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General Mach Discussion / Re: Converting an existing commercial machine to use Mach3
« on: April 24, 2013, 09:35:20 AM »
Hood,
Thanks for the comment. I have found some model numbers on the motors and drivers. I'm going to do a little research on them this evening.
Gerry,
Even with my lack of understanding I would agree that switching from the proprietary software does not make a lot of sense. The real scenario is that we have two of these machines. The owner of my company is in dispute over one of the machines (didn't get what we were promised type of thing and for this reason is disputing paying the full price of the machine in question) and unfortunately the software is locked out on this machine (assuming until full payment is received). So we currently have a very large and expensive paper weight. I am simply exploring, not under the direction of my employer, if there is a relatively inexpensive way to operate the machine until the dispute is resolved. I am hoping to find out what all is involved and to estimate a cost to do it before suggesting it to our owner. More importantly for me I am using it as a way to learn more about the components of this machine and how it is controlled. Also, I think you're right as far as the complexity of the safety system. This thing has various sensors and switches everywhere, most of them make sense to me but there are a couple that I am still trying to figure out what they even do.
I know I'm in way over my head here not yet even having the experience and understanding from building a hobby machine of my own, but it again I think it gives me an opportunity to learn more about the equipment.
Thanks,
Brian
Thanks for the comment. I have found some model numbers on the motors and drivers. I'm going to do a little research on them this evening.
Gerry,
Even with my lack of understanding I would agree that switching from the proprietary software does not make a lot of sense. The real scenario is that we have two of these machines. The owner of my company is in dispute over one of the machines (didn't get what we were promised type of thing and for this reason is disputing paying the full price of the machine in question) and unfortunately the software is locked out on this machine (assuming until full payment is received). So we currently have a very large and expensive paper weight. I am simply exploring, not under the direction of my employer, if there is a relatively inexpensive way to operate the machine until the dispute is resolved. I am hoping to find out what all is involved and to estimate a cost to do it before suggesting it to our owner. More importantly for me I am using it as a way to learn more about the components of this machine and how it is controlled. Also, I think you're right as far as the complexity of the safety system. This thing has various sensors and switches everywhere, most of them make sense to me but there are a couple that I am still trying to figure out what they even do.
I know I'm in way over my head here not yet even having the experience and understanding from building a hobby machine of my own, but it again I think it gives me an opportunity to learn more about the equipment.
Thanks,
Brian