Gecko drivers

[jerry_stanek]

I was wondering what the difference is between the Gecko 202 and 203 drivers. I have one control box with the 202 drivers in it and another with the 203 drivers. Is there an advantage to one over the other.

[richards]

Both models do the same job. The G202 uses an Active Low signal, so pin #10 must be connected to +5V. The G203v uses an Active High signal, so pin #10 must be connected to signal ground. The G203v uses a more recent design, has more efficient electronics and is more forgiving for wiring mistakes, but on a CNC router, either the G202 or the G203v stepper driver will move the axis the same distance with the same power and smoothness. Because of the Active Low / Active High signals, the two models are not interchangeable unless you have a method of switching the polarity of the signals.

The newer G201x can use either Active High or Active Low signals and can be switch-selected to work with either +5V or Ground on the pin 10 terminal. It has most of the features of the G203v and still costs substantially less. It can be used as a replacement for either the G202 or the G203v.