No holding torque or movement with G201

[patdttr225]

Hello Group,
I have an older (2002 model) G201 that is replacing another brand driver, but I can't get it to work.

Here is my setup:
Pentium 33mhZ running MAXNC DLX step and dir version.
Unregulated PS with 20 volts downstream of the filter cap.
Seperate 5VDC supply with + going to 201 terminal 10 and -(gnd) going to pin 23 of the parallel port. (no breakout board)
Just trying to get X axis to work.
No voltage across either phase terminals.
Buzzing sound from motor when step signals are sent(no motor movement).

Any advice is greatly appreciated,
Thanks,
Pat

[ger21]

Even without being connected to the PC, the motor should "lock" when power is applied. If it doesn't, either the drive is bad or it's wired wrong.
Gecko does state a minimum of 24V, btw.

[patdttr225]

Thanks for the quick reply Gerry, I have read many of your posts and they have been very helpful.
Yes, I thought the motor should lock up even it the step and dir signals weren't working. Also, the drive says 24V min. but I thought I could get away with 20. I am thiking of starting over from scratch, getting some 203's, Mach software, bigger power supply and just do it right. Also I checked my MACNC software and it won't let me tailor each drive for different motor/drive characteristics, so I really can't mix Geckos with my other drives. Today I will put together a higher voltage PS and just mess around with one isolated motor/Gecko on one axis only mainly to make sure my motors will work out.
Thanks again,
Pat

[patdttr225]

To ger21,
Gerry, I setup a different PS and have 42V going to the driver now and it seems to work OK. I have the mill cycling back and forth checking for missed steps, which now I have seen about .005" shift over 45 minute time span. I am only running about 10 in/min as a higher rate made it miss steps. I am going to get a G901 for it as maybe my slow Pentium 33 has something to do with this or maybe get Mach software and a faster CPU.
Anyway, thanks for the advice,
Pat

[mxpro32]

I am having the same problem with my gecko 201's (the motors make noise when the jog buttons are pushed but don't move) but I have tried my 80v power supply and my 30 volt power supply and the problem persists. Any ideas?

[ger21]

Originally Posted by patdttr225 I am going to get a G901 for it as maybe my slow Pentium 33 has something to do with this or maybe get Mach software and a faster CPU.

A G901 shouldn't make any difference. You'd only need one if you've reached the limit of the PC's step rate and you need more speed. It won't help with losing steps.

[Mariss Freimanis]

Pat,

2 things. You have to use an active (buffered) breakout board with a G201 and the minimum operating voltage for a G201 is 24VDC.

Mariss