Newbie Wanting to convert new to me machine to Ethernet controls

Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: Wanting to convert new to me machine to Ethernet controls

  1. #1
    Registered Turbo_Windsor's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    4
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Wanting to convert new to me machine to Ethernet controls

    Hey guys, as the title states, I recently picked up a machine (Laguna Republic) that came already setup for cnc work. It currently has what I believe is a very basic bob running directly off a PC parallel port. I would like to build a small case PC and run the machine from ethernet but the options are endless and I feel borderline clueless.I know electronics prett well, just never done much with CNC machines.

    Few things I would like.

    1. Ethernet Based
    2. 24V system. I work with PLC control systems alot and like the robustness of a 24V system.
    3. Touch probe compatible
    4. Would like to have some sort of watchdog
    5. Ability to add 4th and possibly 5th axis later on.

    I'm sure there are other bits I would like, just cant think of them now.
    TIA

    Similar Threads:


  2. #2
    Community Moderator Jim Dawson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Posts
    5717
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Wanting to convert new to me machine to Ethernet controls

    Your budget will dictate the direction you go. Do you want to go with an actual industrial system, but still capable of running on Mach3, that is upgradable to a more robust system later?



  3. #3
    Member ger21's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Shelby Township
    Posts
    35538
    Downloads
    1
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Wanting to convert new to me machine to Ethernet controls

    Or, do you have a software preference?
    I have everything you want with UCCNC, their UC300ETH motion controller and an MB2 breakout board from CNC Room. For under $400.
    However, UCCNC currently doesn't have good 4th axis support.

    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    [URL]http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html[/URL]

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    [URL]http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html[/URL]

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    [URL]http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html[/URL]

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)


  4. #4
    Member samco's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Posts
    1753
    Downloads
    2
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Wanting to convert new to me machine to Ethernet controls

    step/dir? What about linuxcnc? The ethernet connection is realtime - not buffered.

    Check 1. Ethernet Based
    Check 2. 24V system. I work with PLC control systems alot and like the robustness of a 24V system.
    Check 3. Touch probe compatible
    Check 4. Would like to have some sort of watchdog
    Check 5. Ability to add 4th and possibly 5th axis later on.

    Check - expandable..

    https://mesaus.com/index.php?route=p...&product_id=66

    $199 - 5 axis step/dir, 48 - 28v i/o, analog and encoder counter for spindle..

    sam



  5. #5
    Registered Turbo_Windsor's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    4
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Wanting to convert new to me machine to Ethernet controls

    Thanks for the replies guys.

    The machine came setup to run Mach3 but being as I havent even got to use it yet, it leaves me pretty open. I literally moved the machine into my shop a month ago then had to leave on business so I've been chomping at the bit to get back too it.

    For budget, I would like to stay under 1K USD. Now I know that leaves me open to a lot out there, but in the 1K that would be including the PC I'll have to either build or buy and whatever boards go along with it. I can get power supplies from work, so no big deal there.



  6. #6
    Registered Turbo_Windsor's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    4
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Wanting to convert new to me machine to Ethernet controls

    Quote Originally Posted by samco View Post
    step/dir? What about linuxcnc? The ethernet connection is realtime - not buffered.

    Check 1. Ethernet Based
    Check 2. 24V system. I work with PLC control systems alot and like the robustness of a 24V system.
    Check 3. Touch probe compatible
    Check 4. Would like to have some sort of watchdog
    Check 5. Ability to add 4th and possibly 5th axis later on.

    Check - expandable..

    https://mesaus.com/index.php?route=p...&product_id=66

    $199 - 5 axis step/dir, 48 - 28v i/o, analog and encoder counter for spindle..

    sam
    Sam, have you used this system? I've been doing a bit of looking at it. Linux CNC seems to be more stable from what I read. Less software crashes ect. The computer requirements are also much less than that of a a windows based PC. I like the idea of being able to add an encoder to the spindle and do rigid tapping without having to buy add on boards and such like CSMIO requires. All in all it looks enticing to buy just to try.



  7. #7
    Member samco's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Posts
    1753
    Downloads
    2
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Wanting to convert new to me machine to Ethernet controls

    I have not used that exact model - but I have used a ton of mesa hardware.

    This is a ethernet retrofit using a mesa 7i80 (with a bunch of supporting cards)



    sam



Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  


About CNCzone.com

    We are the largest and most active discussion forum for manufacturing industry. The site is 100% free to join and use, so join today!

Follow us on


Our Brands

Wanting to convert new to me machine to Ethernet controls

Wanting to convert new to me machine to Ethernet controls