Do I need a BOB if you use ESS Smooth stepper and Gecko G540

[Mr.Chips]

I just updated my system but still using my original G251X drivers that I have used for eleven years.
Was thinking if I went with the Geck G540 and I am currently using the ESS Smoothstepper would I still need the breakout board?
The Smoothstepper has multiple input and output ports, I could just get a basic parallel port connector with cable and plug that into the Smoothstepper, or am I not understanding something.
Thanks

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[ger21]

If you wire everything through the G540, then no, you don't need a breakout board. But you'd only be using 1 port on the ESS. If you want to use the other ports, then you'd need to add a breakout board.

Why would you buy a G540, as it would not add any functionality over what you have?

[Mr.Chips]

Well these drivers are eleven years old, and through my carelessness I wiped out two of the four drivers last year, I sent them to Gecko for repair, one could not be repaired so I bought a new, and I have been plagued with lost steps so I’m afraid possible the other two are still working but maybe have some flaws.
Thought since I have the new Smoothstepper and new C25S BOB, two new Y axis ball screws, added 2010 screen set and shortly adding all the homing and limit switches to suppler the 2010.
So the weak link looks to be the drivers, but it may not be but I don’t have any way to test them.
What do you think Gerry?

[ger21]

I doubt the drives are causing lost steps. I'd ask Gecko if they think it's even possible.

The G540 contains the 4 drives you already have, so unless the drives are bad, it won't change anything.

[Mr.Chips]

Weill Gerry I’m putting all testing on hold right now as things seem to be running at these settings reliably. After this project is doneI’ll continue trying to isolate the lost step problem, as it’s still there it’s just not showing up at these conservative cut parameters.
Thanks Gerry
Hager

[Alemar21]

Hello guys, I just want to know something, I have the ESS do I need a BOB?, I planned to use just the ESS directly to the the drivers and the PC, is this ok?

thanks

[CoAMarcus]

Hello guys, I just want to know something, I have the ESS do I need a BOB?, I planned to use just the ESS directly to the the drivers and the PC, is this ok?

thanks

No, the ESS precludes the need for a breakout board. The only reason you may want one is if you need more than the four inputs and two outputs on the G540, in which case you will want a BOB as a connector board that goes back to the second port of the ESS.