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IndustryArena Forum > CNC Electronics > Gecko Drives > Gecko 540 and Resistor question
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Posts
    1738

    Gecko 540 and Resistor question

    Right now on my machine running a Gecko 540. I have three (3.3k) resistors installed on all axis. So I'm not at 100% efficiency as far as resistors go.

    I have in the shop a few 3.6 K resistors. I tried to order 3.5 K but Mouser didn't have them (Still don't). I know the 540 will only output 3.5 Amps per axis. Will I severely damage anything with the 3.6 K resistors? I can't find the 3.5 K and I need to get the machine running.


    Will I damage anything on the 540 or the steppers?


    -Jason

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Posts
    1602
    With the 3.3k ohm resistors you are down maybe 6% compared to 3.5k ohm resistors why risk it?

    Is there room in the connector to add a second resistor? You could always add a second resistor in series to get to 3.5k, or you could hand select from a batch of 5% 3.3k resistors to get some that are at the high end of the tolerance range.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Posts
    1778
    Jason,

    I am with rowbare. I wouldn't risk damage to the G540 by using more resistance than Mariss recommends. I recall that Mariss said using no resistor (almost infinite resistance) results in the automatic power reduction failing to work.

    Maybe Mariss will chime in and tell us what the effects of using 3.6K resistors would be.

    Alan

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Posts
    8082
    If there is room for two resistors I would rather parallel two values that are relatively close together to give 3.5K ohms or just a little under 3.5K ohms. Two 6.8k in parallel will give 3.4K. 7.150K in parallel with 6.8K gives 3.485K.

    CarveOne
    CarveOne
    http://www.carveonecncwoodcraft.com

  5. #5
    You won't damage anything with a large resistor (>3.5K). You simply won't have standby current reduction and your motor will run hotter. Digikey has 3.48K 1% 1/4W resistors at $0.49 for 5 pieces (Digikey part number 3.48KXBK-ND).

    Mariss

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Posts
    1738
    Thanks Mariss!

    Thanks everyone else for posting. I always used Mouser, so never checked Digi.

    Thanks,

    -Jason

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    15

    Question Did you ever figure out your EMC2 problem or is it still giving you fits?

    Jason,

    Did you ever figure out your EMC2 problem or is it still giving you fits?

    I want to run the same setup you have but do not know if its a good idea since you have had so many problems.

    Please let me know how your system is working now.

    PDB

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Posts
    1738
    Poor- I am going to be working on it this week. I have a new video card that came in that i'm about to install. I also want to get the 3.5 K resistors to make sure that I'm getting all the amps possible.


    -Jason

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