2 + 2 slave axis

[xadmx]

hi i want to have dual steppers on y and z axis. in mach3 i can only see setting for slave for one pair of motors for one axis. anyone no how to get around this.
thanks

[Voicecoil]

Maybe use closed loop steppers and simply common up the STEP and DIR inputs to the drivers????

[Kitwn]

You could change to LinuxCNC v 2.8 but that's a bit drastic!
I used commoned connections in the past as Voicecoil suggests without any difficulties. The only problem is you don't have any auto-squaring and will have to manually square up the axis if you accidentally turn one of the leadscrews.

Kit

[xadmx]

thanks guys, if it can be done in linuxcnc i will use that, i can use linux but not used linuxcnc.

[Kitwn]

thanks guys, if it can be done in linuxcnc i will use that, i can use linux but not used linuxcnc.
If you want to go down that route I started a thread last year about installing LinuxCNC and updating to the version that allows auto-racking and setting it up. Clive C is a knowledgable user and added a lot of very useful help.

You've probably also seen the ongoing discussion about it in the thin clients thread.

http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/12687-Auto-Squaring-with-LinuxCNC-v-2-8

Kit