[Claytonc]

Of course I now have a Gecko g540 and I want to control my router (120v) with it. I already have a 24v/120v relay and am using a 24v PS. My question is, does the G540 simply make a connection from pin 5 to ground (a relay itself?) or does it acutally supply voltage for the relay itself? I was using a TB6560 before this and it had two connections for the relay and it simply connected the two terminals when the spindle button was pressed. Is the G540 the same or not? (before I blow something up lol)

[BanduraMaker]

The manual states that it sinks the power. i.e. it connects it to ground, but not using a relay.

[JD68]

You might find this helpful.

http://www.rpc-electronics.com/g540.php

[Claytonc]

The manual states that it sinks the power. i.e. it connects it to ground, but not using a relay.

Hmm... So... I'm still a little confused.. Should I run my +24v to my relay and the relay '-' to pin 5?
Sorry if I sound ignorant.. If so it’s because I am lol

PS: I'm useing the same power supply for the G540 and the relay.

[Al_The_Man]

The manual appears to show it fairly plainly with an example showing one side of the relay coil goes to pin5 and the other side of the coil to +24v?
IOW, the G540 sinks the power to common.
You should use a reverse emf diode across the coil, the + band on the diode would go to the +ve side of the coil.
Al.

[JD68]

You might find this helpful.

http://www.rpc-electronics.com/g540.php

Since you are using a 24V supply please disregard my suggestion. The relays on the interface board are 12V.

[Claytonc]

I am now clear on this. A diode did come with the relay and I will install it as well.


Thank you all for the help.

[BanduraMaker]

Hmm... So... I'm still a little confused.. Should I run my +24v to my relay and the relay '-' to pin 5?
Sorry if I sound ignorant.. If so it’s because I am lol

PS: I'm useing the same power supply for the G540 and the relay.

Yes, that's right. This diagram shows the correct way to wire the diode: Diodes

[DonFrambach]

Are you sure that a blocking diode is required for relays controlled by a g540? I was told that Gecko has said blocking diodes are not required with the g540. Consequently, I have been using my g540 to control two relays without blocking diodes for several months.

[Al_The_Man]

It probably won't hurt, something has to dissipate the energy collapse, it can easily be in the 100's of volts?
Al.

[DonFrambach]

I must confess that my information from Gecko is second hand. I'll drop an email to them and post the response I get.

[BanduraMaker]

Are you sure that a blocking diode. Is required for relays controlled by a g540?

I absolutely do not know if it's required but it's a best practice in the Electrical Engineering world when it comes to relays or solenoids, especially when they interface with solid state devices. My guess is that it's not required but, a diode costs a few pennies. A G540 a bit more than that.

[brtech]

The G540 is pretty bulletproof, although I have killed mine . I would not be surprised if they have the diode built in.

I have one on my relays though - it is best practice.

[Al_The_Man]

I would not be surprised if they have the diode built in.

That may not be possible if the relay +ve does not connect to the Gecko?
Al.

[brtech]

I made an assumption that the diode would be between the input pin and Gecko Power +.
If the relay was powered from the same supply, it would work.

If the relay was powered from a supply that was lower voltage than the Gecko, the diode wouldn't help as much, but it wouldn't hurt.

Unfortunately, I think if the relay supply was higher than the Gecko supply, the normal condition of the diode would be forward biased and it would conduct, which is probably not good. That would be a really unusual situation, but I guess you have to assume it could possibly happen.

I withdraw the speculation. Probably couldn't have the diode built in.

[CarveOne]

All the relays and contactors I have seen with diodes have the diodes wired across the coil in the reverse bias direction. The diode does nothing during normal operation. As the coil is de-energized the collapsing field energy causes the diode to conduct and the resistance of the coil in parallel with the diode quickly dissipates the energy as heat.

CarveOne

[DonFrambach]

Here's the response I got back from Gecko when I asked whether diodes are required for G540 installations:

Hi Don,

Sorry, I overlooked your email.

Blocking diodes are NOT required.

Anything else, please let me know.

Janice Jarvis
Geckodrive Inc.
14662 Franklin Ave.
Suite E
Tustin, CA 92780
USA
PH: +1 714 832 8874
FAX: +1 714 832 8082
Geckodrive

[Al_The_Man]

Blocking diodes are NOT required.

An explanation why would be nice.

A bit like the US customer that asked Rolls Royce what the motor HP of his recently purchased Silver Ghost, the reply was 'Sufficient'!!
Also falls in to the same category of suppliers of DIY drives and BOB's that do not show the input and output details in order that one may make an informed decision when hooking up a particular SS device!:tired:
Al.

[DonFrambach]

Sent another message to Gecko:


Hello Janice,


Thank you for your note.


Could you take a quick look at a fairly short thread on CNCZone and hopefully respond? If you can, your answer will be quoted many times and in many places!


Here's the thread: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cnc_router_table_machines/133422-gecko_g540_spindle_relay_question.html


Thanks.


Don Frambach