Messages

1

General Mach Discussion / Re: Looking for Suggestions

« on: September 09, 2018, 01:39:37 AM »

If you go with Mach4, then you'll need a motion controller.
If you go with a motion controller like a UC100 or PMDX 411, your Xylotex box should plug right into it.

So the motion controller doesn't drive the steppers? I thought being a "motion controller" it replaced the Xylotex. OK, that's OK then - so really a USB to Parallel Port adapter

2

General Mach Discussion / Looking for Suggestions

« on: September 08, 2018, 06:14:06 PM »

Hi Guys

I've had Mach3 for a very long time. My mill is a little Sherline and is controlled by a parallel port attached Xylotex 4 axis controller in a plastic case that I purchased around 11 years ago. I hardly ever use it and it seems everytime I do want to there is some issue in getting it all going.

The suggested removal of Windows 7 updates and memory patches and changes to the registery to get it all working hasn't been very successful.

I am sure others have been through this pain and looking for suggestions in getting my gear up and running again without spending a billion dollars. Should I persist with my Xylotex box and go for Mach4 - maybe with a new PC. Should I go for an external motion controller - I guess this means to ditch the Xylotex box. Will my steppers still work?

Not sure what to do, it's purely hobby level with almost no use. Maybe if it was working and easier to use then maybe I would utilise the CNC milling a little more. I have a whole cupboard of Sherline accessories I've collected over the years - all still brand new.....

Look forward to some comments.

I even tried rolling back my Windows to a restore point I created last time I got it all working. You know what, Windows came back and said that that restore point ws no longer any good and deleted it after a failed attempt to restore to that snapshot. Just my luck.

Regards
Roland