Conect Cadet Lathe Conversion - Advice?

[ElectroRich]

Hello all.

I have recently aquired a Conect Cadet lathe. The original DOS software is limited and hard work to use so I've decided to upgrade.

I have been looking around the internet 'till I'm dizzy trying to decide whether I should keep the existing electronics or rip them out and start from scratch.

I have managed to reverse engineer the existing stepper drives, switches and interfaces. It currently uses L297 / L6203 drivers running at 24v. Everything is on separate cards including the serial port controlled microprocessor interface

Since most of the hard work is done for me, my inclination is to try and keep the exisiting hardware and simply make a new parrallel port interface card.

Lots of questions but for now all comments/advice appreciated!!!

[duncanb]

ElectroRich,
How are you getting on with converting your Conect Cadet? I'm in a similar position but a couple months behind you so would welcome any input on your progress. I'm new to CNC machines but 20+ years as an electronic designer.

[irving2008]

Hi guys,

We have a couple of members on the UK forum who have done conversions of the Conect lathes. If you haven't already, come and say hi there...