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« on: August 22, 2007, 02:37:24 PM »
I used the Logitrol "Low Cost CNC" system. And I don't reccomend them to anyone. Basically, it's a 50V DC power supply, Gecko 320 drivers, US Digital encoders, and Pacific Scientific motors, supposed to be 1800oz/in.
When I recieved the system, the Pacific Scientific motors had encoders pre-installed that were drawing too much current, 150 mA, which is 3 times what the Gecko driver reccomends since the encoder get's it's power right from a onboard regulator in the G320's. I blew 2 of the Gecko drivers immediatly.
I emailed back and forth with Steven Kennef from Logitrol to try to get the system working. He claimed that the Gecko drivers were under warranty and that it must be a problem with the G320's as they were having some issues with "mosfet suppliers", or some other bogus crap like that. So I took the system apart and sent the drivers back to Gecko for evaluation.
After recieving and evaluating the Gecko 320's, I talked to thier engineer on the phone to discuss the problem. He asked a lot of questions and informed me that the encoders that were installed at the time, "remco's", were drawing too much current causing the servo drivers to fail. He also told me that if the drives were repairable, they would repair them for free of charge, even with Gecko paying return shipping! But all 3 drivers were beyond repair...... Gecko did replace 1 servo drive for free under thier "one time stuff happens policy", which they didn't have to do and I was very greatfull for! The other 2 I had to pay for, as well as 3 new encoders that the Gecko engineer reccomended from US Digital Encoder.
Steven Kennef refuses to admit fault to this day. He did send a $140 refund towards my costs of repairing the system that was supposed to be plug and play that his company built. He claims that he can't afford to refund me at this time because his wife is sick in the hospital and he's having financial issues. I apologize, I hope the best for everyone is health and happyness, but not being able to seperate business from personal issues and affairs is poor business. I'm not even going to discuss that further, we'll just say my life isn't perfect at the moment but I don't use that as an excuse, and definatly no to customers.
Sorry for the long story, just pissy about the Logitrol deal and I want to warn others of my dealings with them. Basically, it's a 50V power supply, Gecko 320 drivers, an isolated break out board, sevo's and encoders that are wired up in neat looking boxes. My personal opinion is if your at all capable or atleast willing to learn, just do it yourself.... I will if I do it again. Plus the knowlege gained will be worth 10 fold of what you save as far as money when you can diagnose and repair your own system. Logitrol didn't design or wire anything special and all of the components are available from diffrent suppliers and I'm sure that there's people here in the Mach forum that would be more then happy to help you locate and source. Plus you can probably save a lot of money, I paid Logitrol $2600, plus $600 for replacing damaged drivers and new encoders, and a $400 phone bill for calling Steven in Australia.... Lesson learned.
And I highly reccomend Gecko drivers. Thier customer service is amazing! And this is also why I love the Mach controller! This is an amazing support group and I'm very impressed with the knowlege and helpfulness of some of the members!
Michael