin 1 (brake or enable) need to be configured. What do I need to configure? Maybe this get clearer when I make the board but as for now I don't understand it...

[b_cybe]

I propably will go for a 425 oz-in (in a bipolar coupling) that cost $49 each. Have ordered some pcbs for the PICStep driver (v 4.0) and the interface, and also bought some components. Still havent found any ballscrew for the X axis though at an acceptable price but I have good time yet so there is no rush...
Once I find a ballscrew I will also buy some sliders for the X axis.


The motor is dual shaft, but I don't think that should be any problem...

[b_cybe]

Well after having a look at the PICStep and the interface design again I think I now understand what he means with the jumpers to power the PIC, he must mean that I have to connect an external 5V power supply to the +5 and to one of the GND pins I guess. About the brake/enable I am still confused... (I see that the PICStep have a Enable pin to connect to the interface, but the interface dont have it. What should I then connect enable to?