Open Source Gecko 201 Look A Like?

[pminmo]

Hey guys,
I for one would be in for a single channel, high voltage and high current driver along the lines of a G201. Not identical, but some of the same features. Anybody game?

Phil

[mdoan]

I'd be in. Let me know how I can help. The highest bipolar IC drivers I've found are from Allegro.... 35V 2.5A max. And their unipolar drives go up a little higher amps.

For H-bridges.... There's the Infineon TLE 6209R, 40V 6A continuous/7A peak, pseudo-chopper. Motorola has the 33887 40V 5A continuous H-bridge. These are both for DC motors and won't have microstepping control or translators but it's a start. And they'll need some uP (PIC would be good) for control.

Michael

[pminmo]

I believe the H bridge would have to be discrete to get the voltage current capabilities. 8 Fets something along the line of irfb41n15d's, 150V 41A. Maybe use the L297 or a micro to do the step sequencing. Something along the lines of 6n138 to do the opto isolation. The first step I see would be component selection.

Phil

[ynneb]

Go 4 it Phil, You did such a good job on the other open source drive. I am sure you will handle this project well.

[sendkeys]

sounds real cool as long as the price of the parts are cheap gecko is only 115

main problem i saw with the open source controllers that are out now. is the parts cost almost as much as the other equivalent controllers. not even counting the time/supplies to make them

[pminmo]

sendkeys,
I think as many people do this as much for the I did this, rather than saving a buch of bucks, but.... I just did a cost on the 3 axis discrete board. Round numbers $18 from Digikey, no board. If you are already setup to do toner traqnsfer pcb's, maybe another $2 for a board. $20 bucks or so for a 3 axis controller that doesn't need a breakout board. The modular way is more expensive, no doubt. The l297/l298 around $20 per axis $60, add another $18 if you want the interface board and cables, plus another $10 for the interface board, plus about $5 for cables, your at $75 and you have to do the work, yes there are as good of solutions for the same price. Three axis of gecko's $360. I think for most hobbiest's that might be a little hard to swallow. I guess I would say, my target wasn't an identical unit, just possibly more current and higher suply voltage than we can put together now in a bipolar chopper. Plus throw in opto isolation for step, direction and enable.

Phil