How to replace Bandit controler.

[gitit1941]

I have Bridgport Series I with Bandit Controler.
I want to shoot the bandit, it's already dead. (ckt packs to costly for repair)
Have 3 axis with servo motors. I also have the 3 steppermotors(original Bridgport.)
Where to find new cheap controler?

[NC Cams]

Look into Mach.

It is readily interfaceable with steppers and, assuming you can get step and direction based servo amps, servo's.

Uses a PC and the same's parallel port. A quite popular DIY CNC controller system that has seen even some medium duty commercial activity in the right folks hands.

Probably a/the most "affordable" DIY system and well suited to DIY retrofits. Lots of fans/supporters/big user base.

[DennisCNC]

Just as NcCams said, go with Mach3 as there are 1000's of users and a lot of help from others here on the forum. Mach was the first controller I started with. You said you have 3 servos, if you have the analoge drives for the servos you can use three of these http://www.skyko.com/products/ and they will convert step/direction to +/-10v for the drives. Or you can use the three stepper motors that you have and get three Gecko drives and go this route. This will be the cheapest way possible and with good performance. I know I made it sound easy, just ask questons as you go.

[gitit1941]

I'm just getting started. Not quite smart enough yet to ask many questions.
Fourty Five years ago when I started machining, we cranked the knobs by hand. My Bridgport Mill is lots younger than I it was originally a NC tape drive.
Several years ago I purchased a Bandit Control, it was great in it day,now obselete.
I have 3 good servo motors that came with the bandit. I also have 3 stepper
motors that came with the Bridgport Series I NC.
I need to know what power supply to use. What Controller?
I guess I need to know where to start.
Thanks Jim

[DennisCNC]

I assume you still have the controllers that controlled the 3 servo motors, correct? If you do then, you still have the power supply that powered the controllers?

What type of feed back do the motors have to the controllers ( options: #1 encoders, #2 tachs, #3 resolvers)?

You may also have #1 and #2 were the encoder goes to Bandit brain and the #2 goes to the servo amp's so the amp knows how fast the motor is spinning.

To make this more simple, put up pictures of all the different components and we will explain what we know and see.

[gitit1941]

Thanks Dennis.
I will go in town tomorrow, to the shop.
I'll snap some pictures an get the bandit manuals.
I will get back soon.
Thanks very much.
Jim