Emco-Maier PC Mill 30 - software help

[txcowdog]

I have an Emco-Maier PC Mill 30 which runs on Emco Mill v1.5 While functional, it is a DOS program and quite old. Does anyone know of newer (easier to use) software that will run this machine? I tried for eight months to get help directly from Emco-Maier but that was an absolute waste of my breath as they were not interested in helping. Ayny suggestions or direction? Thanks.

[Chris D]

Originally Posted by txcowdog I have an Emco-Maier PC Mill 30 which runs on Emco Mill v1.5 While functional, it is a DOS program and quite old. Does anyone know of newer (easier to use) software that will run this machine? I tried for eight months to get help directly from Emco-Maier but that was an absolute waste of my breath as they were not interested in helping. Ayny suggestions or direction? Thanks.

Sorry, But I don't think so. It also appears as though Emco Maier is has also fired all their dealers for their small machines and are now selling direct. I wouldn't expect things to get any better with regard to service from them.

If I were you, I would seriously consider redoing the machine with Mach3 software (www.artofcnc.ca). You will be able to use the existing steppers, but I suspect you will need to get different stepper drivers - don't know as I can't remember the hardware specifics of that machine.

If you have the $2000.00 optional operator panels, chances are good that too will be of no use.

The machine itself however, is worth investing a little time and money on. I had one in the classroom where I taught CNC for a number of years and it was all around a pretty good machine.

CHris

[txcowdog]

Thanks for the input. Fortunately I didn't invest in the operator panel and I have had some success in cutting some parts. Unfortunately it is a steep learning curve having no experience with cnc and trying to learn it on an old DOS program. It is a great little machine with a resolution of .0004 but it only cuts at max 30ipm. It seems as though you have the best idea on using different drivers and new software. I recently picked up the HobbyCNC board and I just need to run down a wiring diagram for the steppers and pick up Mach3. The steppers are made by Sanyo-Denki Co. and are called Step-Syn Type 103G770-2249 and are 8 wire. Any ideas on how to hook up?

Thanks.

Bill

[Chris D]

Originally Posted by txcowdog Thanks for the input. Fortunately I didn't invest in the operator panel and I have had some success in cutting some parts. Unfortunately it is a steep learning curve having no experience with cnc and trying to learn it on an old DOS program. It is a great little machine with a resolution of .0004 but it only cuts at max 30ipm. It seems as though you have the best idea on using different drivers and new software. I recently picked up the HobbyCNC board and I just need to run down a wiring diagram for the steppers and pick up Mach3. The steppers are made by Sanyo-Denki Co. and are called Step-Syn Type 103G770-2249 and are 8 wire. Any ideas on how to hook up? Thanks. Bill

I think you are on the right path. Sorry I can't help with the stepper hook-ups. I would suggest tracing out the wires to determine their "connections" and use that information, along with information from the HobbyCNC site to do the rest of the connections. Yes, that machine, and the newer ones were limitted to 30 IPM, however, they are ball screw machines and the steppers seemed to have a pretty good amount of power for their size. They may have limitted the speed to 30 IPM to stay in the torque range of the motors. Good luck, and have fun with the machine - it is a good little machine. Don't get too frustrated with learning - it does take a long time to "Self learn" CNC.

Chris

[udocoh]

I have an Emco-Maier PC Mill 30 also. I am trying to purchase a manual for the machine w/no help from emco. I would be willing to pay well for a photo copy.

[txcowdog]

I was able to finally run down a manual for the machine and quite surprisingly, after I got the hang of it, I find this to be a very competent machine and will easily mill aluminum. The software includes both parts of the CAD/CAM equation. Just draw the part in the Emco Mill software and then it generates the G-code and runs the machine. An all in one solution. Now that I've built it up... the bad part. The guy I finally found that had the manual turned the screws on me for $175. Of course it was either that or never use my machine. I will make you a copy but I know the price looks steep. Just let me know and give me a week or so as we are rather busy at work.

[spotlight3d]

Hi guys

well i just got a PC mill 30 from ebay and it arrived looking like it was ready to rock
but when i loaded the software and pressed F6 to go into machining mode
all was well then i went to F9 for manual and the software locked up
so i tried the other modes in the machining menu all crashed the program it just freezes..
this happens on any pc i load the software to..and does not matter if the mill is connected or not..so i think its a bad program...its version 1.30
i am looking for a newer version or one that at least works

Pleeeeese

thanks in advance

Paul@thelostradio.com

[InspirationTool]

Check out this company... they are supporting legacy Emco machines with new software and controllers:

http://www.welsoft.co.uk/

-Jeff

[morganblack]

i have one of these machines on the way so i havent tryed this yet with the pc mill but i had a simmilar problem with my boxford duet and it works great off a dos 5.0 boot disk.
i also had to run it on a machine that was loaded with windows 95. that could also be your problem. to much ram and dos simulator?
but really what the heck do i know about this stuff......?

[oxford]

Has anyone done ramps on their Emco PC mill-30?

[jeep534]

Guys this should be of some interest to you http://www.machsupport.com/forum/ind...pic,970.0.html

Happy Hunting
archie =) =) =)

[oxford]

I redid my mill with new drives and Mach3.

I love it.

I have a computer hard-drive with engraving software, the Emco PC Mill 30 software, and an operating manual up for grabs now.

I'm in NJ.