Computer ISA/PCI controllers

[Konstantin]

What is the deal with the stepper/servo controller cards.
I see many of them on eBay and other places, but I dont know how to use them.

What is needed for a complete system, if I have the controller card what else will I need. A psu, software.

What is the advantage of having a system controlled by a ISA/PCI servo/stepper card.


Konstantin

[Al_The_Man]

The common cards are Acroloop, Galil, Delta Tau. and all are supported by CNC software, including operator interface, either their own or third party.
You also need a ISA or PCI bus computer that in most cases will run win98SE and up. The advantge is that the card controls the motion control directly and in some cases the I/O, with encoders and motor amplifier control connected directly to the card, independantly of the PC.
The PC just host the card and act as the operator interface. High speed machining is possible because the motion control does not have to depend on the multi-tasking CPU in the windows system.
Al

[johnchabin]

The Delta Tau PMAC/PMAC2 can be used stand-alone and mounted on a panel.

[Ron22]

Originally Posted by johnchabin The Delta Tau PMAC/PMAC2 can be used stand-alone and mounted on a panel.

Yes Delta Tau PMAC line can be used stand alone or in a computer. You can "talk" to them either throught ISA/PCI slot or RS232.
I have seen them go cheap on ebay. They are not the most user friendly to set up but are very powerfull and flexible.