Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: Fermate on December 03, 2024, 05:07:22 AM

Title: EtherCAT & Mach4 Status?
Post by: Fermate on December 03, 2024, 05:07:22 AM

Hi All

What is the status on using Mach4 with EtherCAT?

I want to rebuild my CNC and replace the old steppers with AS servos using EtherCAT drivers.

There is a lot going on in the LinuxCNC area around that, but I want to keep my Mach4.

There are solutions like the Vital Systems “EC01 EtherCAT Motion Controller” on the market but I would prefer a software only system, plugging the EtherCAT directly into the PC if possible.

I find some mentioning about some solution involving KingStar RT64 but little after 2022 and only a system consisting of a PC and a bundled Mach4 license.
I already have a PC and a Mach4 license and is only looking for a plugin (and necessary underlying software) and not a complete solution.

Title: Re: EtherCAT & Mach4 Status?
Post by: mhermans on December 09, 2024, 04:00:12 AM

I'm also running kingstar rtx64 and have the plugin and system through kingstar.
What you can do is send an email to kingstar to ask them about getting a license from them including the plugin.
That's your best bet I would say

Title: Re: EtherCAT & Mach4 Status?
Post by: Fermate on December 09, 2024, 04:04:58 AM

Quote from: mhermans on December 09, 2024, 04:00:12 AM

I'm also running kingstar rtx64 and have the plugin and system through kingstar.
What you can do is send an email to kingstar to ask them about getting a license from them including the plugin.
That's your best bet I would say

Is it possible to buy just the pluigin, kingstar and RTX64 without the Mach4 (as I already have a Mach4 license) ?

What did you pay for your?

Title: Re: EtherCAT & Mach4 Status?
Post by: Fermate on December 17, 2024, 08:01:30 AM

INFO UPDATE:

I have checked with Intervalzero and a nice guy there informed me:

• Mach4 Hobby cannot run EtherCAT plugin.
  You must buy Mach4 Industrial to run this solution.
• The PC will need a quadcore (not hyperthreading) and it must have an Intel NIC for the network interface card.

For me, that makes Vita systems solution more relevant.

It’s a pity because the new EtherCAT AC servos is now coming down in price and soon will be a attractive alternative for Hobby Routers.

A plugin for Mach4 Hobby and a packet price for plugin+ kingstar + rtx64 around $300-400 would be wiping the market…


But maybe too much is already invested in other solutions…