ok guy's so this should be my last question regarding this set up.
i have all axis working fine now bearing in mind i have only checked my Z axis with this test, i set up my dial indicator to measure a 'step' in the down direction.
so the stepper motors are geared but on a 1 : 1 basis, the steps per unit are set at 200, the Z axis indicates 1 unit of movement (all units are set as mm) but the dial indicator measures .68mm of travel
There are a lot of parameters involved with calculating that number. And it changes from inch to mm.
I found the best way is to measure the distance traveled over the largest travel and keep adjusting that setup multiplier until the distance on the controller matches the actual distance traveled. Try and try again method.
dean, thanks for the reply i will have a go at that method
boydage, i only tried the Z axis and only over 1 unit which should be 1mm, there doesn't seem to be any back lash in my gear set up but could be in the machines set up, i will check it out
ok so thanks to those that replied to my predicament lol, i have it dialed in now
i removed the gearing and made brackets for direct drive on the shafts, i then ran the calibration tool on the axis setup tab which was a big help, that got me close enough to perfect