using standard DB9 cables for motors?

[dougie329]

I have a gecko G540. Is it ok to use standard computer DB9 cables as the motor cables.

I have 8 wire 3.5a steppers and was thinking chop one of the moulded ends off the db9 cables and connect straight to motor wires and the other end to the gecko G540? The DB9 cables I have the individual metal core wires are 0.4mm dia but the motor wires core is 0.8mm. would it take the amps?

[denz]

Good question. Could a standard computer DB9 cable be used, say for a run of six feet?

[dmauch]

I have built at least 35 G540 systems if not more. I use standard DB( 6ft cables. But I have found that not all standard db9 cables made by various chinese manufactureres are good. I have had some that got very hot even though the motor was just warm. This was about the time that copper was really expensive and I think they cust the wire gauge. On other cables I have found that you couldn't remove the screws that are on the side of the cable that connects to the motor. The db9 connectors shells require the screws be inserted from that side.
Last I ran into a couple cables that would get very warm and cause intermittent faults. When the cable was replaced the problem went away.

So I only buy my cables from a given source that I know doesn't have problems.

Dan Mauch
Camtronics Inc
www.camtronics-cnc.com
low cost cases for the G540 and other fine Gecko products.

Originally Posted by denz Good question. Could a standard computer DB9 cable be used, say for a run of six feet?

[denz]

Thanks for that information Dan. I will try a normal cable and if i have any heat issues i guess i will have to upgrade the wiring and learn how to solder the db9 pins myself.
Cheers

[tulsaturbo]

Originally Posted by dmauch So I only buy my cables from a given source that I know doesn't have problems.

Hi Dan,

Would you mind supplying your source for the db9 cables?

[dmauch]

I use to get them from MPJA.com but I see they are out. I have ordered some from another company but they haven't arrived yet so i can't answer if they are any good..

Originally Posted by tulsaturbo Hi Dan, Would you mind supplying your source for the db9 cables?

[dmauch]

I use to get them from MPJA.com but I see they are out. I have ordered some from another company but they haven't arrived yet so i can't answer if they are any good..

Dan Mauch
dmauch@camtronics-cnc.com
gecko G540 cases and other fine products.
Camtronics, inc. -- CNC with Dan Mauch

Originally Posted by tulsaturbo Hi Dan, Would you mind supplying your source for the db9 cables?

[zeed]

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/gecko_...le_issues.html

[Jeff-Birt]

Pre-made DB9 cables use 26~28AWG wire which is way too small. You are much better off making up your own cables IMHO.

[ahren]

We sell cables that are custom made for us, 20 AWG DB9's specifically for motor applications with the G540. Best of luck!

Ahren
CNCRouterParts

[strohkirchw]

Originally Posted by ahren We sell cables that are custom made for us, 20 AWG DB9's specifically for motor applications with the G540. Best of luck! Ahren CNCRouterParts

What are your thoughts on the recommendation from Gecko that the resistor needs to be on the connector at the G540 end?

[ahren]

I was just alerted to that thread the other day, and was quite surprised to hear this from Gecko. We have sold hundreds of kits with the current set resistors in the motors, some even on 20' cables, and have not had any performance issues. I have definitely seen issues with cheap serial cables, and have replaced many of these with our own cables.

That being said, if someone is nervous about having the resistor farther from the drive, it is fairly straightforward to cut off pins 1-5 on the cable connector, and crimp some pins to a current set resistor inserted directly into the drive. This will be, in my opinion, far more robust than a lot of DIY cables made by those with questionable soldering skills (myself included!)

Best regards,

Ahren
CNCRouterParts