CNC JR ? (Newbe)

[70RTRacer]

Hi everyone,

I am new here, but have noticed alot of good info. Just curious if anyone has any info on the control box on a CNC JR. It is the DOS version and the manufacturer says they have no replacement parts. He whats to sell me a new box for $2500.00 . I would like to fix the one that I have.

Thanks

[Deviant]

For 2500 dollars, I'd think that you'd be able to build a complete gecko/servo system. You can take your wife out to dinner with the money left over.

Geckos 114 per, servos I bought were 267 per 3. then you need a powersupply and misc parts, which shouldn't be more than 300 bucks.

Anyway, something to think about.

[Halfnutz]

Maybe if you could open it up and post a picture of the inside someone could help you with troubleshooting. I think they use a serial port controller now and windows software. It cant be too hard to figure out, and once you find out whats wrong it can be fixed. What exactly is it doing or not doing? Any control at all? All axis dead? What control software? Like Deviant said, you can replace it with a Gecko system or any step/direction controller as long as the current is adequate.

Give us some more info!

[70RTRacer]

Halfnutz,

Your correct about the new Windows software, that's why he will not help with my box. He says it is too old and has no replacement parts. All of the boards have their name on them, so I think they made them. (It is only 5 years old) None of the axis move. The control software is a DOS ver. they called MASTER. I'll try to post some pics of the inside of the box.

Thanks for your help.

[Halfnutz]

Well, in that case your probably best off trying to save the controller box and its power supply, and putting in a parallel port breakout board and three geckoes or a single zylotec. Try isolating the power supply components, (the transformer, a large capacitor, a bridge rectifier and maybe a 5V regulator and/or a 12V regulator). Everything else probably has to go.

Do you have a DMM? You may just have a power supply problem. If you can check for DC voltage at the large cap it would be a start. See if you can get power specs for the motors you have, that will determine what options you have. You need to find the voltage and current ratings for them.

You could fix the thing for as little as $300.00 if you can use a 3 axis Zylotec or HobbyCNC board and TurboCNC control software. That would give you a DOS system similar to what you now have.

600-700.00 would get you a Windows system with Gecko drivers and Mach2 software. As long as your willing to learn alittle and do some of the work theres no reason why you should spend 2500.00, in my oppinion. Even if you spent the big bucks, your still going to have to do some head scratching and spend some time to switch it all over, get it to work and then learn how to use it.

See what your motors require and then check out the Zylotec and the HobbyCNC user groups at Yahoo. If they dont provide enough power check out the Gecko web site. Everything you need to know is available here and on those sites.