Geckos 101

[anoel]

I've noticed that there's only a sparse amount of documentation in regards to interfacing Gecko 320/340 drives with the PC. Even Gecko's documentation only deals with the Gecko drive itself and doesn't get into interfacing beyond the Step/Direction needs.

Are there any experienced Gecko Users out there that might be able to compile a "Interfacing Gecko Servo drives with the PC" document?

I'm getting ready to implement Gecko 320s on my new system. I'm sure that I'll hammer my way through it just fine. But it'd be nice to have it all documented and dumbed up to keep from having to think about a lot of it.

Any takers?

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[HomeCNC]

The step and direction IS all that is needed from the PC to the Gecko drive. I have a few drawings showing how a controller box is wired and shows connection to the G320/340 drives if you want them.

[anoel]

Sorry, I really wasn't asking for myself. Guess I should have been clear. I've pretty well figured it out on my own through various means. I've seen the drawing from your site and it's a good reference for sure. I was just wanting so see if anyone was up to the task of writing up a definitive how-to for the Geckos. It'd just be nice to have a go to source for basic hookup for everyone.

[tahlinc]

Tubes can do what no one else can. They are big hot and beautiful.

[anoel]

Here's a link to my site for the amps that I build.

http://www.renegadeamps.com

[tahlinc]

Nice equipment!

[HomeCNC]

Very nice AMPS! Are they full of tubes?

[anoel]

Yep all tube, no solid state 'cept for the occasional rectifier diodes.

Some interior shots of other amps I've done.

http://www.renegadeamps.com/laney/laney-plexi2.jpg
http://home.insightbb.com/~nnoel/amps/traynor18.jpg
http://www.renegadeamps.com/voxy/voxy4.jpg

Another Amp

http://www.renegadeamps.com/voxy/voxy6.jpg
http://www.renegadeamps.com/voxy/voxy5.jpg

[dhprc2]

...back to the original topic for a moment...

Follow this link for a nice, clear, public domain electrical diagram for the 320s. It's in pdf format.

Gecko G320 Stepping Servo CNC Control

Enjoy!

[anoel]

Yep... Between, Jeff's diagram and that one. and the Gecko docs. that's where all of my information comes from.

But that's still not what I meant.

Geez.... How do I put it....

I'm was looking for more of a "why it works" more than a "Here how to make it work"

[Mariss Freimanis]

The G320 manual on our website www.geckodrive.com has a detailed block diagram of the drive that shows how it works. see if that is what have in mind.

Mariss

[anoel]

Actually I meant the whole System...

Servos/Encoders/Geckos/Parallel interface/Limits/Home/

But Since I'm having a hard time getting across what I meant and I pretty well "get it" on my own. There's no since in beating this to death...

[balsaman]

Mariss,

Why is it that you don't design and sell a Gecko-to-pc interface card with a parallel connector and some inputs/outputs? I know some others make them but some people like to buy everything together for compatibility/simplicity.

Just a thought. It seems an easy way to make another buck or two.

Eric

[Mariss Freimanis]

Eric,

Three reasons:

1) Other people already build "breakout" boards for the G201/G210 and G320/G340 drives. See www.campbelldesigns.com

2) Most of our drives (>80%) go to OEM accounts that run them from something other than PCs.

3) About the I/O. We have a major new product coming soon. It is a 6-axis, USB powered motion controller called the G2002.

Unlimited step pulse frequencies, true 3-D continuous path contouring, a boatload of I/O, etc. for about $200 (with 3 axis, $350 for all 6 axies).

Mariss

[iregan]

Mariss,
Any idea when more information will become available on the new unit?Also, a tentative release date?
I'm looking more for info like max volts/max current etc. just so I know whether I should plan on being one of the first in line
Regan