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Author Topic: USB Smoothstepper USS 5 axis with Mach4  (Read 4917 times)

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USB Smoothstepper USS 5 axis with Mach4
« on: August 18, 2016, 12:23:35 PM »
Wow!  I've hit a wall with Mach4.  I need some advice.  I have a very small 5 axis CNC with xyzab axis, 5 Gecko 251 drives and I need to run it using mach4 in Windows 7 64bit.  Ok can someone tell me if the USB Smoothstepper USS from warp9 and a C25 BOB from CNC4PC will get my 5 axis running?
Re: USB Smoothstepper USS 5 axis with Mach4
« Reply #1 on: August 18, 2016, 12:35:32 PM »
Currently the USB SmoothStepper is not supported under Mach4. The intention
is that it will be supported, but that will come after the updated plug-in for the
Ethernet version is released. Due to the less powerful processor embedded in
the USB SmoothStepper, it may not have all the same features as the Ethernet
version under Mach4.
Steve Stallings
www.PMDX.com
Re: USB Smoothstepper USS 5 axis with Mach4
« Reply #2 on: August 18, 2016, 12:43:27 PM »
Currently the USB SmoothStepper is not supported under Mach4. The intention
is that it will be supported, but that will come after the updated plug-in for the
Ethernet version is released. Due to the less powerful processor embedded in
the USB SmoothStepper, it may not have all the same features as the Ethernet
version under Mach4.


so can I assume that at least for now Mach4 will not support 5 axis?
Re: USB Smoothstepper USS 5 axis with Mach4
« Reply #3 on: August 18, 2016, 12:46:40 PM »
Currently the USB SmoothStepper is not supported under Mach4. The intention
is that it will be supported, but that will come after the updated plug-in for the
Ethernet version is released. Due to the less powerful processor embedded in
the USB SmoothStepper, it may not have all the same features as the Ethernet
version under Mach4.


Are there any options for 5 axis and Mach4 or am I stuck with just three?
Re: USB Smoothstepper USS 5 axis with Mach4
« Reply #4 on: August 18, 2016, 01:08:20 PM »
As I have mentioned in private emails, there are several ways to support
5 axes with Mach4.

1) The Ethernet SmoothStepper along with suitable breakout boards
    or controllers with parallel port style interfaces.

2) The PoKeys87 with a M15T motherboard from CNC4PC, and again
    suitable parallel port driven devices.

3) The HiCon Integra from Vital Systems with suitable cables.

4) CSMIO/IP-S from CS Labs with suitable cables. Note, they still label
    their plug-in as Beta.

5) Possibly the Legacy Parallel port driver and real parallel ports. You
    should confirm with Art Fenerty (on the Yahoo list) or with
    NewFangled Solutions that this driver does support more than
    four axes.


Steve Stallings
www.PMDX.com
Re: USB Smoothstepper USS 5 axis with Mach4
« Reply #5 on: August 18, 2016, 01:27:04 PM »
As I have mentioned in private emails, there are several ways to support
5 axes with Mach4.

1) The Ethernet SmoothStepper along with suitable breakout boards
    or controllers with parallel port style interfaces.

2) The PoKeys87 with a M15T motherboard from CNC4PC, and again
    suitable parallel port driven devices.

3) The HiCon Integra from Vital Systems with suitable cables.

4) CSMIO/IP-S from CS Labs with suitable cables. Note, they still label
    their plug-in as Beta.

5) Possibly the Legacy Parallel port driver and real parallel ports. You
    should confirm with Art Fenerty (on the Yahoo list) or with
    NewFangled Solutions that this driver does support more than
    four axes.




Ok then so I need the Ethernet ESS that warp9 sells and what breakout board?
Re: USB Smoothstepper USS 5 axis with Mach4
« Reply #6 on: August 18, 2016, 01:51:54 PM »
You need to provide some context about your machine, controller, or
motor drivers before your question can be answered.
Steve Stallings
www.PMDX.com
Re: USB Smoothstepper USS 5 axis with Mach4
« Reply #7 on: August 18, 2016, 01:58:11 PM »
You need to provide some context about your machine, controller, or
motor drivers before your question can be answered.


Stepper motors:  (5) NEMA 17
Drivers: (5) Gecko 251s
Current breakout:  DB25
Software: Mach3 and Mach4
That's about it
Re: USB Smoothstepper USS 5 axis with Mach4
« Reply #8 on: August 18, 2016, 02:37:47 PM »
Well, the use of the G251 drivers brings a new element to the question. Their inputs
are NOT opto isolated so the ground of the G251 will be connected to the ground
of your interface card. The step/dir common and the motor supply negative terminal
are internally connected in the G251. For this reason the Ethernet SmoothStepper is
probably your best solution.

The Ethernet SmoothStepper is isolated from the host computer by the transformer
used in the Ethernet connection.

The Ethernet SmoothStepper will need a 5 VDC power source. Its negative
side output will need to be connected to both the SmoothStepper and to the
step/dir common on the G251 drivers. This terminal is provided to give a less
noisy signal point than the power supply negative terminal of the G251 drivers.

The step and direction signals from the Ethernet SmoothStepper are strong enough
to directly drive the step and direction inputs of the G251.

Do be careful as the G251 motor outputs are not overcurrent protected and the
SmoothStepper inputs are not opto isolated.

If you are concerned about damaging the SmoothStepper, there is an inexpensive
C25 board from CNC4PC that can be used to buffer the signals. While it does not
opto isolate the signals, it does employ buffer chips in sockets that should be easy
to replace and provides terminal strips that are easy to wire to the G251 drivers.



You need to provide some context about your machine, controller, or
motor drivers before your question can be answered.


Stepper motors:  (5) NEMA 17
Drivers: (5) Gecko 251s
Current breakout:  DB25
Software: Mach3 and Mach4
That's about it
Steve Stallings
www.PMDX.com
Re: USB Smoothstepper USS 5 axis with Mach4
« Reply #9 on: August 18, 2016, 03:38:04 PM »
Well, the use of the G251 drivers brings a new element to the question. Their inputs
are NOT opto isolated so the ground of the G251 will be connected to the ground
of your interface card. The step/dir common and the motor supply negative terminal
are internally connected in the G251. For this reason the Ethernet SmoothStepper is
probably your best solution.

The Ethernet SmoothStepper is isolated from the host computer by the transformer
used in the Ethernet connection.

The Ethernet SmoothStepper will need a 5 VDC power source. Its negative
side output will need to be connected to both the SmoothStepper and to the
step/dir common on the G251 drivers. This terminal is provided to give a less
noisy signal point than the power supply negative terminal of the G251 drivers.

The step and direction signals from the Ethernet SmoothStepper are strong enough
to directly drive the step and direction inputs of the G251.

Do be careful as the G251 motor outputs are not overcurrent protected and the
SmoothStepper inputs are not opto isolated.

If you are concerned about damaging the SmoothStepper, there is an inexpensive
C25 board from CNC4PC that can be used to buffer the signals. While it does not
opto isolate the signals, it does employ buffer chips in sockets that should be easy
to replace and provides terminal strips that are easy to wire to the G251 drivers.



You need to provide some context about your machine, controller, or
motor drivers before your question can be answered.


Stepper motors:  (5) NEMA 17
Drivers: (5) Gecko 251s
Current breakout:  DB25
Software: Mach3 and Mach4
That's about it

I think it's the G250s that are not opt isolated unless I'm mistaken.