[pstockley]

Has anyone seen these complete brushless DC systems from automation direct?

http://www.sureservo.com/motors.htm

While not exactly cheap, they aren't too bad for a plug-in and ready to go AC servo, drive and powersupply package. Looks like they take step and direction inputs. I was going to go with a Brushed DC servos but I may take a closer look at these. I really like the idea of brushless but they seem a bit hit and miss matching drives and motors. In this case, at least you are guaranteed they work and you get a 2 year warranty.

[bmsme905]

I've been looking at the complete systems also. At first they do seem a little pricey but plug and play for the most part may justify a little extra cost.

When you add up the cost for Gecko or Rutex drives, power supply, brushed motors which may need encoders, capacitor and cable/wiring the cost difference is not a whole lot more. Depends a lot on the brushed motors that are used.

The drives do state that they accept step and direction pulse. Would they work well with Mach 3 and what else would be needed to connect to Mach 3? Would a breakout board be needed? What would be the function of the ZIPLink cable kit listed under accessories and would it be required to connect with Mach 3?

Thanks,
Dave

[pstockley]

Like you say, by the time you add up all the costs for the power supply, wires, fuses, connectors etc the price isn't much more than a DC brushed setup. Plus it is brushless which is superior from a cooling and maintenance point of view than brushed. I see no reason it won't work fine with Mach. This is what I plan to use. I will talk to them and get some more information.

You will still need a breakout board. I am not sure I would bother with the Ziplink cable or not.

[laldrich10]

I too am looking at these drives. I am wounder all the same stuff. Also if i Incorporated a PLC to do some of the homing and tool set functions.