G3 20 Pin Expansion Connector - Looking to use for Geckodrive G540

[zombieengineer]

In a previous forum topic (expansion connector) it was mentioned that the 20 pin connector on the right edge was for connecting to stepper motor drives.

Due to various reasons I am interested in pursuing this an option and looking to create a small PCB with a DB25 connector (G540) and a 20 pin connector for a ribbon cable back to the Masso G3.

Has anyone done this before? If I get a small batch of boards made would anyone be interested?

ZE

PS: I had a look under the hood/panel of the G3 and the other pins marked as "Do Not Connect" appear to be TTL digital outputs (total on 19 outputs, we know what 10 of them are). Any chance that these are mirrors of some of the standard TTL outputs? Would like to utilise one to send an E-Stop to the G540 to remove power to the stepper motors so they can be turned by hand.

 

[damomac]

Hi,



I have connected my G540 to my masso via the 20Pin outlet, I did not use a PCB board, but ribbon cable from the 20 pin to the Parrellel port on the G540, works well and looks good. Was a bit of a mission lining up the ribbon to the correct pins, but well worth it once done.

 

[zombieengineer]

I think I am going to give the 20 pin connector a miss, the locally available ribbon cable is a challenge to solder.

I found on eBay a breakout DB25 male plug that will greatly simplify the G540 end of the link.

Just need a suitable length of 9 core shielded data cable (GND + 4 x (Step + Direction)) which is available in Australia from either Jaycar or Altronics. As the cable is shielded the standard rules for shielding apply - only ground at one end (by the looks of the eBay listings there is a terminal for shield in the breakout plug - this would be the place to make the connection).

@masso-support - Might be worth updating the G540 wiring page to mention about the breakout DB25 plugs.