I am gathering parts for my next big CNC build.
I have purchased the following:
- 1x PS-10N50 - 50VDC 1000W PSU from Antek Inc. for stepper drive power.
- 4x Centent CN0142 Anti-Resonance Microstep Drivers
- 75FT 24AWG Cat5e cable for signal from PC to drivers for step and direction
- 100ft 14AWG CL2 Rated 4-Conductor for connecting the drivers to the steppers
- 2-conductor cable for stepper driver power connections
I am wondering about the best way to locate all of the components. I can see two options:
- Put all the components on a cart and run three lengths of the 4-conductor stepper cable OR
- place the stepper drivers near the stepper motors ON the CNC frame and run three lengths of 50V power lines as well as signal lines from my cart to the drivers, individually.
Wire is expensive and I want to ensure that I have clear signals, so I am leaning towards option #1. The only thing that worries me is that there may be a higher impedance or lost steps due to long stepper cables.
Option #2 would be fine except I have read that it is important to also keep the driver power supply cables as short as possible as well as the PC to stepper driver signal cables to eliminate cross-talk, etc.
The cart will likely only be a max of 10ft or so away form the CNC. The cart is where all the other electronics are going to reside.
Any suggestions? Which option do I choose?