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IndustryArena Forum > CNC Electronics > Gecko Drives > Gecko's vs. all-in-one controller
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    25

    Gecko's vs. all-in-one controller

    I am looking into buying some steppers and controlling it with this controller (http://www.eftechusa.com/products.htm) the first controller on the page (Product ID: CDM-4X2-124 TurboStep Stepper Motor Driver 12V, 10MHz Speed).

    What is the advantage of using gecko's vs using this board which seems to do everything that i want?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Posts
    439
    looks like they aren't microstepping boards. it will not be a smooth,you have to use resistors and will be slower. But if this is for a hobby machine im sure it will work

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538
    Go with one of these - http://www.hobbycnc.com/driverboards/4aupc/4aupc.htm
    A lot better performance, microstepping, and a lot cheaper. You just don't get the 2 relays.
    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)

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Posts
    43
    I'm trying to sort through all this ...
    With the boards from Hobbycnc, do I still need drivers..(geckos) or does the hobbycnc board take the place of the geckos? what about power supply?
    Is anyone using hobbycnc boards for plasma?
    John

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538
    The HobbyCNC board is the drivers, only it has either 3 or 4 axis, vs 1 for each Gecko. You'll still need a power supply.
    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)

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Posts
    43
    Thank you Gerry for your reply.
    I see on the Hobbycnc website that I still need to buy a transformer and case. Does that take care of the power supply? And if so are there sufficient instructions to help me wire it all together?
    The prices seem very reasonable as long as there are no hidden extras I will need to buy.
    Thanks, John

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    6855
    Quote Originally Posted by johnt
    Thank you Gerry for your reply.
    I see on the Hobbycnc website that I still need to buy a transformer and case. Does that take care of the power supply? And if so are there sufficient instructions to help me wire it all together?
    The prices seem very reasonable as long as there are no hidden extras I will need to buy.
    Thanks, John
    Yes the instructions are very complete, as I'm doing a review for their boards now.

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