Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: menglor on December 31, 2013, 10:43:16 AM
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Hey Gang!
So I have a question I am hoping a few people can help with!
So Currently I have a G540 Gecko controller and I am running Windows XP in 32bit (4gigs of ram) because I read somewhere that the 64bit version of windows has some issues with printer drivers and what not.
SO! I am doing some early investigation about what I need to do to move up to Windows 7 or 8 in 64bit mode.
So the obvious first question is, am I going to need to upgrade the Controller?
1 – Will Mach 4 support a printer port version for 64bit or is it more complex then that?
2 – Will I need to upgrade my Controller to a USB version?
2.b – If I have to upgrade to USB to be able to use a 64bit OS, will Mach3 work? Or will I need to wait for Mach4?
I understand not everyone is in the know of all this, but if ANYONE has knowledge or even tidbits of information Please feel free to post a link or help..
Thanks,
Most Appreciated!
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There is no parallel port option for 64bit OS's, whether thats Mach3 or 4, so you will have to use an external controller if using a 64bit OS.
I would suggest you look at an Ethernet controller rather than USB, it is just much more resistant to noise and other issues that USB can suffer from.
Quite a few choices of Ethernet from very cheap to quite expensive, all depends what you want from a controller.
All compatible controllers that you can currently buy are for use with Mach3, most should be usable with Mach4 but that will be up to the vendor to write a suitable plugin, chances are the cheaper Chinese ones may not support Mach4, but that is just a guess so dont take it as fact :)
Hood
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only because I am stuck at work and googling is frowned upon and I am interested in looking, do you have any links or recomendations?
I am not looking for your "recomendations" but maybe just a bunch of links so I can kill a few hours :D
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Heres a few
http://www.cs-lab.eu/en/
http://www.warp9td.com/
http://www.poscope.com/PoKeys57E
http://www.vitalsystem.com/portal/motion/motion_controllers.php
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Thanks!
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I am wondering, Does anyone have some experience Ethernet based controllers? I really would like to better understand the whole thing.
What I need, how its different, what works with what ...
I am super paranoid about spending a grand to find out I bought the wrong thing :)
Hood, I really appreciate the links you posted. and I am gathering as much as I can, but since I am on the other side of the pond, (Canada) some of those you posted dont help me much. I tried to find a "G0704 BUILD" that used an Ethernet based controller, but I have had no luck.
I am going to likely error on the side of using a Printer port, because I have heard about issues with USB, but if ANYONE has a link or a doc that sorta covers it. I would be sooo sooo appreciative.
thanks.
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Nothing stopping you buying from Europe and getting it sent, lots have done so already.
I have used Ethernet SmoothStepper, Ethernet Scorpion, and also all 3 of the CSMIO products, IP-M, IP-A, IP-S. All were fine on the ethernet side of things.
If it is just a simple stepper driven machine I would look at either the Ethernet Smoothstepper, the CSMIO-IP-M or maybe even the Ethernet PoKeys.
Hood
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My problem with purchasing from Europe is mostly the time delay and shipping costs. While I live in Canada, its a 30 minute drive to the border and it costs me like 10$ in fuel, and 9 times out of ten, shipping is free. Where as ordering anything In Canada , US, China or Europe I always get nailed with 50-90$ in shipping costs, then add Taxes and duties. then something the UPS guys call brokerage fee's :D
AKA Cash Grab.
so, I tend to buy stuff from the US and drive and get it, much less hassles :D.
also you mention
"If it is just a simple stepper driven machine"
Basically, I am converting a G0704 to a CnC mill for a friend of mine, and trying make all the right choices.
so if I can make this assumption, what i will need. is the
1 - Ethernet Controller
3 - Drivers (havent decided on any particular model)
3 - Stepper motors (thinking 527oz 5am)
1 Power Supply (48v 12.5A)
The irony is, 2 days after selling my X2, My buddy swings by with a small project and after I told him I sold mine, he wants me to make him one. so bonus for me.
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sorry dont have a clue what a G0704 is.
SmoothSteppers are from the USA.
Hood
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sorry dont have a clue what a G0704 is.
SmoothSteppers are from the USA.
Hood
really? I hope your kidding :D
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Drill-Mill-with-Stand/G0704
basically its a BF20 with a 27" Bed
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I am sure I will remember from now on ;)
Hood
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going to assume you have never seen this either? g0704.com
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I use a uc300 usb controller from cncdrives there very very good and reasonably priced