I'm Lost & Frustrated - Need Help

[Hack]

Well guys I ordered 3 steppers and a driver from Automation Direct

Driver Link - http://web2.automationdirect.com/adc...r/STP-DRV-4035

Stepper link - http://web2.automationdirect.com/adc.../STP-MTR-23079

When ordering the driver I was thinking that it would be a 3 axis board like a xylotex or similar. Why I was thinking that I have no idea, but now I'm looking at needing to buy 2 more at 150 bucks a pop. The other thing is how do I get from the computer to these things? I was expecting a parallel port hookup (DB25 cable) on the board itself. Im obviously lost, and need some help.

I haven't purchased the power supply yet so I am thinking of returning this one driver and exchanging it for the necessary power supply

Power Supply Link -http://web2.automationdirect.com/adc...r/STP-PWR-3204

Then trying to find a multiaxis controller such as a xylotex that would work for the steppers, instead of blowing another 300 bucks (plus power supply) on this "hobby" Would the above power supply work with the xylotex correct?


If I do return the driver, any suggestions on what to use instead? The xylotex board is rated at 2.5 amps per phase max and the steppers are rated at 2.8a per phase. I assume that this means it wont work?

How much better off from a compatability standpoint would I be if I just bit the bullet and bought the other items from Automation Direct?

Thanks all

[ViperTX]

Well, most of these including the Geckos require that you have a breakout box...basically parallel port in, lines may be opto-isolated and then run to another connector where you would wire the step and direction lines to your driver.

[ViperTX]

Oops forgot that power supply is only rated at 4 amps...so at close to 3 amps per phase....and knowing that 2 phases are generally energized....6 amps per stepper, you'll need a larger power supply.

[ViperTX]

Xylotex will work...just lower speed / torque and you'll have to cool them. Think of Gecko...up to 7 amps ....I suspect they will need a heatsink.

[Hack]

So the way I am adding this up, I will need a power supply of about 17 or 18 amps?

3 motors at 2.8 amps per phase - dual phase motors = 16.8 amps

what about volts? How many for the motors I listed above?

Thanks again

[ViperTX]

Those are sneaky people...they hide the voltage it's not on the stepper spec page....not even a chart...so, I suspect that they are overdriving the steppers(higher voltage...if you go with geckos set the current limit to around 3 amps any other driver you'll probably be safe to add a current limiting resistor of a little over 10 ohm, 100 watt to each stepper supply wire....it looks like they are 32 VDC...so a supply between 30 and 36 vdc at 18 to 20 amps should suffice.

[Hack]

So unlike the amperage I don't have to add each motors voltage requirements together to decide what size power supply?

[ger21]

Originally Posted by Hack If I do return the driver, any suggestions on what to use instead? The xylotex board is rated at 2.5 amps per phase max and the steppers are rated at 2.8a per phase. I assume that this means it wont work? How much better off from a compatability standpoint would I be if I just bit the bullet and bought the other items from Automation Direct? Thanks all

Those steppers should be fine with a Xylotex. If you run them at 2.5a/phase, you'll get about 90% of the rated torque. According to Jeff at Xylotex, if you run steppers at their full rated current, the microstepping won't be as smooth. He recommends a little less than full rated current for best performance.

Not sure about the automation direct drives, but the Xylotex will work fine with a 4-5a power supply, Due to the chopper design it's very efficient. You can get a 28V supply from here: http://www.mpja.com/productview.asp?product=15493+PS for $30.

Keep the motors, buy the Xylotex and a power supply like I listed above. Probably 85+% of the performance for 20% of the price.

[ger21]

Originally Posted by Hack So the way I am adding this up, I will need a power supply of about 17 or 18 amps? 3 motors at 2.8 amps per phase - dual phase motors = 16.8 amps what about volts? How many for the motors I listed above? Thanks again

Depends on the driver. With Geckos, for each motor you need 2/3 the rated current for a single phase. 2.8*.666 = 1.86a/motor. For geckos. Xylotex is similar. I'm assuming Automation Direct is as well, that's why they sell the low current supply. You never know, though.

Volts is a different story. Most motors have a rated voltage. You want to normally run several times that voltage, depending on the application. Some people will tell you 10 to 20 times the rated voltage. More voltage gives you higher speeds. It also gives you hotter motors. The best advice I've heard is to run just enough volts to give you the speed you want. Figuring this out can be tricky. The Xylotex makes it easy. Realistic 28-30V max, which should be fine for just about any motor.
And whether you use 1 or 3 motors, volts stays the same.

[coherent]

For what it's worth... I bought 3 of the same motors and cables from Automation direct. I think they are 276oz nema 23. I run them with a xylotec 3axix board with a 36v 25 amp power supply I got off of ebay. My machine is about 48x36x6 with Igus dryliner rails and bearings and 8tpi single start acme screws and nuts. Although I'm just finishing it (80/20 and 6061 aluminum on a steel frame table) I have done some testing and am quite happy with the speed & torque I'm getting. This is my third machine and have been happiest with the xyotec for performance at a good price. The xylotec board is going to be limited to 2.5 amps and you'll set the vref for each axis, so a bigger power supply is a waste unless you plan on upgrading later. You can get near the best performace possible with those motors with this setup and microstepping. If this is your first and are learning, learn from this, enjoy, make some neat stuff, and it may be all you ever need or want. But, if you' find you're driven by a need to go bigger and faster, go with a servo setup! If I had any advise... use 2-5 tpi screws, the lower end if you have ballscrews, as there is plenty of torque.
Have fun
-Marc

[ger21]

Originally Posted by coherent I run them with a xylotec 3axix board with a 36v 25 amp power supply I got off of ebay.

Are you sure it's 36V? If it is, your lucky you still have a Xylotex

[A. Shuford]

Hi Hack,
I see you are a little confused on these machines. Well join the crowd. I have had a cnc plasma cutter for about three years but metal is so expensive I decided to build my on router.
It looks like The Flintstones helped me. I got a 18 volt-20 amp transformer and built a power supply Then I bought a Xylotex 3 motor driver and used 3 pacific 1.75 amp motors. Enco will sell you some 1/2 x 10 acme rod and nuts. I am running Mach2 programing. I use two routers, a Rotozip and a Craftsman 1 1/2 h.p. router. I also have a Dremel Engraver tool that I run.

My router looks like country came to town but I have had a ball with it. If I can help let me know. I may never find this thread again. I stay lost on cnczone about half the time.
Dick Shuford
ashuford@cp-tel.net