How to drive double x-axis?

[zone023]

Hi all,

I am currently building my first cnc machine.

It has two x-axis (THK KR4610-840) both driven by it's own stepper motor.

How do I connect both motors correctly so that they will work identcal?

Do I need two drivers? I guess so. Or one "heavy" driver?
Can I connect two (optical isolated) drivers directly to the same pins of the LPT port? Or do I need to control them seperately in the software (mach3)?

I did find almost all info I needed on his great site, but could not find the answer on this one.

Thanx for helping!

ps I have tried two attatch a picture of the design but I need an URL for the image....????

[ger21]

The answer to most of those questions is yes. But the best way, imo, is to use 2 drives and slave the two motors in Mach3.

[jamfixer]

Originally Posted by zone023 Hi all, I am currently building my first cnc machine. It has two x-axis (THK KR4610-840) both driven by it's own stepper motor. How do I connect both motors correctly so that they will work identcal? Do I need two drivers? I guess so. Or one "heavy" driver? Can I connect two (optical isolated) drivers directly to the same pins of the LPT port? Or do I need to control them seperately in the software (mach3)? I did find almost all info I needed on his great site, but could not find the answer on this one. Thanx for helping! ps I have tried two attatch a picture of the design but I need an URL for the image....????

electricy like slaves revolt,take a brake ,or just die, i would like to see you couple both axiz with a shaft and gear,and use one motor,a word from some one whom has done it

[Greolt]

I have done it. Very successful so far.

Separate drives are almost essential. Notice I said almost. One Gecko can drive two matched steppers. I wouldn't.

You can connect two drivers to one set of pins on the LPT

Slaving them in Mach is better and allows you to have separate homing switches on each side of a gantry for instance.

That can be an essential item. Depends on your design.

You can attach a jpeg with "Manage Attachments" so long as it is not above the size restrictions.

Why don't you try that so we can have a look.

Greg

[studysession]

Originally Posted by ger21 The answer to most of those questions is yes. But the best way, imo, is to use 2 drives and slave the two motors in Mach3.

This is exactl what I did and it worked perfectly.

[zone023]

Hi,

I will use two drivers and try to slave them in Mach3.
This means I have to connect the driver as a 4th axis on the LPT port, right?

I believe I have attatched an image...
As you can see I am going the easy way. I had access to 3 THK KR4610-840linear actuators.
This makes it possible to get familiar with CNC control without starting with a complex design.
This is a prototype made of wood, an aluminium construction will be made when I get this one working.

Thanx for the answers.