Control Software?

[bkboggy]

So, does everyone use Mach3 as their control software from their computer? I am trying to setup a workstation and I want to use 64 bit Vista to get the most out of my 4GB of RAM. However, here's the message I received from Mach3 support:

Hi, Mach will work with 64-bit versions of XP or Vista if you are using something like a SmoothStepper for the motion control device. The Mach3 driver will not work with a 64-bit OS... Thanks, scott


Not sure what he meant by that... I'm a bit confused.


-BK

[jalessi]

BK,

A Mach3 computer does not require 4 gigabytes of ram.

A Mach3 computer should be dedicated to your CNC machine.

It should not serve dual purposes, IE cad design machine and CNC controller.

If Mach3 is interrupted by another software operation while it is running a CNC machine it may cause a malfunction which could be either dangerous, lethal and or or may ruin the part it is machining.

Mach3 needs to be an exclusive application while controlling your CNC machine.

Jeff...

[jalessi]

BK,

Some aftermarket plugins like the Smoothstepper may work with Mach3 and Windows 64 bit operating systems.

The Mach3 Driver "Parallel Port Driver for Mach3" only works with Windows 32 bit operating systems.

Jeff...

[bkboggy]

Well, I need a CAD workstation and the only other computer I have is a laptop, which is not going to be good for a CNC control computer. The way I figured, I could design something on that computer and then just run Mach3 by itself without anything else running until the work is done... at least until I can get more than one computer. So, a single machine for CAD and Mach3 can work for now.

So, everyone recommends me Gecko 540 for my Joe's '06 CNC. How can I make it all work and have 64bit OS? Or is that even possible? Also, modern day motherboards (at least the ones I'm looking at) don't carry parallel port, what do I do?

-BK

[ger21]

Buy a $100 Dell Optiplex (I think) on Ebay with XP installed. They are reported to run Mach3 just fine.

Or, in addition to the G540, buy a Smoothstepper for $160 and plug the G540 into that, and it should work with your 64bit Vista.


Here's a PC for $75.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Dell-Optiplex-GX...3%3A1|294%3A50

[jalessi]

Bkboggy,

Dual Boot two operating systems.

Load 32 Bit Windows XP in its own partition.

The G540 requires a EPP parallel port, no substitutes period.

It will not function with a USB printer port adapter either.

Several manufactures still make system boards with a on board EPP parallel port.

ASUS is a good choice.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131350

Jeff...

[ger21]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but just because 64bit Vista supports 4+ gigs of RAM, doesn't mean any 32 bit software will. So , unless you have 64 bit versions of your CAD software, it won't make much difference.

[jalessi]

Bkboggy,

Before purchasing a Smoothstepper make sure it is 100% compatible with the G540.

The G540 requires a 100% EPP compliant parallel port.

Jeff...

[jalessi]

Ger,

You are correct 64 bit XP wont help unless he has the 64 bit version of Autocad or a 64 bit version of whatever.

Jeff...

[Bubba]

My personal preference is to use a dumpster dive computer on dos and run turbocnc. There are others out there also that will run on dos and you can have a minimal cost system that will work very well. My shop computer runs ONLY turbocnc on a CF card (read solid state drive) has 64 MB of memory and will do anything I want it to.

My 2¢

[vger]

Bubba,
Yep, I got about the same setup for now. Pentium 1 computer with 256 meg ram and turbocnc running in DOS. It's an old E-machines box and it does fine. The next machine will be PIII with EMC2 under Unbuto Linux.

Steve

[bkboggy]

ger21 -- correct, I would have to get myself the 64bit versions of the software. All of the programs that I am looking at have 64bit versions, except Mach3. Thanks for the computer system tip.

jalessi -- Thanks, I will contact them and make sure that it is. I would do the dual system thing, but I can't afford to buy two OSs at this time. Will a parallel port card be sufficient?

Bubba -- Is Turbo CNC as good as Mach3? Mach3 is not very expensive and it seems to be amazing.


One thing I'm confused with is this:

Why would I need to get SmoothStepper with Gecko540?

G540 discription:

The G540 is a complete 4-axis system which plugs directly into your computer via the parallel port and to your motors through DB9 connectors. It contains four of our G250 drives, our own breakout board and a hard anodized aluminum case.

So, it can run CNC on its own, right? It is a motion control system by itself, is it not? So, the only reason I would be getting SmoothStepper is because it can run stuff with a 64bit OS? Why? If Mach3 doesn't run with a 64-bit OS, how would SmoothStepper enable that option?

Also, SmoothStepper discription:

The SmoothStepper is a motion control device that connects to the USB port of a computer. It accepts commands from a software package such as Mach3, and produce very high quality pulse trains that drive step & direction motors. At this time the only software package it works with is Mach3, but a Software Development Kit (SDK) is planned, which will allow you to control the SmoothStepper with your own software.

So, that means that I can connect G540 to SmoothStepper via parallel port (which is on SmoothStepper board?) and then connect SmoothStepper to my computer via USB? Would that let G540 work? It requires parallel port if it's connected directly.