Since Mach2 won't work...now what?

[DAB_Design]

Mach 2 doesn't seem to be compatible with the system I put together to run my mill/drill conversion. So I'm looking for alternates.

I really liked Mach2, so is there anything somewhat similar to that layout out there? I've tried turbocnc. It seemed ok. But the issues I have with that, are is that it is DOS based. So I have to boot from a boot disk and won't have all my other programs available without rebooting. I also didn't like the fact that the DRO's didn't update as an axis was moving - it just said 'in motion'.

I downloaded deskcnc, and didn't really find it easy to get around in.

Any other suggestions? Obviously a trial version would be needed, and cost under $150 or so.

[Alan T.]

What are you using for Drivers?? Most conventional drivers, Gecko's, Xylotec ect.. are compatable with Mach1,Mach2.

[DAB_Design]

guess I should have said my computer isn't compatible.

[unterhaus]

Originally Posted by DAB_Design guess I should have said my computer isn't compatible.

I've never used Mach 2, but it is windows based. TurboCnc is dos based. What kind of system are you trying to run it on?

[DAB_Design]

I can run from either via a boot disk. But would definately perfer windows based.

[ynneb]

I am just wondering if it is official that mach2 doesnt work on your computer, or you have just given up trying? Have you posted your questions on the mach2 forum?

What operating system do you use? Have you tried Master5, another program that is made by the same maker of Mach2. This program will run on operating systems earlier than XP.

Some folks swear by Linux ENC, while others swear at it, have you considered trying that program?

[sendkeys]

what is the max khz on the linux controller? i couldnt find it listed on there website.

[DAB_Design]

Yup, sure have posted my problem on the yahoo group. The responce from Art was "The lockup is not good. You may need the special driver, I would try it for
kicks by running the specialdriver.bat file and then retrying, some of the
small shuttle boards are reported as good, others are not..."

Tried the special driver...same thing. Mach2 locks up the system immediately. Running the drivertest.exe (I know that's not exactly what it's called) does fine until the display reads "under mach 1 control", then locks up. It does display a pulse rate before it locks up though. :

Kind of ticks me off. I put that system together just for controlling my machine. The small form factor is the reason why, before you ask.

I've read alot about the video card being an issue. So I threw in an old video card I had laying around. Couldn't figure out how to disable the onboard video in the BIOS, but it is disabled in windows. Still same problem.

I feel like crying now....someone hold me.

As far as linux? I'd rather not go that route, unless I find a program that I really like.

[Graham S]

Because the linux controller is not theres. EMC can be found here:

http://www.linuxcnc.org/

Before giving up on Mach2 contact Art and ask him or use one of the Mach2 forums. TurboCNC is also really good but dos (dos knowledge required is typing turbocnc).

Graham

[Alan T.]

Give us your computer specs. MB, type and speed of processor, type of video card ect.. Also, what operating system are you running and how much RAM.

[sendkeys]

bet you it will end up being cheaper to buy a new motherboard and cpu for around 100 bucks(pricewatch.com) then will be to buy any other cnc controller that is as good as mach1-2 or better.

might be able to use your chip you have now too and resell the board on ebay. tell you now a ecs k7s5a (amd xp board) works fine with mach2 seen them as cheap as 25 bucks.

stay away from via chipset with use of mach1-2

[JRoque]

Hello. Mach2 hangs on my WinXP box just as you describe. I believe the culprit is my video card's driver (ATI). What video card you have?
I run Mach2 on my Win2K laptop and it works great. I won't question that Mach2 needs to fix this bug but Windows shouldn't just lock up dead as it does either.

Cheers,
Julio