Newbie Seeking Mach2/Gecko201 help

[Thazul]

Hi all, I recently picked up a 3 axis CNC Router that is using Gecko 201 stepper drivers, and 3 280oz-in stepper motors (6 wire) that are being used in half wind. Looking at it it doesnt have a breakout board, it is wired directly to an LPT cable which is plugged into the computer.
I got to see it run before I brought it home, It was being run on CNC Pro, I jotted down all the configuration information.

I am now trying to run it with mach 2 but I cannot get any of the motors to spin. Here is how it was configured in CNC Pro.

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This machine does not have limit switches yet, and no ES/hold button.
So all that is important is the Step / Dir pin's correct?
I can get them set up and Reset mach 2 and have no LEDs lit in the diagnostic section, but then ill go to jog and the motors do nothing, yet the coords move fine in mach 2.

Is it not running because its waiting for some kind of signal to say its okay run the motors?
Could be be the tuning of the motors. to low, to high? (wouldn't I hear something?)

A shove in the right direction would be very much appreciated.

Thanks for your time,

Drew

[ger21]

Do the motors lock up when power is applied. (Mach2 does not need to even be running. If not, there is probably a wiring problem.

If they do lock up, in Mach2, is the port set correctly? Make sure everything is correct on the "Port Setup and Axis Select" screen, as well as the "Output Pins" screen.

If the DRO's change during jogging, then the motors should be moving.

Also, if starting from scratch, you might want to start with Mach3. Art posted today that he gets virtually no error reports on it now, so I'd use that vs Mach2. You have to redo the entire setup, so if you're just getting started, you might as well start with Mach3.

[Thazul]

When the Computer + Controller is on (all 3 geckos power lights are on). No they don't feel like they are locked, holding position.
I can still spin the ballscrew with my fingers. so time for a rewire?
Should I get a breakout board to make life easier?

Thanks,

Drew

[Thazul]

Just wanted to follow up, I fixed it, ITS ALIVE!!

I believe it was either the power supplies, or the +5v for the geckos being pulled from the computer's PSU. it was twisted together/taped, I soldered it.

Going to install Mach3 now, Thanks ger!

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Drew

[ajitsingh]

can we use MAXNC pc based software for bridgeport series 1 mill with gecko 202 & parellel board - pmdx 122, please advice