low cost control with XP?? win98 has to go!

[tony@med]

We are running 5 old bridgeports with win 98 that boots right to dos. Is there a decent low cost option to run with windows xp? We have to get rid of these OLD pc's...We dont need anything fancy just basic control. We have HAAS for that.

[jrrdw]

You can always find good deals from Ebay sellers, most of them will build/sell costumized machines to order. You just have to look around and read the discriptions. The last time I checked, you could get 1 of what your looking for, for around $400.00/$500.00 a piece.

[tony@med]

thanks, Illl check it out

[Switcher]

Mach3 Control = $159

.

[turmite]

Originally Posted by Switcher Mach3 Control = $159 .

yeah........and it will approach your Haas controller for functionality too!

[samco]

what kind of hardware do they have? servo, steppers? what drives?

sam

[tony@med]

We are using Ahaa servos... But they are running real OLD pc's that boot to dos and they are fast becoming unrelyable. Ive got lots of pcs I can use with XP pro..Im anxious to try this out....

[machintek]

You must be running DX type Bridgeport controls. They use a BMDC board that runs the machine by plugging into a ISA slot and talk to the rest of the machine. This board will limit your processor speed because it limits communication speed. Just be aware.

George

[tony@med]

OK- Now I do know that there is an ISA card connection currently in our pc's. So is that what will work with this/

Thanks

Originally Posted by machintek You must be running DX type Bridgeport controls. They use a BMDC board that runs the machine by plugging into a ISA slot and talk to the rest of the machine. This board will limit your processor speed because it limits communication speed. Just be aware. George

[DennisCNC]

Put up some pics of your mill computers and Ahha controllers and motors then it will be easier to say what will work and what you need to buy. I use Mach3 cnc controller on two routers, and it runs very well, I cut very expensive material and Mach didn't screw anything up.

[tpworks]

Be careful what mother board you get, the newer ones don't have isa slots.

[unterhaus]

I got some a while back that had P4's and ISA, but I don't think they are made any more. I think Advantech will sell you a motherboard that has a modern processor and ISA slot, but I haven't checked recently.