Setting up Mach3 + CNC4PC BOB + VSD-A-r2

[ftec]

Setting up a 4-axis system with VSD-A-r2 w/ 300W & 150W servos from GD. For BOB I have CNC4PC C11 rev6.1.

To be on the safe side, I'm first setting up Mach3 + BOB and checking (with oscilloscope) that all signals are well before connecting any of the drives and motors to the system. I hope you don't mind me asking such simple basic questions but as everything is new so many Q's arise. Other questions will most likely follow but here is what I'd like to know first:

Q1: Small problem with English terminology. The Mach manual uses words LowActive for DIR and STEP and the VSD-A manual says "In step/dir mode, step is being taken at rising edge of step signal." Am right if I'm checking the ActiveLow check marks for DIR and STEP in the Mach Motor Outputs Setup?

Q2: Mach Kernel speed (Hz). The Kernel speed apparently determines the top speed for the axis. What are the quide lines to decide correct Kernel speed in Mach for VSD-A?

Thanks!

Risto

[ger21]

1) Not sure, but my guess is uncheck active low.

2) Set the kernel speed only as high as you need to get the speed you want.

[ftec]

Thanks for the answers Gerry.

A couple of Q:

Q3: The manual does not clearly state whether VSD-A needs the logic (24V) (and 5V) voltages when running the firmware update, or does it take all the power it needs from the USB?

Q4: I would first like to set up the motors running free without being in the actual machine (to avoid unpleasant surprises etc.). Anything special to take into account when setting up motors with no load?

Q5: Anyone have ready *.gdf files for the 300W and 150W GD motors with no load.


PS. I'm just trying to find my way there, so forgive me if these Qs are "stupid" in some way.

Thanks,

[Xerxes]

A3: 24V only. Drive doesn't have 5V input.
A4: Position PID gains will need to be re-tuned after motor is mounted on machine.
A5: Pls, see attached motor specs with VSD-A parameters

[ftec]

A3: 24V only. Drive doesn't have 5V input.
A4: Position PID gains will need to be re-tuned after motor is mounted on machine.
A5: Pls, see attached motor specs with VSD-A parameters

A3: OK, (to be exact I meant the 5V for the CMD pin #5).

Thanks

[ftec]

Post removed (by me) and sent directy to GD support.

[ftec]

Very often threads are left unfinnished while other ppl might want to know how things went in the end. So here is what happend.

We had a major problem to get connected with the VSD-A drives with the SPI. Certainly so as we thought the SPI cable goes to the factory programming connector. Luckly none of the drives smoked though all the LEDs dimmed etc. Now the drives have been configured and all graphs look neat and with very low follow error value. Tero helped us thru the process patiently so a big thanks to him.

Risto

PS. A FAQ section for each GD product might be a good idea.