585,902 active members*
4,316 visitors online*
Register for free
Login
IndustryArena Forum > MetalWorking Machines > Benchtop Machines > How to install 5th axis motor on a 4 axis motor controller Gecko 540?
Results 1 to 4 of 4
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Posts
    8

    How to install 5th axis motor on a 4 axis motor controller Gecko 540?

    I finally bit the bullet and bought a Harbor Freight X2 mill.

    I will buy the cncfusion motor mount kit with ballscrews.

    Now, I am contemplating on buying a Gecko g540 kit (I will only need 3 axis to start, but would later on want to add a 4&5th axis table, how would I then connect the 5th axis seeing that I only have 1 parallel port which is connected to the 4 axis G540?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Posts
    3757
    Get another port (card is low cost), save some pins on the limits or easier still get a smooth stepper.
    Dunno how that fits with the g540 kit. Check out compatibility first.
    Super X3. 3600rpm. Sheridan 6"x24" Lathe + more. Three ways to fix things: The right way, the other way, and maybe your way, which is possibly a faster wrong way.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Posts
    521
    Do you have or are you going to buy CADCAM that supports 4 & 5 axis machining - that maybe your first stumbling block - 10's of thousands of $

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Posts
    469
    The Gecko only has outputs for 4 axis, as you know.. The gecko also acts as the breakout board for your 4 axis system.. To add a 5th axis, you'll need another parallel port (PCI card, or better yet a smoothstepper), a breakout board and a driver for the 5th axis. Of course you can also use the 2nd breakout board to expand your inputs and outputs!

Similar Threads

  1. 6 axis motor controller
    By ChubbyMonkey1 in forum Stepper Motors / Drives
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 09-13-2012, 03:59 AM
  2. 3 axis CNC controller kit 3 NEMA17 78 oz-in stepper motor + 3 axis CNC board
    By Chaparro1973 in forum Stepper Motors / Drives
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 03-12-2012, 10:26 AM
  3. 3 axis motor stepper controller
    By jigoku in forum Linear and Rotary Motion
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 09-23-2010, 01:32 PM
  4. New 3 Axis Stepper Motor controller
    By automationtechinc in forum Automation Technology Products
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 09-17-2008, 08:56 PM
  5. Stepper Motor Controller For A 3 Axis CNC Machine
    By mattn in forum Stepper Motors / Drives
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 02-09-2007, 09:50 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •