RAM Pro or Mach 3 ??

[Robert M]

Hi All,

I’m not to familiar with ether of those, but any one can tell which, why, what for, etc… about the difference between Ram PRO & Mach 3 ??
It is for an up coming new router CNC w/ a 4th axis as an lathe indexer for artistic woodworking !

Thanks, Robert M

[turmite]

Hi Robert,

Mach3 is the computer program that sends index pulses through your parallel port to drives which in turn sends voltage signals to your motors, either servo or stepper. Mach3 is what you would used to move the machine.

I can only assume with Ram Pro you are referring to Rams Gold Pro which is cam program that creates the needed information for Mach3 to be able to move the machine.

Let's start at the beginning.

First you will have to have some sort of drawing or cad program. What you create on that will then be put into the cam program and what comes out of that goes into Mach3, which then sends the signals through the system and the machine moves.

Mach3 however, can, in some instances, be used in place of a cam program if your cad program can output dxf files. There is within Mach3 another small program called Lazycam that will do that function for you, but only on 2d machining. If you plan on 3d, such as your 4th axis, you will have to have all the different pieces to be able to make everything to work together.

Mike

[Robert M]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for your time to reply and this well describe difference.
So… may I assume that ;
Mach 3 is what is called a controller ?
Ram Gold is a cam program just like ENROUTE or ever top line MasterCam ?

OK, If so, what Mach 3 can be compared to ?
What is worth, aside cost, Ram ?

Thanks again