When to upgrade controller

[zoeper]

Hi,
I have read though some (lengthy) posts on the issue of retrofitting a machine with an old but dedicated cnc controller to something like mach3.
Understanding the pro's and con's of both the Pc and a dedicated controller, can anyone here give us a rule of thumb answer as to when it becomes orth while to chuck out that old box and replace it with a pc and mach.
Please differensiate between stepper systems and a full servo system with motion controller.
Thanx
P

[NC Cams]

The question about stepper versus servo benefits had a well documented thread in the FAQ section.

Goodness knows that a "stepper servo" search in the CNC zone search engine would also turn up OOODLES of discussion threads about this very well discussed subject that has been done so in great detail - perhaps ad nauseum.

Your choices about replacing a controller are usually cost and performance driven.

When you can't get an old controller serviced, you retrofit to save the iron which usually doesn't crap out like old electronics does.

When it is simply too expensive to repair an old controller, ditto.

If you have a machine and are looking for a way to upgrade the performance of a manual mill to a CNC'd one, usually on a budget, you retrofit a aftermarket control system like Mach or whatever.

When you're tired of throwing good money after bad in servicing an old tired controller, it may be time to retrofit.

If you're looking for more features that what your dated, legacy controller may have, it is time to consider a retrofit.

Keep in mind that there are NO plug and play retrofits of ANYKIND for anything. They all have issues and these rank in severity as a function of your knowledge with regard to mechanical, computer and/or electronic component integration.