G540 Rev.1 has problem

[sse4]

Hi there.
I have a G540 rev. 1 control, that developed a strange problem. After some difficulties I got it to set up the right way, but the Y drive stepper made noises like loosing steps. Run some short Eagle PCB nc files to test the mill, but the noise in drive Y just got stronger, and getting harder to homing. Switched X and Y cables, run the same test, then the X was bad, Y was running fine. Then I made "A" drive replacing all the Y functions, it was going fine too. Ok I thought, will carefully took it apart, and exchange the "A" 250 drive with the "Y" one, but Y drive still had the problem, So I guess there should be a problem somewhere in the G540's motherboard. Now the question is, can I do some more checking, measure, or maybe any "repairs" to solve this problem. I live in Eastern Europe, and the distance could create some difficulties, bat if there is no other way then I have no choice will send it back to repair.
The 250's are rev.5, those reworked ones. ( Sorry for the long post.)

>Jim.

[LaserImage]

If I'm not mistaken the earlier 540's had different configuration or pinouts on the A, XY and Z were the same, but A was different. I would contact Gecko directly and they can tell you exactly what is what.

Gary

[sse4]

Yes Gary, you are right, the config for the rev1 is totally different from rev3. For example, the E-stop switch is normally closed type, needs +5volts from PC, and some more, but I was able to set it up correctly, only problem was, as I mentioned with the "Y" drive. First I thought my Y travel has some serious problems, but when I changed to drive "A" was going just fine.
Thanks for your concern, but I'm afraid I need to contact the Gecko people.

>Jim.

Here is rev1 LPT pinout:
http://cnczone.com/forums/attachment...1&d=1235423818

[rowbare]

If you do need to send it in, you can get the motherboard upgraded to the Rev 4 motherboard so all of the drives will be identical.

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showpo...27&postcount=5

[sse4]

rowbare,

Thanks for the info, I somehow missed Mariss's post, this is great news. I have 2 G540 units, got one for my friends, they are both identical rev1. He newer hooked his up yet, but I'll will send both G540's back for upgrade.
I'm a bit confused with Geckodrive Inc. mailing address. Want to confirm, that I'll send it to the right place, then I find out there are more companies under the same name in California with different addresses. I have this address on the parcel with the drives:
"GECKODRIVE INC. 14662 Franklin Ave. Suite E Tustin, CA 92780"
would that be the right place to ship it back for the upgrade? Someone could confirm this, thank so much for your efforts.

>Jim.

[Crevice Reamer]

Hi Jim!

That is the correct address.

From the Gecko Website:

http://geckodrive.com/upload/STEPPER%20RETURN.pdf

CR.

[sse4]

Thanks.... C.R.
Now at least I know did sent it to the right place. Just mailed both of them today, I think it will take at least 2 weeks, till it gets there, priority and registered, but sometime I feel like living on an other planet. But no big deal, as long as it gets the upgrade, or fix.

Regards:
>Jim.