Thread: Gecko G540 CNC Kits now available

Hi Brad,

I'm still working on how to add it.

I'm trying to make the controller independent of the supply voltage, 110V/240V. On my own controller I use a Gecko Chiller. It will run of any DC voltage up to over 80V. So I just power it off the 48V stepper supply.

GC-01 Gecko 540 Chiller [GC-01]

I could show that on the schematic but Iwas trying to use non-specialised parts. Alternatively, I could put an AC fan on the schematic and label it 110V/240V depending on the supply.

After the break, I'm going to change the diagram and put the external components, the limit switches and touch probes onto a 2nd Sheet, replacing them on the first sheet with connectors. That way the first sheet will contain all the partsthat are internal to the controller box.

Cheers,


Peter.

Fantastic Peter I need a backup G540 as I love the things maybe you can work out how its supposed to talk to a VFD I had no such with that the diagram is very light on when it comes to this for a stupid person like me.

Anyway you will be getting an order in early Jan from me .

Will you service them as well at all Peter for the Gec guys?

Sean

Sean,
Just buy a few Gecko G250s and you can service them yourself!
Just send the dead G250 back to Gecko, no downtime for your G540.

[I wish Gecko sold the G540 motherboard/case as a separate item. I have a few G250s I bought when they were first released and they're a pain to wire up]

Originally Posted by WillyInBris

Fantastic Peter I need a backup G540 as I love the things maybe you can work out how its supposed to talk to a VFD I had no such with that the diagram is very light on when it comes to this for a stupid person like me.

Anyway you will be getting an order in early Jan from me .

Will you service them as well at all Peter for the Gec guys?

Sean

Hi Sean,

Yes I will look at the VFD setup after the break. Apart from the 10V control signal, a relay will be needed to active the FWD input on the VFD.

As to servicing, I offered to do it bu Gecko are happing to do all the servicing. That said, I do have a number of G250s that could be used as replacements.

Cheers,


Peter.

I just thought I'd check with Gecko on the current set resistor....

Question...

Would using resistors 2k7 1% for 269oz 2.8A steppers cause any issues?

Answer.....

Brad,

Those will work just fine. The current set resistor is not a precision part, and that is within 10% of the 2.8K required. Please let me know if you have any more questions. Thank you!

Marcus Freimanis
Geckodrive, Inc.

What great customer service those guys offer!! A big thumbs up from me.

Originally Posted by phomann

Hi Sean,

Yes I will look at the VFD setup after the break. Apart from the 10V control signal, a relay will be needed to active the FWD input on the VFD.

As to servicing, I offered to do it bu Gecko are happing to do all the servicing. That said, I do have a number of G250s that could be used as replacements.

Cheers,
Peter.

The shiiping is the pain in the ass but as long as you have some 250s in stock I should be fine I will still be getting another unit though.

I use 2.7 resistors as well that's all I could get locally have no idea what they do but it all works fine so I will just leave it be.

Peter on the VFD.

Enjoy your time off.

Sean

The resistors are used by the geckos to know how much to reduce the current to the stepper motors at standstill. This stops the motors from over heating. I think you can run the Geckos without the resistor but it will disable that feature.
This is why the resistor can have a reasonable tolerance.

I thought I'd have a go at getting my G540 running using my Xylotex power supply. So I've soldered all the wires for the 269oz steppers in place and the 2k7 resistors in place.. opened the Xylotex box disconnected the 24v and connected to the G540, enabled pins 10 to 12 on the G540.... unplugged the parallel lead from the back of the Xylotex and CRAPPPPPP.... its a female plug!! And I dont have a male to male parallel plug..

SO.. I decided to make my ony using two plugs. After a little more soldering I got the G540 running my little CNC. One thing I did notice is the steppers seem to make more noise when idle and the G540 makes winding down noise when the you take you finger off the jog button. I guess thats normal.

Originally Posted by spidey4fun

I thought I'd have a go at getting my G540 running using my Xylotex power supply. So I've soldered all the wires for the 269oz steppers in place and the 2k7 resistors in place.. opened the Xylotex box disconnected the 24v and connected to the G540, enabled pins 10 to 12 on the G540.... unplugged the parallel lead from the back of the Xylotex and CRAPPPPPP.... its a female plug!! And I dont have a male to male parallel plug..

SO.. I decided to make my ony using two plugs. After a little more soldering I got the G540 running my little CNC. One thing I did notice is the steppers seem to make more noise when idle and the G540 makes winding down noise when the you take you finger off the jog button. I guess thats normal.

Merry xmas and all that stuff, I get a hiss sound from my G540 but that is normal as says gecko guys but my steppers make no noise sounds a bit strange that yours is maybe the PS..

The 24v PS that we have isn't the best I could only get 2m a min out of mine 269oz steppers without stalling ticking growling etc what speed are you ruining? a good read is this thread its long but good link I sent him a few pms to him and in the end it was his power supply I have a 48v ps now as well and run my machine will run at at 9m without an issue still get the nice hiss fro the Driver box but nothing from my steppers.

So I think the 24v switching is underpowered even though you would think it should work fine it doesn't.

Drop it to 2m a min if you have it set higher if all problems stop then its the PS for sure upgrade it you will be a happy camper.

Hi Guys,

I've updated the schematic to V3. It now is split into 2 pages. The first contains what is in the Controller. The 2nd contains external bits and pieces.

The schematic is still in the same spot at;

G540 Stepper Controller Package [CC-01]

Tomorrow I'm off for the Annual family camping trip at Port Fairy for 2 weeks.

Cheers,

Peter

Nice... I've decided to go the 240v fan method so I'll wire that right after the on/off switch. I've all the components I need but havent any 48V SSRelays. Any chance I can pick one up off you Peter before you head off on holidays? Im trying to finish this controller while Im on holidays. If you're coming through Geelong you could swing by..lol.

Cheers
Brad.

I have one here for you Brad.

Greg

Thanks Greg.

Originally Posted by spidey4fun

Thanks Greg.

OK, I'll leave you to get one of Greg. We are running late anyhow.

Cheers,


Peter.