New Joes CNC R&P 4x4 Guerra Cues build

[Guerra Cues]

Hello folks,

With the help from my friend Wes "AKA metalworkz" from Modesto, I am trying to continue my Dorsal's built since I've purchased his CNC from his estate.

Few questions starting to arise and this afternoon.
We were able to hook up the cable carriers and Wes helped out with the soldering (see the image of the 2 ugly mugs on the bottom of the thread - Tony on the left and Wes on the right).

Here we go with the questions:

- We have a Gecko 540 controller and a Mechatronics 4 Axis CNC Micro Stepper Driver Board: www.easy-cnc.com
What Controller should we use and why? Gehko seems to be real popular...
- We also have a relay board, a smooth stepper lpt board. What would be the use for it and what would be best way to be used?
- Also I need some good advice on ready made controller box with power supply or any other suggestions
- Also need an additional 22 feet of shielded 4 wire cable. Any links to buy the wire would be appreciated. Not sure if HD might have this type electric wire.

So now that you have listened to me...... Lets ear those keyboards typing

I want to thank everybody's help in advance.
I will have a laptop that I will be installing Mach3 and thinking about running Mastercam.
We have an idea on the way to go but I am looking for all the input I can get.
I am a rookie so I apologize with the stupid questions that will be answering all over again to a new member.

[ger21]

- We have a Gecko 540 controller and a Mechatronics 4 Axis CNC Micro Stepper Driver Board: www.easy-cnc.com * Your best option in driver boards for CNC machines What Controller should we use and why? Gecko seems to be real popular...

G540 can provide higher current, and more voltage. This will allow you to get at least double the performance of your motors, provided you use 48V, and the motor's current rating can take advantage of it.
Even if used at the same voltage and current, the G540 will outperform the other drive, as it has more advanced features like full step morphing and mod band resonance compensation.
It's real a no brainer - G540 is the hands down winner.

- We also have a relay board, a smooth stepper lpt board. What would be the use for it and what would be best way to be used?

The Smoothstepper is used instead of the PC's onboard parallel ports, or with a PC with no parallel ports. Since you have it, you might as well use it.
You'll probably want to get the latest Mach3 plugin from their website, Warp9 Tech. Design - Home of the SmoothStepper - Home

The relay board can be used to turn the router on/off from Mach3.

Don't have an answer on your other questions.

[Guerra Cues]

Hey Gerry,
Thanks for the reply.

I am thinking about getting the control box from Kelling and I still need about 22 feet of 4 wire shielded cable so I can finish the soldering. After that is done I need to start putting together the control box with the controller and all other cards.
I am now anxious to get this project finished. I still need a good source to get a rotary indexing cnc table with tailstock.

Originally Posted by ger21 G540 can provide higher current, and more voltage. This will allow you to get at least double the performance of your motors, provided you use 48V, and the motor's current rating can take advantage of it. Even if used at the same voltage and current, the G540 will outperform the other drive, as it has more advanced features like full step morphing and mod band resonance compensation. It's real a no brainer - G540 is the hands down winner. The Smoothstepper is used instead of the PC's onboard parallel ports, or with a PC with no parallel ports. Since you have it, you might as well use it. You'll probably want to get the latest Mach3 plugin from their website, Warp9 Tech. Design - Home of the SmoothStepper - Home The relay board can be used to turn the router on/off from Mach3. Don't have an answer on your other questions.