Model PMDX-131

Breakout/Motherboard Combo
for Gecko Stepper Motor Drivers

The PMDX-131 is a motion control breakout board for interfacing with the parallel port of an IBM-PC style computer

• Mates directly with up to 4 Gecko brand STEPPER motor drivers by plugging onto terminal strip pins of the drives
• Now includes 6 nylon standoffs for mounting the PMDX-131 at the correct height
• Supports G201, G202, G210, and G212 stepper motor drivers. It does NOT support the G320 and G340 servo drivers. The PMDX-131 does not currently support the upcoming G203V drivers.
• Provides 5 volt source and buffers signals as needed  to drive Gecko step and direction opto-isolators
• Provides extra 470 uF capacitor and 5 ampere fuse for power to each drive
• Provides opto-isolation for status inputs and outputs
• Utilizes standard IEEE-1284 Centronics style printer cable for connection to PC.
• Connection to PC can also be via a 26 pin ribbon cable which allows a remote DB-25 to be used.
• Provides LED status indicators on the 5 input and 4 output signals.
• Provides two electromechanical relays for directly switching loads of up to 10 amperes
• Supports the MACH "charge pump" signal to inhibit outputs when the MACH software is not running.
• Can be used with a PMDX-122 to provide extra control signals (PMDX-122 signals not opto-isolated)
• Inhibits outputs when E-Stop or Fault inputs are asserted.
• Reports E-Stop to computer on loss of power, E-Stop loop open,  Fault input grounded, or printer cable disconnected
• Status inputs have pull-ups to +5 volts and are filtered to suppress noise. They can be driven by 5 volt logic signals or will function directly with a switch contact to ground.
• All I/O connections are made via wire clamp screw terminal strips. PMDX supplies new 4 position connectors for the stepper motors and the connectors removed from the Gecko drivers are reused as the I/O connectors of the PMDX-131.
• Auxiliary +5 volt DC output available to power sensors.
• Interface powered from 120 VAC or 240 VAC. Separate DC supply required for motor drivers.
• LED to indicate "outputs enabled" status so "charge pump" status can be seen.
• Jumpers to control "charge pump" functionality, E-Stop behavior

** Geckodrive, Inc. the maker of the Gecko stepper motor drives does not manufacture, sell, or endorse the PMDX-131.

Download the manual in PDF format here (revision 1.7, 530 KB).
For serial numbers 23165 and below, see the Archives Page