G540 revisions and spare parts

[jemmyell]

Hi, I have seen mention of a REV-4 G540 and the docs on Geckodrive.com are at REV-4. If there is a REV-4 G540 what are the differences with REV-3. I am very happy with my REV-3 drives but I could not make the charge pump work with Mach3. Do I need to upgrade my REV-3 drives? If so, what is the procedure?

Given the differences between the XYZ and A axis boards in the G540 what is the best strategy for spares to field service these units?

-James

[Degrom]

Originally Posted by jemmyell Hi, I have seen mention of a REV-4 G540 and the docs on Geckodrive.com are at REV-4. If there is a REV-4 G540 what are the differences with REV-3. I am very happy with my REV-3 drives but I could not make the charge pump work with Mach3. Do I need to upgrade my REV-3 drives? If so, what is the procedure? Given the differences between the XYZ and A axis boards in the G540 what is the best strategy for spares to field service these units? -James

Hi James,

I thought the G540 had 4 identical G250 boards on it?

I need 4 stepper drivers and was looking at the G540,but if what you are saying is the case then I would rather go for 4 G250's cause then I could buy an extra one as a spare unit.

Why would they fit different driver boards?

Regards,
Bert.

[jemmyell]

I believe the REV-4 G540 does have four identical boards. That was not the case with REV-3 since there was an error in the motherboard layout.

-James

[Degrom]

Originally Posted by jemmyell I believe the REV-4 G540 does have four identical boards. That was not the case with REV-3 since there was an error in the motherboard layout. -James

That is excellent news!!! I will be buying my G540 shortly then...

Thanks.

[Mariss Freimanis]

The G250 drives inside the G540 use a programmable controller IC (a Xilinx CoolRunnerII CPLD). This means if necessary, a G250 can be reprogrammed at any time in the future.

G540 REV4 motherboards have a slide-switch immediately next to terminal 12 on the motherboard. All earlier revisions don't.

If you have an earlier revision G540 and you are not comfortable with non-identical drives, you can return your G540 for a REV4 upgrade. We will replace the motherboard with a REV4 and reprogram the G250s inside to standard off the shelf G250 firmware. The G540 REV4 user's manual applies after the upgrade. This is at no-charge of course.

This is being done to show respect for the early adapters of our new products.

Mariss

[LaserImage]

Originally Posted by Mariss Freimanis This is being done to show respect for the early adapters of our new products.

To me it shows a huge understanding of customer support!

Gary

[jemmyell]

I would like to have both of my REV-3 G540 drives upgarded to REV-4. Do I need a RMA or just box them up with a cover letter?

-James

[Mariss Freimanis]

Box them up and put in a note telling us what you want. No RMA# needed.

Mariss

[kawazuki]

Sorry if this sounds like 'harping on' but i'm confused!
I bought a 540 when first released - obviously a REV1 which I understood to have 4 identical drives, it was even promoted as 'perfect for small 3 axis machines with a drive spare! Then the REV3 was announced that removed the need for off-board 5v supply and had a switchable charge pump! I got one gratis from Gecko (thank you) Now it seems the REV3 board has changed one of the boards to an alien non interchangable type and the new REV4 can correct this if the whole unit is returned? The REV4 has a switch for the C. pump..... well so does my REV3! What if I revert to the REV1 board - will everything revert back to harmony? If I do send the unit back - not cheap from the UK btw, what happen if a REV5 is announced in short order? This is hurting my brain!

[SpeedsCustom]

Mariss- Have you guys received my Gecko! I hope you guys find problems with it, it will make me feel better! Maybe I'll get a Rev 4 board? That would be sick!

-Jason