Disabling single axis on G540

[fer_mayrl]

Hello guys...

I have the need to disable one drive from a G540 from geckodrive... the LPT port does not give access to the enable pin on the drivers inside the G540.

I was suggested by someone that I could short the current limiting resistor pins to be able to freewheel the stepper motor. Is this a good idea?
Thanks
Fernando

[budman68]

I'm interested in knowing this as well. Maybe post this over in the Gecko forum on the CNC Zone?

http://cnczone.com/forums/gecko_drives/

Thanks,
Dave

[fer_mayrl]

Hello Dave,
just posted this too on cnczone...
I had posted on the gecko yahoo forum , that is where I got the short the pins answer... just wanted to know if this is good practice.
Thanks
Fernando

[adprinter]

Why not just uncheck the box under Ports and Pins for the axis in question? If there is no communication to that particular axis, won't that also kill any output from the Gecko driver to the motor? (To enable the free-wheeling mode you are after)?
-Mike

[ger21]

No, it won't. A stepper drive will hold a motors position unless it is disabled, or receives signals telling it to move.