Can this be driven by Gecko's?

[amasters]

Here goes...

Newb alert, sorry!

I'm building a "specialized machine" (see Thread ) for slicing.

ebay linky

Newport spec linky It's the cc.1 unit

I've seen several of these Newport stages on ebay and wonder if they can be driven by Gecko servo controllers. Newport has their own driver/controllers (of course) but they start at $1600 for 1 axis -choke!- The stages are spec'd at .1um resolution and a 4000 pts/rev encoder. Do I need to have the Newport controls to get that resolution or use the feedback from the encoder??

Any info/direction would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Andy Masters

[CJL5585]

Originally Posted by amasters Here goes... Newb alert, sorry! I'm building a "specialized machine" (see Thread ) for slicing. ebay linky Newport spec linky It's the cc.1 unit I've seen several of these Newport stages on ebay and wonder if they can be driven by Gecko servo controllers. Newport has their own driver/controllers (of course) but they start at $1600 for 1 axis -choke!- The stages are spec'd at .1um resolution and a 4000 pts/rev encoder. Do I need to have the Newport controls to get that resolution or use the feedback from the encoder?? Any info/direction would be appreciated. Thanks! Andy Masters

Andy,
Reading the specs on the Newport stage, it appears that it has a 10:1 gear reduction built into the stage.

Reading the specs on the Newport controller:
It is stated as 48 Volts DC at 1.5 Amps. Max amperage is 3 Amps.

Motor requires 4000 count per revolution encoder with an index pulse.
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The Gecko 320 Servo controller can take an input voltage of 18 to 80 VDC.
Max current capability is 20 Amps with Adjustable current limiting 0 to 20 Amps.

I am not familiar enough with this unit to say what the max count per revolution encoder this drive can handle. Also, I do not think that the G320 has an input for an index pulse, but it may not be needed.

I think you should contact Mariss at Gecko. He is a member of this forum and can answer any questions you might have.

Here is a link to the Gecko Website:
http:www.geckodrive.com

Their contact phone # is on their site.

Sorry I cannot give you a firm answer on this.

Jerry