Proto Trak MX3 Retrofit - Which Boards Mesa?

Hi everyone.

Recently, I've working again with this project. I talked with Jeff about his configuration files, setups and other stuff, but he say me that he still working on the documentation, So I have to wait .

At this moment I have the computer running LinuxCNC with 5i25 and 7i85s (not connected yet) . But I was thinking that my servo amps (original prototrak) maybe work or maybe not.

So, this is the question.
What is the best option (performance/price) for new servo drives?

Is the Gecko 320x an option?



Is the Advanced Motion Controls servo drive an option?



If I buy one of those drivers, they will work with my current combination 5i25 +7i85s?

Things to considering.
I don't know if the servo motors are BRUSHLESS or BRUSHED. I think that they are BRUSHLESS.
I don't know the Voltage for the motor.

I still learning of LinuxCNC by reading notes and manuals.
Guys your help is a very valuable for my.

Thank you.

The G320X is for brushed servo motors, and takes step-dir inputs. If the motors are brushless it won't work.

The AMC drive is for three-phase brushless, and could work, but you would need to commutate in software and provide the 2 PWM phases (just like the existing drives).

There are alternative drives from AMC that take different command types, some of which commutate in the drive, relying on Hall sensors in the motor.

Do you know what outputs your motors have?

Hi andypugh.

My motors has 2 output wires with attached encoder.
Like this:


So, they're brushed motors, isn't it?

If you take apart the cover that supports the encoder interface you'll find this:



The encoder attached on the shaft of the motor. and the two output wires.

Thank you for you support.

Whats the black wire? I see red, white and black?

The encoder seems to be one of these: uk.farnell.com/broadcom-limited/heds-900...00ppr-2ch/dp/1654866 or very similar.

If it really is 2-channel without an index then I think that the motor _must_ be DC.

The black wire is a set of cables that go to the servo amp.

The motor wires are red and white.

Yes that is the encoder HEDS 9000.

So, you think that the combination of Mesa 5i25+7i85s+Gecko320X is an option?

This is an accurate schematics for the servo system by jardomi

vsidon wrote: So, you think that the combination of Mesa 5i25+7i85s+Gecko320X is an option?

It's an option, if you are happy with step/dir control for the servo drive.

I have a (not very rational) preference for +/-10V servo amp control.

In fact: Why not skip the G520X and retain the original servo drives?