Gecko Drive

[Don Kellogg]

So I've been reading and reading in preparation to build my first CNC Router. I want to build a large one at some point as such I want to make sure I get a good controller, and drivers.

If I want to run large motors in the future is Gecko the way to go? If so what do I need from them to have the full setup like the kits at

http://www.xylotex.com/Econo4AxSpecial.htm

Is there a draw back to buying large motors or beefed up drivers out of the gate for a smaller say 4'x4' unit?

Pls help I'm still too much of a Newbie to really know.

[tauntdesigns]

Lately I've been wanting a router, but I'm not far enough along in my reading to give advice on routers.

I have build a 3-axis Gecko enclosure. You'll need:
1 Gecko drive for each motor, a resistor for each drive to set amp output.
DC power supply(PS), size of PS depends on the motor specs.
Breakout board(BOB) opto-isolated (some/most BOB's need 5v ps to power them)
Control box/enclosure for putting everything in.
Couple of fans
Heat sink material for mounting the Geckos to.
Switches (e-stop, on/off, limit, etc)
Wiring, connectors, pin terminal, etc

Cheers,
Jack

[ger21]

Originally Posted by Don Kellogg So I've been reading and reading in preparation to build my first CNC Router. I want to build a large one at some point as such I want to make sure I get a good controller, and drivers. If I want to run large motors in the future is Gecko the way to go? If so what do I need from them to have the full setup like the kits at http://www.xylotex.com/Econo4AxSpecial.htm Is there a draw back to buying large motors or beefed up drivers out of the gate for a smaller say 4'x4' unit? Pls help I'm still too much of a Newbie to really know.

Gecko has a new 4 axis drive that will give about double the performance (maybe more) than the Xylotex.
http://www.geckodrive.com/product.aspx?c=3&i=14469

All you need to add is a power supply and motors.


I'd recommend buying what you need for the machine now, and sell it and buy what you need for the next machine. Geckos have extremely good resale value.

As for large motors, depends on how large, but it's a hard question to answer. The motors and drives should be chosen, along with the drive system, as a package that works together to achieve a performance goal. Buying just any motor will not necessarily deliver the best performance for a given application.

[Don Kellogg]

Thank you for the feedback. I figured I would need a power supply where is a good place to buy one?

Seems like most of the DIY out there use the Xylotex kit, with the 2xx oz motors. I had considered just using their kit but with the larger motors. At this point I'm getting the feeling it might be a bad idea to build something with gecko if I don't know how to size the motors etc..

[ger21]

Based on the PM you sent me, I'd recommend the Gecko G540 4 axis drive or a set of full size Gecko G203's. The Xylotex really doesn't have enough power to drive a 4x4 machine. Motor sizing is not that difficult, you just need to figure out what you'll be building before you can choose the motors and drives.

[grahamshere]

Hey Ger21, those g540 are low priced, would they work with a 600 oz step motor, havnt got any yet but am gathering info for my next machine and if the g540 work with that sized motor then thats a killer bargain. Sorry mr Kellog for hijacking your thread but those drive,s look kick but. Graham

[Don Kellogg]

No worries I have the same questions you do

[ger21]

Originally Posted by grahamshere those g540 are low priced, would they work with a 600 oz step motor

If you want to get the maximum power out of the motor, it needs to be rated at 3.5 amps or less, and have an inductance of 2.5-3mH.

They'll work, but it's unlikely you'll get the maximum performance out of a 600 oz motor. They're really designed for smaller motors. Are you sure you really need 600 oz motors?

If you haven't seen it, read Gecko's info on chossing the correct motors for your machine.

http://www.geckodrive.com/support.aspx?n=441630

[grahamshere]

Not too sure if I need a larger motor, maybe the 425,s will work as the g540 is 4 axis, My next machine will be joes 4x4 but I need a higher z axis so I'm thinking of changing the y axis to something like mech mate or shop bot to have less racking so I'M not sure what the weight will be on that but also at the same time the x axis has two motors slaved so that should help with the weight problem right? Again sorry Mr Kellogg and thanks Ger for taking the time. Graham