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Does the Acorn have a 5VDC output? (Gecko GR214V stepper requires it)
Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2023 9:27 pm
by mikeintx
Hello,
I'm new to "CNC from scratch" but have a mechanical and electrical background, so I'm not completely ignorant. I'm building a CNC router system with the Acorn controller and four Gecko GR214V stepper drives through a parallel port breakout board. I've attached the GR214V manual to facilitate assistance.
In Step 6, Connecting Step and Direction Signals, the Gecko manual states:
"CN2 PIN4 COMMON This pin connects to the controller's +5VDC supply terminal if 5V logic is used or a +3.3VDC supply terminal if 3.3V logic signals are used."
As far as I can tell the Acorn does not have a +5VDC output. I seem to remember reading that the parallel connector has a 5VDC line but I don't see that in the H6 pin breakout of the Bench Test diagram (also attached/below). Or, do I just take the 5VDC output from the Meanwell power supply and connect it here? I don't want to let the magic smoke out of anything, either the Acorn or the Gecko drives as neither are cheap!
Thanks in advance for any assistance/advice you may provide.
Re: Does the Acorn have a 5VDC output? (Gecko GR214V stepper requires it)
Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2023 10:50 pm
by silver2row
Hello,
I am not the one to give advice so far, i.e. as I am new to the Acorn CNC product but:
1. I found another schematic that may help.
2. I am in the process of purchasing the Gecko Drives myself...
https://www.centroidcnc.com/dealersuppo ... 129.r1.pdf is the non-gecko drives that may provide help.
I will keep searching for the Gecko Drive setup schematic.
Seth
P.S. Gecko style set up:
https://www.centroidcnc.com/dealersuppo ... 113.r2.pdf
and...
All...setups:
https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_di ... browse.php
I am trying to put in a photo but coming up short. Let me try this idea:
- From the Schematic ideas from Centroid...
Re: Does the Acorn have a 5VDC output? (Gecko GR214V stepper requires it)
Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2023 11:44 pm
by mikeintx
Thanks, Seth! This is super helpful.
That first PDF (non-Gecko drives) you linked to as well as the Gecko-specific setup both show the 5VDC input on the steppers connected directly to the power supply. I would assume that "a stepper drive is a stepper drive" no matter the brand/model and more specifically, that the way they work at a low level (e.g. power connections) is basically the same. Looks like I have to buy another bus bar to split the 5VDC power output. Side note: Building a CNC controller/stepper enclosure gets expensive real fast!
I'd like to get confirmation that this is the way to go, even though it certainly looks that way. Thank you again.
Re: Does the Acorn have a 5VDC output? (Gecko GR214V stepper requires it)
Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2023 12:20 am
by silver2row
Hello,
No issue whatsoever. I looked for the exact Gecko drive you hold, the GR214V, but I did not see an exact schematic from Centroid.
Sometimes generics or generalized info. can give some insight but I think you are right. Getting some confirmation may be more valuable.
Seth
Re: Does the Acorn have a 5VDC output? (Gecko GR214V stepper requires it)
Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2023 12:37 am
by mikeintx
I would assume that if Centroid publishes the schematic, that it is safe and good to go, but would still like to hear from the community.
Re: Does the Acorn have a 5VDC output? (Gecko GR214V stepper requires it)
Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2023 1:48 pm
by cnckeith
mikeintx wrote: ↑Wed Jan 25, 2023 9:27 pm
Hello,
I'm new to "CNC from scratch" but have a mechanical and electrical background, so I'm not completely ignorant. I'm building a CNC router system with the Acorn controller and four Gecko GR214V stepper drives through a parallel port breakout board. I've attached the GR214V manual to facilitate assistance.
In Step 6, Connecting Step and Direction Signals, the Gecko manual states:
"CN2 PIN4 COMMON This pin connects to the controller's +5VDC supply terminal if 5V logic is used or a +3.3VDC supply terminal if 3.3V logic signals are used."
As far as I can tell the Acorn does not have a +5VDC output. I seem to remember reading that the parallel connector has a 5VDC line but I don't see that in the H6 pin breakout of the Bench Test diagram (also attached/below). Or, do I just take the 5VDC output from the Meanwell power supply and connect it here? I don't want to let the magic smoke out of anything, either the Acorn or the Gecko drives as neither are cheap!
Thanks in advance for any assistance/advice you may provide.
H6.JPG
For Gecko drive to acorn, Use the DB25 connector (5VDC TTL logic) for stepper drives. use a DB25 breakout board like this.
https://amzn.to/3Y1PLfU
follow the g214 to Acorn hook up here.
https://www.centroidcnc.com/dealersuppo ... 113.r2.pdf
Re: Does the Acorn have a 5VDC output? (Gecko GR214V stepper requires it)
Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2023 4:31 pm
by mikeintx
Thanks, cnckeith. I am using that DB25 connector/breakout board.
For the ground connections on the Gecko steppers: Can I run them all to a grounding bus bar and then to the chassis ground/earth, or must the stepper grounds run back to the Acorn COM (which is grounded anyway)? Thanks again.
Re: Does the Acorn have a 5VDC output? (Gecko GR214V stepper requires it)
Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2023 7:16 pm
by cnckeith
mikeintx wrote: ↑Thu Jan 26, 2023 4:31 pm
Thanks, cnckeith. I am using that DB25 connector/breakout board.
For the ground connections on the Gecko steppers: Can I run them all to a grounding bus bar and then to the chassis ground/earth, or must the stepper grounds run back to the Acorn COM (which is grounded anyway)? Thanks again.
all individual component grounds should go to a ground bus bar mounted in the cabinet to prevent ground loops
Re: Does the Acorn have a 5VDC output? (Gecko GR214V stepper requires it)
Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2023 9:34 pm
by mikeintx
cnckeith wrote: ↑Thu Jan 26, 2023 7:16 pm
mikeintx wrote: ↑Thu Jan 26, 2023 4:31 pm
Thanks, cnckeith. I am using that DB25 connector/breakout board.
For the ground connections on the Gecko steppers: Can I run them all to a grounding bus bar and then to the chassis ground/earth, or must the stepper grounds run back to the Acorn COM (which is grounded anyway)? Thanks again.
all individual component grounds should go to a ground bus bar mounted in the cabinet to prevent ground loops
Many thanks, cnckeith!
Re: Does the Acorn have a 5VDC output? (Gecko GR214V stepper requires it)
Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2023 9:55 pm
by cnckeith
your welcome.. like this.