Re: Galil controller compatability (what works with the plugin)

[robertmonroe]

I can get either the DMC-20x0 or DMC-18x2 (new) for $200 USD the ICM-20100 for $50 USD and the  ICM-1900 for $175. I would love the 21x3 series but money is tight!

[kcrouch]

Robert,
Then it looks like the 2040 and the ICM1900 are in order then. Just be sure to also get the 100 pin connecting cable for them. I have used the USB controller sucessfully in testing here.
Kenny

[robertmonroe]

Will this work for me I found this on eBay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=200339907613

Although it's the same price as the ICM-1900 for $175.

[kcrouch]

Robert,
I have never used one like that. I see some things that bother me though. The 100 pin ribbon connector doesn't have a latching mechanism to lock it to the 2040. There is also no shielding on the ribbon cables. I would go for a genuine article if you can find one.
Kenny

[smurph]

Yes, that will work.  However, the ICM1900 and ICM2900s have nice little features to them.  One of them is the ability to switch the enable signal by changing a HEX driver chip.  Some amps do low enable and some amps do high enable.  And some ICMs have opto isolation built in and a convenient way to supply logic power (5v or 12v) or an open collector to do 24v logic.  Basically, you will have to know a lot more about wiring things up to use this breakout board.

Steve

[robertmonroe]

This is the CNC I need to get going it is a vintage 1991 Shinx CNC built in Japan, from what I hear it's a top of the line CNC for its era of course. I bought it used for $999 on eBay and it works and was decently maintained. 



I need to be sure I can operate the multiple routing spindles and heads as they are pnuematic actuated.

If I go with a DMC-2133 I was told by Galil tech support I'll need the ICM-20105 to go with it. I want to use the metal box to house everything in a nice enclosure.

Would adding a RIO be neccesary? What would I gain by adding one?

[smurph]

A RIO or any other ModBus device will give you the I/O that you need to make all of that pneumatic stuff work.  The Galil will only have 8 inputs and 8 outputs in less than 4 axis form.  The ICM-20105 is a opto isolating breakout that uses D-sub connectors that are commonly available.  If your spindles are variable speed, you are likely to need a spare axis on the Galil to control them.  Depending on the spindles uses, of course.  Do they all operate at once?

Steve