Quick Question on stepper motors

[cspearsall]

We just bought a set of plans for the cad cut machine. They come with a parts list, but being on a budget we are shopping around for stepper motors. Any advice on which brands to look for or stay away from. Also how do you determine compatibility with the software as well as the hole spacing on the plans. I realize that you can change the holes in the aluminum, but I want to know if there is a standard by which they are measured. I work with 3 phase industrial motors and they use frame sizing. For example any motor with a 184t frame is interchangeable as far as the physical properties (shaft size, height, etc..). Is there a way to determine this on stepper motors. The cad cut plans call for 470 in/oz motors from Micro Kinetics, I would like to know if I could substitute these motors

http://cgi.ebay.com/3-640-oz-in-Bipo...QQcmdZViewItem

in there place. If the physical dimensions are not the same I could modify the mounting plate, but would they be compatible with the software the other steppers use? Are these good motors for a great price or cheap motors, and how do you tell? BTW the software in the plans is Indexer LPT from Ability Systems.

[ger21]

Steppers are sized by NEMA standards, If the ones in the plans are Nema 34's, than the bolt holes should be the same. You'll find that all the inexpensive steppers are made in China. Most people seem to be using them these days, and I haven't heard of any problems.

As for software, check out Mach3 at www.artofcnc.ca Imo, it has far more features than Indexer at fration of the price. The one advantage that Indexer has is that I believe it can output steps at a higher max rate than Mach3. Most likely Mach3 should be sufficient. If you find it's not, you can add a Gecko G100 pulse generator which will far surpass indexer's speed, and will still cost less. www.geckodrive.com

[cspearsall]

will the mach software come with documentation on how to wire and configure the system? (keep in mind we are newbies)

Chris

[ger21]

The wiring will be dependant on the hardware used. Mach can be configured to suit the hardware. You can download the fully functional demo and try it. Also, go to www.machsupport.com and watch all the training videos. It should give you a better understanding of the software and how it works.