Currently I have written some software for controlling a CNC machine. I is easy to setup and I will certainly help you use my software if that's the way you decide to go. Current the software has a thirty day expiry period, but if you let me know how you are getting along after that period I will supply you with a free password. Please see below the details of the program.
I have tested it exaustively on my home built router, and works like a dream. Hope this is of help.
Currently Beta Release........................................
(Windows 95,98,2000,XP)
The link to the software is :-
www.routoutcnc.co.uk/RoutOutCNC.exe
The program comes as two parts:
1. RoutoutCNC Viewer ( Design and Conversion )
2. RoutoutCNC Manager ( LPT Stepper motor Driver )
Within the RoutoutCNC Viewer software this will allow you to create FL files and import HPGL files for editing or converting. These files are then sent to the Routout Manager where they will be processed and sent down the LPT port to your potter.
The FL file structure is very simple so can be manually entered if you like. ( please see FL commands for more details )
Because of the simple file structure this also will allows you to write your own front end for the Routout Manager if specific functions are needed and you do not wish to use the RoutoutCNC Viewer software
Please Note Currently this is not a commercial product, however it may be in the future.
Originally Posted by jlawren6 I'm still in the process of trying to decide whether to go the DIY route of building a CNC router or just to purchase a commercially available router along the lines of Shopbot. One of my potential scenarios would be a hybrid system in which I build the mechanical portion of the router and then purchase the Shopbot control system, motors, and software to drive it (i.e. their development kit). That would result in a stiffer router than the Shopbot (seems to be the biggest complaint on their forums) while providing a proven control system with some warranty (I think) and great support. The downside, of course, being that the Shopbot control system is proprietary and you are limited to using their control software.
Now to my question. Since I have virtually no CNC experience, I don't really have a good basis on which to determine what the tradeoffs would be in using the Shopbot control software versus the other commercially available software options like Mach2, DeskCNC, Ability Systems, etc. Would I be losing any significant functionality with the Shopbot software? From what I've read, it can accept DXF, TIF, G-code, etc. files and convert them to the Shopbot .SBP format. I'm just wondering about things like what type of interopolation it uses, # of lines of look ahead, etc.
I know that a few Shopbot folks have converted to Mach2 and Geckos on their machines and I intend to ask their reasoning for that on the Shopbot forum, but I thought I would also pose the question here. Anyone with any expereince related to this? I would appreciate your feedback or any general comments on this approach.
Thanks,
Jon |