[jevs]

I have a 1978 Pratt & Whitney Tapemate C. From what Fanuc tells me it is a Fanuc 5 controller. The problem is the machine lost its memory due to not being used and a dead memory battery. The first 4 parameters for the machine must be inserted by tape. I either dont have the right tape or am doing it wrong, but I cannot get those 4 parameters in the machine. I am thinking about just dumping the Fanuc 5 and going with something like camsoft. Can camsoft bypass everything and just go straight to my drivers. I was thinking of bypassing the tape reader with a BTR, but it seems silly to waste the money since if anything goes wrong with the controller it is obsolete and then so would be the BTR. I am thinking it would be better to just modernize the machine and get rid of the fanuc controller. The machine is in excellent condition. Also, I believe the Fanuc 5 will only allow 2 axis to move at the same time. This would really hinder 3D work I think. Would camsoft allow me to run all 3 axis at the same time? Also, this machine has a tool changer that I would like to use. Can camsoft operate that? Any info is appreciated as I am a newbie to all this, but learning fast. How much is camsoft? How does it compare to Mach2, Flashcut, or others out there? Price is a major major concern. This is more of a hobby now, but I hope I can make some money at it someday.

Thanks