Display and control

[outsider787]

I am looking at converting a G0704 to CNC using Keling 6050 drivers and Nema23 495oz-in steppers.

I have seen china made controller boards like this one which come with a jog controller and a display.
CNC 4 Axis Driver+ display module+handle controller kit | eBay
What are my options if I wanted a similar setup with the Keling drivers?

It would be nice to not have to boot up a PC just to do a bit of light milling.

[doorknob]

Typically people use an MPG (manual pulse generator) pendant to do manual axis jogging, however the ones that I have seen use a USB interface which must be connected to the PC (and used with the Mach3 software or equivalent) to work. In such a case, Mach3 would provide the DRO (digital readout) capability on the screen. So that approach does not meet your objective of not having to use the PC. A google search on "MPG pendant" should return some examples.

As an alternative, if you have some electronics experience you could put together an MPG pendant circuit that would directly drive the Keling's step and direction and enable inputs for each axis, either by swapping the cable from the PC to the breakout board with the cable from the pendant, or by building some kind of switch box. You could then either use the pendant in conjunction with a bolt-on DRO (which could be anything from cheap iGaging readouts to more precise but also more expensive glass scales and readout), or you could try to get by with a simpler but less-useful step pulse readout such as the one that you linked to, either as a standalone unit or built in to the pendant.

It is possible that someone manufactures such a standalone MPG and readout, however I have no direct experience with any such device.

[Al_The_Man]

I not sure you can call it CNC?
It appears to be a manual feed unit? If so it is not capable of interpolated moves.
Al.

[hoss2006]

Don't waste your time or money on that chinese driver, it's totally unsuitable for the g0704.
I've tested one and it's far too weak.
Stick with the 6050's, use 570 nema 23's and you'll be very pleased.
Set your computer to go into standby when you're done instead of shutting down, then it's
only a few seconds to be ready to go, power on your electronics and you can roll.
Get a usb shuttle pro for a quick pendant for "manual" work.
Hoss