Stepper Controllers Archives - Pico Systems

Gecko Interface

dhqro — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 23:38:48 +0000

This interface between Gecko 320-series servo drives and the Pico Systems Universal Stepper Controller allows the computer to read the actual position from the encoders. This allows LinuxCNC to be used as a DRO when the drivers are shut down in E-stop mode, and then the system can be put back into CNC mode at the touch of a button, with the coordinate system maintained throughout. The interface also monitors the Gecko fault signals and shuts down all drives if any one faults, and informs EMC as well. Since the drives are powered off by an E-stop, LEDs display which drive had the fault. When E-stop is cleared, the drives are reset by the interface to put them in the ready state. Optocouplers are used to make a copy of the encoder signals for the Gecko drive so that ground loops are not created. The encoders are powered by the Universal Stepper Controller so that they continue to read position during E-stop. Also, when E-stop is engaged, a braking resistor is applied to the Gecko drives to slow the motors to a controlled stop.
Technical Info

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Spindle DAC

dhqro — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 23:38:48 +0000

8-bit Digital to Analog converter, generally used for controlling a spindle motor drive. It can be attached to any USC or UPC board, and is controlled by the PPMC driver in LinuxCNC. It is capable of outputting 0 to +10 V or -10 to +10 V, as selected by jumpers. If set for bipolar output, it watches SSR 's 1 and 2 for polarity. A cable to connect to controller board is included.
Technical Info

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(a) Universal Stepper Controller

dhqro — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 23:38:47 +0000

A 4-axis controller for both stepper and servo motors controlled by step and direction drives. It generates much smoother and faster trains of step pulses than can be generated by software alone. It also allows the possibility of using an encoder to read actual machine position. It includes an E-stop controller and 15 additional opto-isolated digital inputs for home and limit switches, and positions where up to 8 solid state relays can be plugged in. Multiple boards can be “daisy-chained” on a single parallel port to accommodate more axes. Step rates up to 250,000 per second per axis are possible. An optional board can be added to provide analog output to control spindle speed, see: Spindle DAC.
This unit is fully supported by the LinuxCNC program.

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