Is it possible to change from Centroid to MasterCam?

[rdoty]

I've got a mill with Centroid M400 control and I'm not exactly a "happy-camper" for several reasons...1) constant "glitches" when running dxf files 2) no way to edit these glitches from the G-codes 3) waaaaayyyy too much time spent on "proofing and debugging" a program 4) my "rep" is 150 miles away and I live in Denver, not exactly a small town so there's no convenient support resource (why in H*** would they locate a rep almost in Wyoming??) plus when I used to call Centroid (when the machine was under warranty) they always seemed unavailable or too busy to deal with my problems. (However if I now fork over $2500 they'll give me a one-year service contract and then they'll support me!) Sooooooo....
My question is: what would it take to change to MasterCam? The M400 runs on Linux so I'd have to change to Windows OS, not a big deal. I might upgrade the mother board and put in a better graphics card. I presume the display monitor with keypad would have to be replaced...or would it? I haven't been able to find the pricing on MasterCam software but I do know they have support groups available.
Anybody have any input or suggestions?

[scootmods]

I would think a better way would be to run mastercam on a reg. computer, then export g-code to a file, then transfer the master cam generated program into your m-400 control and run from the main screen. Skipping intercon.

Beau

[One of Many]

Centroid uses its own control and software to run the motion control on the machine. Mastercam is not control software, it is a drawing and path generating software. You are stuck with Centroid software for the most part. There is only one other program if I recall correctly from Ah-ha or Ajax that may work with the system, but I think that is the reduced version of Centroid or licensed by them as I had read in the past.

DC

[tstom]

any cad/cam program that posts G code will run on a Centroid control provided you have the correct post processor The generic fanuc posts that come with Mastercam are a good place to start I don't think the .dxf import was ever designed to replace something as powerful as Mastercam If you have Linux the you probably have a usb port on your control I just post my programs from MC...load to memory stick...plug into machine...load to control and away you go I've had an M400 for 9 yrs and it's done a lot of work for me

If you go to www.mastercam.com there is a reseller locater I believe contacting them is the only way to get pricing It's not cheap but I believe it is worth the money
Their support is outstanding as is the forum

Tom

[rdoty]

Thanks for your input. I'm going to do more research...contacting MasterCam and looking for other ways to get rid of my headache.
I'm posting another thread in hopes that somebody can shed light on a particular Centroid glitch that keeps popping up.