Need Help with MaxNC 10

[pguncheon]

Howzit,

I have "inherited" a MaxNC10. I know next to little about CNC machines and I need some advice on getting this to run, I have a laptop running Widows 98 and have some software for the mill. I don't know how to use it though... i.e., I can get the thing to jog (I assume this means the mill works), but when I run some of the included projects, the machine makes a lot of weird beeping noises but does not move. I have no idea why or what to do.

Guess I'm looking for a tutor or links to teaching information.

Thanks,

Paul

[Fixittt]

paul do you have the dos software? If so, it needs to be run in native DOS not in a dos window. Also if I remember right, there is a timing program that you need to run so it will synce with your pc. I got rid of the dos software ALONG TIME AGO!!!!!!!

[pguncheon]

Aloha,

Yes, I have DOS and some CNC software that I got with the mill. I can get the mill to jog in 3 axes but when I load and run a .t file (in a DOS program) it just beeps and boops. There are so many variables I don't know where to start. I'm kinda stumbling in the dark here. If the mill doesn't work, I don't want to spend much time on it. As I can get it to jog, I assume that it is working though, and that I have a software issue.

Thanks

[Stepper Monkey]

I know the old hardware was problematic and prone to smoking out anyway, so it would not be a great loss if you had to replace it with an inexpensive modern 24v driver board using the existing supply, and run it through standard modern Mach or EMC software. Relatively cheap and trouble free, guaranteed to work.

It may also be that if you are lucky the original hardware takes standard step and dir signals, in which case you could get an 8 dollar breakout board, suss out which of the six signal is which through the jogging commands, clip some wires, and in a few minutes and likely no soldering you could then run Mach or EMC with the original gear in place. Very cheap and little trouble there, if you are lucky enough to have standard signals.

I hate to just say gut and replace instead of try to fix or figure out, but in this case, even were you to get it going as is you don't want the limitations of that old DOS software anyway. Dump it for something useful!
Don't worry about ruining any value by altering it, as you are likely going to have a number of other mods to do to this along the way to keep it running if the other owners of these on here are any indication. Almost none of these that are still running are stock, and if they were it would actually hurt their value, so feel free to mod away!

[Fixittt]

in the maxnc directory look for a exe file that has time in it. it has to calculate and calibrate the max software. then try rerunning a program. Its been 8 to 10 years since I even seen that software.

[Harryman]

The original electronics are way buggy on these machines, if you are trying to actually make it work and it was free to begin with, chuck them and replace, you'll save yourself a lot of time and aggravation. Even when it was making parts successfully, I had endless problems with mine, all electronics related.

Fixittts correct, you have to run it in native DOS not from within Windows.

[DICKEYBIRD]

MaxNC, MaxNC...slowly I turned; inch by inch; step by step... (Take off on the old 3 Stooges Niagra Falls bit...if you're old enough to remember.)

I don't have an NC10 but I've had their 3 Axis Motion Control kit on a home-made CNC router for 10 yrs. It has always functioned well when used at the speeds & feeds the wimpy 24v steppers will tolerate. Yes, the DOS software is clunky but it's rock solid when used within it's design capabilities.

As mentioned above, it DEFINITELY sounds like you need to run "time.exe" from the floppy disc it came with, paying careful attention to the instructions to match it up to your chosen PC, assuming you have their funky manual. It will do crazy things until you get your PC matched to the control.

Also, I've had better luck running mine with older PC's or laptops. It's running great right now on an old Toshiba 386 with W95 running in the DOS mode. 98 should be OK if you startup in the DOS mode.

Funny, my hardware has been fault-free for goodness knows how many hours of cutting balsa & ply r/c airplane parts. Seems like I've read that the mills vibrate and kill the plugs and boards. My hardware is mounted a ways away from the trim router and also has a cooling fan to keep things cool. The manual made no mention of a fan and when I 1st got the thing running it would move the axes in short moves & stops as the power chips heated up & shut on & off. An old PC fan fixed that problem right up.


It should be a fun machine to play around with and I'll try to help you if I can. I haven't used it much lately but should be able to remember the basics.

Also, forget the mill.exe program that comes with it to convert .dxf's to G-code. THAT is a total exercise in frustration. If you get the machine up & running and need to do .dxf/G-code, get one of the freebie ones. I use ACE from http://www.dakeng.com/ace.html It works well and the price is right!

Good luck!

ps: If you get frustrated & decide to throw it out, give me a shot at it 1st!

[Fixittt]

this file is actually timeset.exe I found my old software, and man does it bring back memories. I have a whole cd full of small parts programs I ran with the old software. Mostly just engravings. FUN STUFF!