[outsider787]

So I'm making a list of what I need to get up and running in converting my BF20. I'm just looking at the bare minimum at the moment to get the machine CNCed.

From Keling:
3 x KL-6050 (drivers): $41 ea
3 x KL23H2100-50-4B (steppers): $55 ea
1 x KL-350-48 (power supply): $50

And from CNC4PC:
C35 Breakout board : $39
6 x Limit Switches : Mechanical : $78 (3 home and 3 limit)
E-Stop button : $10
3 x Ethernet to Keling driver adapter : $4 ea

Other parts:
a PC running Mach3
Lots of ethernet cables to interconnect drivers.
Cables to power steppers + Connectors (DB9 or XLR).
Enclosure for drivers
--------------------------
I currently have Hoss' plans for conversion, so I'm not including the cost of that hardware that is outlined in those plans (things like nuts/bolts, shaft couplers, pulley/belt for Z-axis)

Am I missing anything else?

[hoss2006]

The kl5042 won't give enough amps to get all out of the 570 steppers.
Don't forget stepper cable connectors like db9 or xlr.
Hoss

[outsider787]

Thanks Hoss,
Updated my list with your recommendations.

[jeremy0203]

i believe it is said that you want a power supply that can supply current up to 2/3's of your total rated for all the motors added. so you would want at least 10A so that power supply isnt gonna cut it. i hated doing it but i dropped the $130 on the 12.5A power supply lol

and just so you know the C34 ethernet adapters do not work on those drivers without modifying the board or wiring up your own cable. check out my lazy mans conversion thread for a discussion on it

[hoss2006]

I tested (3) 570's /6050s combo with that power supply and it indeed does cut it.
Still cutting it to this day as a matter of fact.
Hoss

[jeremy0203]

well that sucks coulda saved myself some money lol. but then again the 12.5 PS leaves room open to power additional steppers

or coulda just bought like 3 of the 7.5A ones for around the same price. man, i need to put more thought into my purchases next time lol

[hoss2006]

I recommend the 12.5a on my site if 4 axis are planned but show that the 7.3 will work fine for 3 axis.
Then you can get a 2nd 7.3 for 4-6 axis like I've done.
Either/or for whatever is in the budget.
Hoss

[outsider787]

I recommend the 12.5a on my site if 4 axis are planned but show that the 7.3 will work fine for 3 axis.
Then you can get a 2nd 7.3 for 4-6 axis like I've done.
Either/or for whatever is in the budget.
Hoss

You just answered a question I had Hoss.
I was going to ask if I could just use a second $50 (7.3A) power supply for additional axis. Seems more cost effective to spend $100 for 14.6A (two $50, 7.3A power supplies), then to pay $130 for a 12.5A power supply.

[hoss2006]

One PS does take up less room than two so there's that.
Always some give and take in whatever you choose.
Hoss

[photomankc]

Does the 7.3A supply include 12V and 5V? One thing I like on the big boy is the fact that I get those for free so no need to setup supplies for the 5V and 12V stuff. Not worth a $100 extra really but it is a 'nice to have'

[691175002]

You just answered a question I had Hoss.
I was going to ask if I could just use a second $50 (7.3A) power supply for additional axis. Seems more cost effective to spend $100 for 14.6A (two $50, 7.3A power supplies), then to pay $130 for a 12.5A power supply.

The 12.5A transformer isn't switching though so the two aren't really equivalent. You could pull a lot more than 12.5A out of it.

I have 2 570oz/in and 4 381oz/in hooked up to mine which is 25A of peak current draw.

[hoss2006]

The 12.5A transformer isn't switching though so the two aren't really equivalent. You could pull a lot more than 12.5A out of it.

I have 2 570oz/in and 4 381oz/in hooked up to mine which is 25A of peak current draw.

The KL-600-48 48V/12.5A mentioned is a switching power supply too.
Hoss

[691175002]

You are correct, I got mixed up. I have one of those torroidal transformers.

[outsider787]

What's the recommended wire gage (AWG) for:
1. connecting the power supply to the drivers
2. connecting the drivers to the steppers

Need to buy some wire soon as some parts have started to show up at my door step: the building will start soon.

[jeremy0203]

For the PS to the drivers I just cut up an orange extension cord and used that. For the driver to the steppers I used some 4 wire shielded cable I got off eBay for pretty cheap, just search stepper motor cable or something like that, think it is 16 gauge

[mwood3]

For the PS to the drivers I just cut up an orange extension cord and used that. For the driver to the steppers I used some 4 wire shielded cable I got off eBay for pretty cheap, just search stepper motor cable or something like that, think it is 16 gauge

just to throw it out there, Im using regular 16 gauge speaker wire for my stepper motors and most of the electrical connections...I have had zero problems out of it and its dirt cheap...This was based off a conversation I had with Hoss a while back so it is tried and true

[outsider787]

Mwood,
So what you're saying is that you're not using shielded wire from the driver to the steppers.
Interesting idea to use speaker wire. Thanks!

My local surplus store has 4 conductor, unshielded 16 gauge cable I was going to get. It's dirt cheap and neater then 2 lengths of speaker wire.

[mwood3]

Mwood,
So what you're saying is that you're not using shielded wire from the driver to the steppers.
Interesting idea to use speaker wire. Thanks!

My local surplus store has 4 conductor, unshielded 16 gauge cable I was going to get. It's dirt cheap and neater then 2 lengths of speaker wire.

yep, thats what im saying (also for my limit/homing switches and BOB wiring) if im not mistaken thats how hoss has run his X2 all this time...

[jdurkin]

What's the recommended wire gage (AWG) for:
1. connecting the power supply to the drivers
2. connecting the drivers to the steppers

Need to buy some wire soon as some parts have started to show up at my door step: the building will start soon.

Hi
Im clocked in to this thread, iv just got Hoss's DVD and will be buying a mill soon.
It would be great to guide us through this if you have time with pics

Good luck on your conversion

[outsider787]

Hi
Im clocked in to this thread, iv just got Hoss's DVD and will be buying a mill soon.
It would be great to guide us through this if you have time with pics

Good luck on your conversion

I haven't started putting anything together, but when I do, I will document the build (photos and video).