I am replacing the Keling driver with a G201x. Here are my questions:
1. how is the driver set for half step or some other step?
2. Since the current limiting resistor is optional, why  is it that the motor, within a few minutes of it being turned on, is warm to the touch while the other motors, driven with the Keling drivers are cold and warm up only after a good run?
3. The motor's specs are 2.8a  1.5 ohms, 6.8 mh and they are wired with an 80v ps in bipolar.  Should I use a current limiting resistor?
4. What should mach3 resolution be set at for this driver?

I have not blown the unit, and I want to be sure I get a better feel for these drives.
thanks
tony

Does this help?

http://www.geckodrive.com/g201x-g210x-rev-6

Brett

I got the spec alright, and the motor runs fine
My questions, more specifically, have to do with mach 3 motor settings( is. how many steps per inch?), and my concern that the motor get hot quickly before I do anything....
I have not used any resistors, so I am assuming that the current to the motors is automatic.
tony

These may help for your steps per.

http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,12512.0.html#new

http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,16315.0.html#new

It sounds to me like you have the current set a lot higher than the other driver did on your motor that's getting hot.

CURRENT SET RESISTOR (OPTIONAL)

TERMINAL 11         Current Set (OPTIONAL)

Connect the current set resistor to this terminal.

TERMINAL 12         Current Set (OPTIONAL)

Connect the other end of the current set resistor to this terminal.

DIP Switches 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 must be set to ON if an external current set resistor is used.

This input programs the G201X’s current output to the motor windings. The G201X will accommodate motor winding currents from 0A to 7A when using an external current set resistor. Use the following equation to calculate the value (in kilo-ohms) of the resistor:

R (in kilo-ohms) = 47 * I  /  (7 – I)

Shown are the current set resistor values for motor current in .5A increments.

1.0A             –         7.5K 5% 1/4W

1.5A             –          13K 5% 1/4W

2.0A             –          18K 5% 1/4W

2.5A             –          27K 5% 1/4W

3.0A             –          36K 5% 1/4W

3.5A             –          47K 5% 1/4W

4.0A             –          62K 5% 1/4W

4.5A             –          82K 5% 1/4W

5.0A             –        120K 5% 1/4W

5.5A             –        180K 5% 1/4W

6.0A             –        270K 5% 1/4W

6.5A             –        620K 5% 1/4W

7.0A             –      OPEN 5% 1/4W

Brett

what is unclear is whether the dip switch settings need to be set according to the motor's current requirements--even without a current limiting resistor.
Since the driver has all the dip switches turned on, I guess I need to change them to my motor's current requirements.

For this particular driver, the current resistor is optional, so I am not going to use it.

tony

Best I can tell you either turn all the dips to on and use a resistor or use the dips and set them to your motors requirements.

Brett

I got the motor set up fine, but I am still confused about the resolution. Mach 3 is currently set up at a 1/2 step( 4000 pulses/rev). Is this the setting for the G201x?
tony

Geckos are usually 10 micro steps so on a 200 pulse per rev stepper that would equal 2000 steps per motor rev. You will then need to factor in any gearing you have between the motor and screw and the pitch of the screw, once you do that you have the steps per unit for Mach.
Hood

1. how is the driver set for half step or some other step?

You buy a G901 board which converts the G201 to a G210 but without the G901 you have a 10 micro step drive.

2. Since the current limiting resistor is optional, why  is it that the motor, within a few minutes of it being turned on, is warm to the touch while the other motors, driven with the Keling drivers are cold and warm up only after a good run?

Too much current, so use a resistor to limit the current. It's when the motor gets hot to the touch that's when you should be concerned. There will be some warming as some of the work being done at standstill / holding is converted to heat.

Make sure you put a capacitor across the drives power supply terminals. The newer models have them built in.

NEVER ....EVER disconnect the drive when energized or short the phase wiring in any manner.  

RICH