Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: cpdude on March 31, 2011, 09:58:37 AM

Title: Mach3 support for FSE ReninaEngrave card
Post by: cpdude on March 31, 2011, 09:58:37 AM

This is my first post here!  I'm new to Mach3 as I've been using another program on my DIY router.  ;D

Anyway, here's some background.  I've got a Full Spectrum Engineering (FSE) 40W laser with a RetinaEngrive card/software.  The RetinaEngrave card allows for direct printing/cutting from pretty much any windows program (via a USB connection).  It works great!  However, there are times when I want to generate and run g code so a can better handle things like kerf/offsets, holding tabs and cut order.  I'm also planning to use Mach3 on my laptop which doesn't have a parallel port.

At this point it looks like my only option may be to use a Smooth Stepper. Are there anther options?

I read on the FSE forum that a Mach3 plug-in for the RetinaEngrave card was in the works.  What is the status of this?  I'd definitely like to know if using the RetinaEngrave card is an option.

Thanks,
Brian

Title: Re: Mach3 support for FSE ReninaEngrave card
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on March 31, 2011, 12:07:45 PM

Hi Brian,

The Smooth Stepper is an ideal solution for using a laptop with Mach3, I have used an SS for a year or so now and together with many others, I can only say how good it is.

The FSE plugin card is another story and I have not yet herd any reports of it working well with Mach3 despite the FSE claims and as their forum is so highly moderated,  it is impossible to obtain a truly objective opinion on its operation or ease of use from any others there.
If the price of the card is reasonable then I think you should go for it but beware that the makers claims may well exceed its true performance.

Tweakie.