Hi All,
After my first post here I've abandoned ideas of trying to use a Mac to run my Mach retrofitted mill.
See old post:
www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,31444.0.htmlGerry was kind enough to suggest a UC100 motion controller in combination with a C10 breakout board which seems like they would do, but one answer always seems to breed three more questions.
This machine has the usual X,Y & Z axis with limit switches. Additionally this machine has air actuated spindle brake and air actuated spindle speed adjustment, as well as high and low range gearing for the spindle. Then there is also the Bijour lube pump. Because of the air actuation there would be two separate electrical circuits for each function. For spindle braking on & off ,and for spindle speed up and down. The high and low range may require some type of sensor circuit too.
My question is will the C10 be enough to handle all of these functions? I don't mind spending a little extra to get the right hardware. Perhaps an integrated motion controller and BOB ?
http://Secondly I've read some debate on Mach4 versus 3. Seems that Mach 4 is coming along and being a novice machinist I probably won't be needing much of the higher functionality I hear it's lacking compared to Mach3.
Should I just start out with 4? If so does anyone have recommendation on a PC that works well with Mach 4? (or Mach 3 if you think I should swing that way) Again I'm not just looking for a bargain basement PC I'm more interested in reliability.
I should mention that I'll be using Slo-Syn SS200D6 drivers. I just picked up two of the three that I'll need. Oh, and I may want a 4th axis some day, but even a basic C10 has 4 axis capability.