Convert Carvewright

[jpitz31]

Hello

I have a Carvewright which has a priority controller and priority software.

This machine has servo motors and I was wondering if someone could recommend a reasonably priced servo controller which would could interface with Artsoft's Mach 3.

The machine has the limit switches built in and the open source would allow me the capability to program in g code and control the feed rates.

Thanks

Joe

[bfcg]

I hope you get some positive responses, I have 2 carvewrights and I am about to mothball both of them for a better machine. I would love to mod them to work with mach3.

[fatal-exception]

Rip out all the electronics and replace with a breakout board and some Gecko G320's.

http://www.cnc4pc.com/Store/osc/inde...11341a73ad9387

http://www.geckodrive.com/product.aspx?c=2&i=14474

Paul

[jpitz31]

Thanks Paul,

Are you referring to the parallel port board from CNC4PC?

Joe

[fatal-exception]

Yes. Pick one that will handle all your inputs and outputs.

Paul

[jpitz31]

Thanks Paul,

Looks like the c11G will handle the spindle speed as well.

Great info. Looks like I can convert this useless machine into something much more usable.

Joe

[boardmaker]

Just curious if either of you guys ever did the mod. Could we get an update.

[jpitz31]

I still have not done the upgrade. I am looking at different controllers and a way that I do not have to rely on a parallel port for communication.

But I may just decide to go ahead and go the gecko route.

Thanks

Joe

[boardmaker]

I'll be honest about being very "green" with cnc's. First, what don't you like about using a parrallel port board.(I'm not sure what it does.) I'm really not sure what it would all take to convert. But, once converted, can't you hook up a dedicated computer and use mach 3 with aspire to control and program the carvewright giving you basically a "usable" cnc machine. Sorry for being a newbie. I own a carvewright. Currently it does all that I need, but I can see myself hitting the ceiling of usage very quickly due to the software.

[wcarrothers1]

haa.. comment of not wanting to rely on a parallel port. When it probably is the most dependiable device in a computer (if it still has one..hehe) Don't be affraid. Parallel port control with Mach works plenty well... The Smooth stepper is an alternative to parallel which also works to..

b.

[jpitz31]

Boardmaker and wcarrothers1, you are absolutely correct, the parallel port is a fine interface, but I want to control the run mach III on my laptop and I understand that a pc card parallel port interface will not work due to some power limitations.

I would then have to build another desktop pc in order to run the parallel port.

I will more than likely go this route, but I wanted to see what other choices there are.

Boardmaker, The carvewright is fine for carving only. If you want to do anything else you are locked into their proprietary solution. You cannot control the feed rates. You are locked into using their useless software. And Carvewright wants you to purchase their patterns. They have purposely locked down the environment to make it very difficult to design your own patterns.

I would rather write my own programs and control my own feed rates and have an open platform.

Thanks

Joe