Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: kolias on July 02, 2024, 09:23:25 AM
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I would like to install my licensed Mach3 into a new(used) PC but I'm confused as to what type PC I need, 32 or 64-bit
I also have Vista or XP-PRO to re install on the PC
This is for a hobby work but regardless I want a stable installation
What's the verdict? 32 or 64-bit PC
Thanks
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If you're using a parallel port it MUST be 32-bit. If you have a motion controller 64-bit windows works fine - I use Win 10 on a mini PC and UC100 drives. Win10 will be obsolete soon, I would suggest if you can, upgrade to a modern PC and supported OS.
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Where do you buy UC100? If I decide better get it from a reliable source
Thanks
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Depends on where you are located - distributors are listed here:
https://cncdrive.com/distributors.html
In the UK I got mine from https://www.cnc4you.co.uk/Motion-Control
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Many thanks for the help John (BTW I'm in Canada)
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Sorry for the bother John, I will buy the UC100 from CNC4YOU and sent them email because there is no info about shipping cost to Canada neither how to pay avoiding the VAT tax.
I printed the 12 page users guide, are any tips from your experience to keep in mind during the installation?
Never had a good experience with the listed 2 USA distributors of this product so decided to give a try to a new one.
Thanks
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As far as I remember the install went very smoothly. IIRC I mainly just had to install the plug-in in the appropriate folder, configure it, and for the most part the config in the xml file "just worked". Some tweaking needed for the higher pulse rate I could use I think.
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Thanks John for your time,
CNC4You replied " Unfortunately we don’t offer a delivery service to Canada sorry for the inconvenience. Brian Michael. Logistics Manager". I was very surprised,
Will try again to either find a 32bit desktop or give a try with another rep in Netherlands or Germany
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I can sort of understand since under UK law as the retailer they are responsible for product support and warranty. You might contact CNCDrive direct? (They are in Poland I think.)
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I would like to install my licensed Mach3 into a new(Wordle Unlimited (https://wordleunlimitedgame.io/home)) PC but I'm confused as to what type PC I need, 32 or 64-bit
I also have Vista or XP-PRO to re install on the PC
This is for a hobby work but regardless I want a stable installation
What's the verdict? 32 or 64-bit PC
Thanks
For stable Mach3 use, you can get a used PC with 32-bit Windows XP/Vista. It offers guaranteed compatibility but might lack security (XP) or have driver limitations (Vista).
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Thanks samantha23, have no problem using XP or Vista but getting a 32bit PC is almost next to impossible so I decided to buy the UC100 motion controller as you can see from my previous posts on this thread.
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Recommend 32 bit, on XP rather than Vista, with parallel breakout board.
If you are using an external motion controller, then Mach3 will run on 64 bit, but may not function fully in all areas, for instance, closed loop control that passes through mach3 may encounter issues where mach3 ignores signals that it would ordinarily have detected in parallel operation.
The old setup with the legacy printer ports seems to be the most reliable and robust, and is generally more affordable than good quality USB or LAN motion controllers.
When looking for old computers, I recommend using the keyword "refurbished" in your search terms as these are cheeper and more abundant than trying to track down a legacy motherboard.
Just make sure you get one with the big, pink/purple parallel port on the back, some retailers don't even know what they are since they are so outdated, so you may have to ask them specifically if it has that type of port on it.
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The only place I can buy refurbished 32bit old pc's is Amazon or eBay but the shipping cost is expensive and not even sure if I get a 32bit pc. For now my UC100 may work good but in the future I will consider upgrade to Mach4
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As to whether your PC is 32 bit or 64 bit depends entirely on whether you personally choose to install windows in X86 or X64 on it.
Look for something with a celeron, Core2 duo or early I series processor.
A Dell Optiplex or one of those old slimline Mecer office boxes for example make excellent CNC controllers.
They are the type of computer Mach3 was originally coded to integrate with.
They are so cheep I'd recommend buying a backup one at the same time.
I recently bought Optiplex 780 boxes for 1000 ZAR, which is about $50 each.
From here, you can simply install Windows XP on it and configure it for X86(32 bit mode.)
32 bit or 64 bit is not hard wired into PCs from before Windows 8, you have the option to choose.
The units available on Amazon are probably among the best choices available to you when trying to set up Mach 3 the easy way.
But you will likely need to phone the sellers and ask about the parallel port since most simply post a photo of the front of the tower and expect customers to be satisfied with that.
If you find out, a little down the line, that the UC100 isn't performing as you'd hoped, I'd definitely recommend taking this route as it is the most trouble-free.