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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    3

    alternative to gecko G320

    hello all,

    Im in the uk and want to find alternative drivers that are similar to the gecko G320, gecko don't seem to be sold over here in the uk.

    So im looking for

    20A 80VDC
    PID feedback servo drive
    Quadrature encoder inputs
    5VDC 50mA encoder supply
    Opto-isolated step and direction inputs
    20kHz PWM
    Current limit settable 0 to 20A

    Give us a list of suitable drives at the same price if possible.

    Matthew

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538
    Quote Originally Posted by opl505e
    Give us a list of suitable drives at the same price if possible.

    Matthew
    I don't believe anything else exists in Geckos price range . Rutex would be the next option, slightly more expensive than Gecko. www. rutex.com
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    3

    cheers mate

    Umm am thinking of buying 2 geckos and getting them sent over for the X-Y, however do i really need a third just for the Z axis plasma gun positioning?

    Is there any neat tricks to handle the simple z axis gun operation?

    Matthew

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Posts
    439
    rutex.com drives . Price is the same if you count on buying a scope for gecko.
    Shipping looks like 20 to 40 compare to size and speed.


    I’m not a plasma guy but over on the mach3 boards there seams to be allot of people needing and using the touch height setup for the z.

    I could guess it would do with how well you need it to cut and how large of metal you cut. The larger it is the more warped they seam to get.

  5. #5
    We ship direct to the UK every day. The fastest shipping is UPS, takes 2 to 3 days and costs about $65 for up to 6 drives. Global Express (also trackable) takes 5 to 10 days, costs $28 for up to 6 drives.

    You don't need a 'scope.:-)

    Mariss

  6. #6
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Posts
    314
    We ship direct to the UK every day

    whos we? is there a link?

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Posts
    249
    He's the owner of Gecko drives.

  8. #8
    Sorry. Please try www.geckodrive.com

    Mariss

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Posts
    484
    "You don't need a 'scope.:-)"

    but it sure doesn't hurt! The way I see it, Rutex has you beat on ease of tuning and max position error before fault, and you have Rutex beat on price and robustness. A pretty even match.

  10. #10
    God knows I can't get by without a scope and I like even matches.

    Mariss

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    3

    Mariss to california

    Mariss,
    How big are the G320's in their delivery boxes + how heavy?
    I have an aunt in San Francisco who I could get the geckos delivered to, she could then wrap them up as a present and I could avoid import duty.
    So whats the price to deliver to san fran?

    Thanks

    Matthew Keen

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Posts
    552
    Rutex also has differential encoder input.

    Darek

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    369
    Quote Originally Posted by ger21
    I don't believe anything else exists in Geckos price range .
    Well, if you insist on a step/direction drive, then I don't have anything. But, if
    you are looking for a 20 A servo drive for a DC brush motor, then I have an
    alternative. It is best as an integrated solution, the PWM controller and the
    PWM servo amps. The controller generates PWM waveforms by computer
    control, and the PWM servo amp is the power output stage. See
    http://jelinux.pico-systems.com/univpwm.html for info on the controller,
    and http://jelinux.pico-systems.com/pwmservo.html for the servo amp.
    The controller is US $250 and the amplifier is US $100 each. These have
    been tested at up to 108 V. If you need up to 160 V, that can be provided
    at slightly higher cost. This system is currently supported by EMC.

    Jon

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    245
    You may also want to look at an Axor solution, but 20 A is quite high, have you got the motors yet, it may be better to get some higher voltage motors to keep the current down.
    Also the Axor drivers are a dodle to set up, and they are tack feedback by default and encoder as an option.
    www.Axorindustries.com

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Posts
    361
    Matthew
    I don't know if you got an answer about the Gecko's but the box to ship 3 of them is about 6"x6" and weights very little. If you can get the Gecko's and this is your first machine, I would go with them. There is a lot of support, They are very easy to set up and the Gecko people are great to work with.
    The main reason you would need a z-axis(controlled) is if you need THC. If you don't , you can use a motor to raise and lower the tourch. You don't have to raise and lower the torch at ea. cut. Just let the torch ride on transfer balls (sse attached picture). It works .
    The other way is to have Mach control a solenoid (air or elect.) that lowers the torch at the beginning of a sheet and raises it at the end. You would still
    have the torch riding on transfer ball.
    mike
    sorry will have to add picture tonight

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