[wyobmf]

Hello,
Is anyone out there using mach 3 and Geckos to drive the bridgeport sigma or superior stepper motors?
If so what did you use for your IPM and Accel rate?

Mine keeps faulting my drives and I have no idea what the motors are supposed to sound like. I can make them very quiet and I can make them screem by changing the settings.
Thanks

[contractdesign]

I'm using Mach 3 and sigma motors. My velocity is set at 120 in / min and the accel is 4 in's. To be honest, I'm not sure if this is the optimal, but it runs smooth and is fast enough for what I'm doing.

Steve

[Rimmel]

I'm about to do the same setup (original steppers with Mach3/Gecko's+GRex), just waiting for the gecko's to ship.

Curious as to what voltages you guys are using, and wwobmf, what values are you trying (with what results) ?

Thanks.

[contractdesign]

I'm using a 48 VDC power supply for the gecko's

[wyobmf]

Thanks for the info.
I am running my Gecko's at 78 VDC, But I think they dont like it. They keep tripping. I have tried everything from 30 to 110 same results
Contractdesign,
Did you wire your motor windings in parrallel?
What do you use for the uS setting?
Thanks

[contractdesign]

I think your voltage is too high, even though the acceptable voltage is 80 vdc max, I wouldn't go near that. As I stated, I run mine with a power supply rated at 48 vdc, 8 amps. As far as the motor wiring, I connected them in half winding. I used the center tap and one terminal. There is a loss in high speed but it is fast enough for what I am doing. Maybe I'm wrong, but because of the age of the motors (1980's) I just do not feel comfortable pushing the voltage limits, and speed limits in the Mach 3, I run at 60 in/minalso I start the motors with a generous accel / decell ramp 1.4. As far as the step pulse Us my setting is at 0.

[wyobmf]

Yeah your probably right,
I think I will order a new transformer.

Thanks

[servocontroller]

I am unable to understand that why 2.1V and 9.8A is written at the back of my superior stepper motors and you are using then at 48V or so?????

[wyobmf]

You should run steppers at 3-25 times the rated voltage.
I run mine at 78 VDC.
Read this it explains.
http://www.geckodrive.com/photos/Step_motor_basics.pdf

[Paul in OK]

Hey guys, are we talking about running original Boss stuff with new drivers? I have to put up a series 1 Boss 4 (he thinks) out of a Vo-tech, but has had some of the electronics removed. Still has the the servos or steppers, whatever it came with originally. I know it is probably better to replace the electronics anyway, but was curious as to how much would have to be replaced.

[wyobmf]

Just so everyone knows,
I replaced the computer, the cable, and installed the nema 48 jumper in the Geckos. I slowed my IPM to 60 and the accel to 10 and they work fine now.
I think the problem was the laptop I was trying to run it with. I still have to kill some services like qtask.exe to get it work right.

Paul,
I am using everyting new except the steppers.
Combo-3 board, and Gecko 202's

[CozyGirrrl]

Just picked up a BP series 1, I believe BOS 4 and am ready to gut it. We'd like to just remove the two BOS control cabinettes and ebay them. We already use Mach 3, Gecko 210's and a Combo breakout board to run a lathe and small mill.

I want to build a new control box using the Cambell Designs Combo breakout boad, a VFD running off of 1ph 220, Gecko 210's.

I need a source and spec for the 2 HP VFD and for an appropriate torroid transformer, any help, links or pointers would be appreciated.

Regards, Chrissi
CG Products
www.CozyGirrrl.com

[wyobmf]

Here is the xfmr and drive I used.
http://www.avellindberg.com/transfor...ange_specs.htm
I think you'll need about a 1000 va.

http://www.ab.com/drives/powerflex/4/index.html
AB is probably not the cheapest but they are nice in my opinion.

Thanks

[CozyGirrrl]

Thanks, I'll check out those links!
Ordered 3 more Gecko G210's today for the new box.
Was thinking maybe Hitachi VFD, will check the AB VFD's as well.
Regards, Chrissi

[CozyGirrrl]

Thanks for your help everybody.
Lets see, we picked up a Series 1 Boss 4 I think it was 16 . All the boards were blown so we clipped the wires, pulled both cabinets off and ebay'd them off for a net loss (cost more to put them on ebay then we sold them for) (DOH)
Did some serious cleaning and painting then rewired what was left since the old wiring was so stiff it cracked. Used better quality shielded wire. Original steppers are making 60 IPM and just barely warm.
Built a power supply with a 1000VA torroid, Gecko 210's, Combo Breakout Board and mounted a Hitachi VFD on the wall, running the whole thing with Mach3 and we are very pleased with the results, thank you everybody!
Now I need to convert the rotary table, anybody got plans on how they did it? =)

....Chrissi