Controllers ?

[Ken_Shea]

What are some of the reasons one might choose say Mach2 over TurboCNC controls ?

Are there others with out spending a fortune?

Thanks
Ken

[ynneb]

Hi again Ken, I have never tried Turbo but this was in their front page and subsequently detered me.

NOTE: Direct port access is not permitted under Windows NT, 2000, and XP, and so the proper function of TurboCNC with these operating systems is not a given.

I figured that if it wasnt up to date with working on XP, then it probably was a finished product and not going to be further developed. ( Just my strange way of thinking )

[robgrz]

1) Mach2 is programmable. You can write macros to do some very cool things.
2) You can load DXF and images direct without converting to gcode.
3) It runs under Windows - good or bad depending on your opinion.
4) Constanst velocity contouring.
5) Better documentation.
6) Interface can be customized to exactly what you want.

TurboCNC in pretty good, but Mach2 is a bit more advanced.

Robert

[wjbzone]

I understand Mach2 will handle G41 and G42 tool offsets.

I like Turbocnc. I use it because my computer has W98 and not sure I can upgrade to W2k. Also most of my milling is 3d contours and I don't use tool diameter comp with that.
Bill

[ger21]

Originally posted by Ken_Shea What are some of the reasons one might choose say Mach2 over TurboCNC controls ? Are there others with out spending a fortune? Thanks Ken

http://www.cnczeus.com

[Stevie]

I've just got into this; and i must say Mach2 looks daunting; I started using Turbo and I feel it's fantastic; but then I just write the gcode and run it
If I need more complex stuff it's likely I'll use both at the same time (turbo for the simple lathe stuff; Mach for the Mill)

[Ken_Shea]

Thanks Guys, appreciate the input. Think I will opt for Mach2, I like the idea of being able to write VB Macros and the cleaner interface, but for $20-$25 TurboCNC I may give that a try as well. It seems to get people up and running real quick.

Ken

[turmite]

Ken one more reason for Mach2, at least at the present, is that Art is working on the interface for the new Gecko 2002. I just say a post form him the other night that he was going to test to see if Mach2 could be run with win since it would not have to do the pulsing within windows but just be the GUI for the system. I don't know if Turbo is working on this or not.

Mike

[Ken_Shea]

Mike, Gecko 2002 interface

Ken

[Stevie]

2002 is USB ported; it will be a diff story than LPT1

I have been talking to a guy down under about the same thing; it could provide as many as 24 inputs and output channels

[calkai1]

Could someone explain the function of post processor for me?
I am too new to exactly know what it is?
And why do the cnc controllers' prices differ so much??
Could CAM generate g-code directly? in that case, why should I need post processor?
Could someone make a comparison for all available controllers?
It is quite hard to compare them without expertise like yours!

March 2: $145 for 6 axis
http://www.artofcnc.ca/

Turbo CNC: $20 for 8 axis
http://www.dakeng.com/turbocnc.html

WinCNC: $1600 for 5 axis
http://www.cnccontroller.com/wcode.html

Flashcut: $1095 for 4 axis
http://www.flashcutcnc.com/

CamSoft: $1995 ~ $4995 for 8 axis
http://www.cnccontrols.com/

Thanks in advance!

[Stevie]

Originally posted by calkai1 And why do the cnc controllers' prices differ so much??

1 word

Greed