Using a Tormach Pathpilot controller for a non Tormach machine. Got it on ebay.

Results 1 to 4 of 4

Thread: Using a Tormach Pathpilot controller for a non Tormach machine. Got it on ebay.

  1. #1
    Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    53
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Using a Tormach Pathpilot controller for a non Tormach machine. Got it on ebay.

    Hi Folks,

    Just bought a complete 2017 controller supposedly NIB off ebay. I want to use it on a home conversion. Haven't got the box yet but have a couple questions.

    Is the Mesa card installed in the controller and it's the db25 plug on the back which would go to the BoB installed in the machine or is that just a PP and the Mesa card and Bob was installed in the machine originally?

    I was looking at trying to get the restore DVD and go that route but this came up on Ebay so down the rabbit hole we go.

    Thanks in advance.

    Similar Threads:


  2. #2
    Gold Member LeeWay's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    6618
    Downloads
    2
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Using a Tormach Pathpilot controller for a non Tormach machine. Got it on ebay.

    It depends on how old the controller is. The Mach 3 controllers did not have a Mesa card. That said, if it was sold as a Path Pilot controller, then the PP/DB25 connection in it is the Mesa card. The Mesa card plugs into a PCI or PCIE slot on the computer mother board.

    Lee


  3. #3
    Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    53
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Using a Tormach Pathpilot controller for a non Tormach machine. Got it on ebay.

    Well it should be fun to see what's inside. It's a brand new complete controller PC built March of this year with a current version of Path Pilot. Has the disks and everything according to the pictures. When I get it I'll open it up and see what it's made of. I'm going to use it to CNC a 1919 Leblond 1B horizontal mill. Figured it would make a better machine to put linear rails on than a ZX-45 clone and since I want a VFD driven head I'll build it from scratch. I plan on putting high speed bearings in the original horizontal spindle shaft to mount a grinding wheel so I can surface grind if needed. I didn't get the vertical attachment in the picture and the second one is after I mounted it on wheel to move it around while building it. Got to take it apart and do some cleaning and milling off the dovetails on the X table and Y plate so I can mount the 30 series linear rails. I'm going to start out with using the Knee as is. This thing is built strong and the knee moves very easy. I got the linear rails for the Z also but didn't want to get into a counter balance drive system yet. The driven knee might work out

    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Using a Tormach Pathpilot controller for a non Tormach machine.  Got it on ebay.-0724171849c-jpg   Using a Tormach Pathpilot controller for a non Tormach machine.  Got it on ebay.-s-l1600-jpg  


  4. #4
    Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    53
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Default Re: Using a Tormach Pathpilot controller for a non Tormach machine. Got it on ebay.

    Got the controller today and fired it up. It has never been plugged in as it went thru the start-up screens and asked me what machine it was for. This was a great find considering I was going to have to get the DVD and buy a mesa controller. Cost me $523 shipped to my door.
    Has a build sticker of 3/28/17 with Pathpilot version 1.9.8



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

Using a Tormach Pathpilot controller for a non Tormach machine.  Got it on ebay.

Using a Tormach Pathpilot controller for a non Tormach machine.  Got it on ebay.