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
am i missing something?
thanks neil