Initial setup and tuning of a Geckodrive G320X

[@TheFeralEngineer]

Glad I found this. I'm using the amt102 encoders on the motors I'll be using with my g320x

[@idus]

This looks like it replaces old style analog dc servo drives for industrial cnc machines made in the 90's. Very awesome.

[@GeckodriveInc]

The G320X can be used on older machines to replace analog controls and modernize the equipment. It operates off of a 3.3V - 5V TTL square wave STEP and DIRECTION signal.

[@MrTheree]

thank you ive search every where for good instruction on a none name brand specific motor to drive controller.

[@scottwindham9824]

As far as the step and direction is concerned, can I switch a 5VDC signal without the use of an external computer or microprocessor? I would like to use a very simple handheld box with a switch (up/down) to move a motor cw and ccw. I have used STAC5 controllers in this way with a fixed velocity. 5VDC to the step input energizes the motor and then adding a 5VDC signal to the dir changes it's direction. Thanks!

[@GeckodriveInc]

Hi Scott- No, it must be pulsed. The STEP will move one increment of motion for every rising edge, so a 5V signal will result in only a single pulse being taken.

[@scottwindham9824]

@@GeckodriveInc Thanks for the help!!

[@shaunkruger]

Some of this was different than what I experienced setting one of these up today. When I had the encoder hooked up and the motor disconnected while manually turning the shaft it went through warning and then error almost instantly instead of taking a few moments to make the transition as I see in the video here. I’ve still got a lot to figure out, but I’m on my way to resurrecting this old plasma cutter.

[@GeckodriveInc]

The rate at which the LEDs change will be encoder line dependent. The following error is a number of counts on the encoder the motor can fall behind before faulting. If you have this set to 256 and your encoder is 1024 pulses per revolution then it will take a full 90 degrees on the shaft before the drive faults. However, if this is a 10,000 pulse encoder it will be only about 9 degrees before the drive goes into a fault state.

[@shaunkruger]

@@GeckodriveInc After revisiting it last week I got things working much better. Finding my ideal PID settings seems to be the hard part for me now, but otherwise I'm super happy with the G320X.

[@asdftwef]

The video shows all of the dip switches in the ON position, but that doesn't match the expected factory default settings as listed in the manual. Warning to those who follow this video, I suspect you'll want to set the dip settings appropriately, and likely ensure that the gain settings start off in default (off/off/on) positions before tuning. Changing the gain dips afterwards would mean starting tuning (PID) all over again.

[@GeckodriveInc]

The DIP switches will be set for each application; our test stand is designed in such a way that the DIP switch being set to ON for all switches is the most optimal. The default setting that is noted in the manual is going to be the 50% setting, where you can adjust it up and down from there. In a tuned system there is no true "default" option as every variable, from the motor to the power supply voltage to the encoder line count, will change the baseline setting.

[@Vasilen]

Thanks for the video! Where and how could be connected "EN (Enable)" signal to Gecko G320X? Typical controllers has "Step", "Dir" and "EN" signals. If I want to temporary release the hold torque what should I do?

[@GeckodriveInc]

Hi Vasilen, The Error Reset pin (ERR/ RES) can disable the drive. Bringing this pin low will shut off all power to the motor.

[@aldo6717]

the controller that i am trying to connect the Gecko 320x has the input ports labeled as Zp+,Zp-,Zd+,Zd- Any suggestions on how to do the wiring since the outputs of the driver are step, direction and common? Thank you

[@GeckodriveInc]

You will need to tie the STP and DIR (-) lines together and run them into the COMMON terminals, then run the DIR+ to the DIRECTION input and the STP+ to the STEP input.

[@aldo6717]

what is the biggest size motor that can be used with G320? can it be used on a 90v 3/4hp motor? thank you

[@GeckodriveInc]

The G320, G340, and G320X will all have a maximum rating of 80VDC and 20A. You can use a larger motor than that but the drive will self-limit to its maximum current, and the input voltage should not exceed the maximum voltage rating of the drive. Speed is directly proportional to voltage and any voltage difference between applied and maximum will result in a maximum speed cap that follows the same ratio. Torque is proportional to current and will follow the same rules previously mentioned, with a linear relationship of torque to current applied.

[@aldo6717]

@@GeckodriveInc thank you

[@green323turbo]

You don't hold the motor down when first testing ? It could jump off the bench if not tuned or wired wrong.

[@GeckodriveInc]

no, we don't hold the motor down in this video so the viewer can see the motor movement on direction reversal. This is a motor and setup that we are very familiar with so we know the limits of how far it moves, but good practice would dictate securing the motor or moving it away from a table edge the first time it is connected for testing.

[@avnitechs]

If connected reverse power is it repairable?

[@JohnJohn-gy2st]

Hello how to make stepper motor

[@robertohurtado6458]

I hope this will my solution... tomorrow im contacting your distributor in Argentina. Best Regards

[@avnitechs]

Is it reverse polarity of power in protected?

[@GeckodriveInc]

None of our products are reverse polarity protected. They may be repairable after being plugged in backwards, however, so I would recommend sending the drive in for evaluation and repair if it is within warranty.

[@jimidero]

The motor is Nanotec?

[@GeckodriveInc]

The motor is from Automation Technology www.automationtechnologiesinc.com/

[@CanadianMang]

IIIIIIIIUHHHHHHH

[@FrustratedBaboon]

That motor is very big. probably can flip over a car.

[@GeckodriveInc]

The G320X is only 2.5" x 2.5" but can drive motors bigger than this one!