Stepper motors and encoder - driver selection

[compfranon]

Based on my plan for a moving gantry design 3' x 2' router to cut wood/acrylic.

I have (3) x Compumotor S57-102-M0 complete with DRC E57 C153/421 encoder.

Are these motors ok for my general requirements.

Should I use the encoders or save for later.

Is a parallel port driver card suitable for this build, what should I look out for, or can someone give me a fingerpoint to a suitable make/model.

Appreciate any help or guidance

[mlabruyere]

Depends on the machine....

These Servo's will generate 125oz/in of torque so they are not that powerful. You'll probably use some kind of belt/gear reduction system. Most folks do with steppers since they operate at high speeds. Here are the specs on these...http://www.compumotor.com/catalog/c67_74.pdf

I'd use the encoders since it'll eliminate missed steps.

Even with the servo and encoders you still need drivers for the servos. Like one of these for each servo: http://www.geckodrive.com/product.aspx?c=2&i=14474

A standard BOB (Break out Board) will be used to connect to the PC via a parallel cable and then connect the BOB to each of the drivers that then connect to the servos. You will also need a power supply.

[compfranon]

Depends on the machine....

These Servo's will generate 125oz/in of torque so they are not that powerful. You'll probably use some kind of belt/gear reduction system. Most folks do with steppers since they operate at high speeds. Here are the specs on these...http://www.compumotor.com/catalog/c67_74.pdf

I'd use the encoders since it'll eliminate missed steps.

Even with the servo and encoders you still need drivers for the servos. Like one of these for each servo: http://www.geckodrive.com/product.aspx?c=2&i=14474

A standard BOB (Break out Board) will be used to connect to the PC via a parallel cable and then connect the BOB to each of the drivers that then connect to the servos. You will also need a power supply.

Ok, i've done a fair bit of background research, motors are insufficient, steppers are a benefit but also a complication for a newbie. It would appear that I need to review my stepper spec, and purchase a suitable gecko 540 driver.

A bit more research and a build thread are ahead of me.

[CalG]

If you want to use those stepper motors, I have two M57-102 modular drivers that match perfectly.
Line voltage in, add step and direction signals ( encoders would connect to an indexer like the parker 2100 or a Mesa FPGA etc.) Motor drive out!

Too bad you are across such a deep body of water ;-)
Matching hardware kept from providing joy by distance......



CalG

[compfranon]

If you want to use those stepper motors, I have two M57-102 modular drivers that match perfectly.
Line voltage in, add step and direction signals ( encoders would connect to an indexer like the parker 2100 or a Mesa FPGA etc.) Motor drive out!

Too bad you are across such a deep body of water ;-)
Matching hardware kept from providing joy by distance......

CalG

Thanks for the offer to help.That deep body of water causes sourcing difficulties, someone should build a real big tunnel :-)

I'm pretty much settled on a gecko 540 and (3) 380oz steppers from a couple of places in USA, the thought of having to pay customs and vat :-( if only there was a way ....

These steppers may end up on ebay I reckon someone may have a use for them, i'll probably keep the encoders though for future use.

cheers

[CalG]

Let me know when you offer them up/

as mentioned. there are two 57-102 drives aching for a "hook up" ;-)

[compfranon]

Let me know when you offer them up/

as mentioned. there are two 57-102 drives aching for a "hook up" ;-)

will do.