Messages

61

General Mach Discussion / Re: Best controller card option

« on: January 23, 2014, 11:08:51 AM »

When I had problems with the Camsoft guys I switched to a software called WINGCNC at this site http://www.jraco.com/
It was very basic, but the Owner was very friendly and got me up and running quick.
Back then I had a MFG company with only 1 machine. So trying to stop and learn how to get Mach configured to Galil was not possible.
But since that is not how I survive anymore this time I will not stop until I figure out how to get it setup.

You should really read many of the post in the Galil section of this forum. Lots of good info, but sort of a treasure hunt.
To use the Galil cards you have to add a plug in which is available at Artsoft ( Mach3) website.

I am still finishing building my current machine and setting up and figuring out how to use Mach3.

Joe

62

General Mach Discussion / Re: Best controller card option

« on: January 23, 2014, 10:36:27 AM »

Hello,
   I have a Galil 4163 ethernet card , and am currently using Camsoft to run a 4 axis mill, with a router spindle motor, have had a issue setting up the handwheel with the camsoft and galil, it makes me use the 6th axis and wouldnt accept the aux, for the handwheel.
 Any Ideas?
Calvin

I always had problems getting answers out of Camsoft. After they started charging the yearly fee for support I changed software.
If you can not get any answers out of them call galil support. They are quite helpful and some of them know alot about Camsoft.

Joe

63

General Mach Discussion / Re: Best controller card option

« on: December 16, 2013, 03:34:33 PM »

The answer is yes. The Galil has a Aux encoder input that can be used for the MPG handwheel pendant.
Did not think about it until now though I do not know how Mach utilizes the MPG handwheel. So much to read !!!

But at least this go round the machines are not making parts all day long, so I can take the time to do it correct.

Thanks again Hood for all the help.  I remember you from a while back. Seems like it has been 10 years since I last messed with Mach

I will setup with Galil for now.

Did they ever get the smooth stepper board to work correctly. I thought about ordering one to try it out.

Thanks,
Joe

64

General Mach Discussion / Re: Best controller card option

« on: December 16, 2013, 02:31:36 PM »

Thanks Hood do you remember on the Galil cards on steppers if you do not need the extra axis to run the pendant handwheel. I remember that I had a 4axis card and was able to run 4 axis + pendant handwheel. But I am not positive on the 18x3. I am downloading the manual now.

Thanks,
Joe

65

General Mach Discussion / Re: Best controller card option

« on: December 16, 2013, 02:10:19 PM »

Thanks Hood,

This machine is going to be steppers nema23 or nema32 maybe spindle speed control and coolant. I do not neeed alot of IO

Main thing is I want is for the control to have a look ahead ( buffer ) so that the machine does not do the little pause at the beginning or end of each line of code like the old AHHA systems did.

I just found a used Galil 18x3 PCI pretty inexpensive so I think I will pick that up.
If I remember correctly running steppers I would be able to run 3 axis plus MPG handwheel pendant with that. And I could update the computer that has the old ISA card in it.

But I am open to suggestions, I do not want to spend money twice and up with a new paperweight ( already have enough of those ! )

66

General Mach Discussion / Best controller card option

« on: December 15, 2013, 10:53:13 PM »

Hello Ladies and gents,

I have been away from Mach3 for several years, actually never made the complete switch I used CNCJOG software ( similar to Camsoft ) until I closed down my shop 3 years ago.

I am starting to setup equipment again and want to make the jump to Mach3.
I still have my controller which was a Galil ISA bus 1800 series, but I want to use a faster computer for Mach and as we know new boards did away with ISA a while ago.

What is the best not insanely priced controller board. I have a bridgeport series II cnc and I am currently doing a DIY mill.  I would like to have about 100 ipm rapids and be able to cut at I would say max 70ipm  mostly around 40ipm

I have been reading thru the forums here and on CNCZONE and my head is about to explode! Some direction please!

Thanks,
Joe

67

Galil / what galil card works best

« on: April 14, 2011, 07:04:28 PM »

Hi Guys,

Has been a while since I was here.
I was going to switch to Mach3 in 2008 but could not stop production to do the upgrade.

Anyway I am at a point where I can actually do the upgrade.
What is the best ( most compatible Galil card to use these days?
The Galil card I still have is the 1742 isa bus card.

Since I want to upgrade the computer ISA is out.

I will probably stick with the steppers (since I already have them and they work)
I will run 4 axis, and handwheel pendant.

What should I buy!

Thanks,
Joe

68

Galil / Re: older isa bus galil with mach 3

« on: September 10, 2009, 03:16:08 PM »

Thanks Guys,

I will open the computer up and see exactly what card  is in it. I remember that it is a  least a 5 axis card.
I will keep you up to date if it works or not.

Thanks,
Joe

69

Galil / older isa bus galil with mach 3

« on: September 06, 2009, 08:28:30 PM »

Hi Guys,

Now that I see that the bugs are worked out when using Mach3 with a Galil card I want to make the switch.
I have never had any problems with Galil, it works great.

My question is. I was looking at the minimum specs for Mach3 at 1Ghz.
I am sure the computer I was using was not 1Ghz. Lots of ram though.
What happens on lower speed computers?
Can you even get a motherboard these days with an isa slot on it to upgrade processor?

If Mach3 will not run on slower computers, what is the best/affordable 4 axis galil card to purchase?

Thanks,
Joe

70

General Mach Discussion / Anybody using Keiling MPG2 pendant with Mach3

« on: July 13, 2008, 07:00:01 PM »

Hey Guys,

I am getting closer to my ordering of components. Thanks for all of your feedback.

Looks like I am going to buy the campbell combo board.
But I must have a pendant. Does the Keiling MPG-2 work ok with Mach3 and this combo board?
If I am reading the documentation correctly I can just attach the pendant to a second parallel port.

Thanks for any help. Sorry I have been making so many request.
Joe