Gecko 540 4 axis wanting to add one or two more axis? help/advice needed

[curiosity22]

Hey G'day folks,

How hard? if possible would it be to add another axis or 2 to the Gecko 540? I am wanting to add a rotary to my table which is 3 axis 2 are taken up for Y. So 1 more axis would be fine but 2 would be ideal for future proofing another other bright ideas I may fall across.

If there is a thread I could read with diagrams pictures advice?

Appreciate a hand up on this.

Cheers,
Steve

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[john-100]

It depends on what outputs from the G540 you are using now

the printerport has 12 outputs connected to the G540

8 control the 4 axis (pins 2 to 9)
2 control the open drain outputs normally used to switch relays on and off (pins 1 & 17)
the remaining 2 outputs - pin14 connected to the PWM to 0-10V converter , pin 16 the charge pump

if you don't use the two G540 outputs to control relays ( G540 terminals 5 & 6 )
its possible to use them to control a 5th axis for a rotary table

connect a +5v supply to the + step & + direction to the external driver
the -step to the G540 output1 and -direction to the G540 output 2

the 5V supplies negative terminal to the G540 common (terminal 12)





a modified printe cable could enable the use of pins 14 & 16 for a 6th axis
if you don't want to control the spindle speed or use the charge pump

another way is to add a second printerport or use a motion controller
to use a second G540


John

[curiosity22]

John Gday,

Thank you for the courtesy of a reply. I use a uc100 currently to run my cnc, i will be upgrading to the same manufactorers ethernet controller shortly which has facility for 2 x parallel ports. That should enable me to use a second breakout board..

Thank you for the pinnout info will have a look at that in the morning.

cheers steve

- - - Updated - - -

John Gday,

Thank you for the courtesy of a reply. I use a uc100 currently to run my cnc, i will be upgrading to the same manufactorers ethernet controller shortly which has facility for 2 x parallel ports. That should enable me to use a second breakout board..

Thank you for the pinnout info will have a look at that in the morning.

cheers steve

[RCaffin]

ESS: ethernet connection: 3 output ports.
I am using most of the first two.

Cheers
Roger