Messages

31

General Mach Discussion / Re: New potential screen ( I just dont know any more)

« on: March 28, 2006, 11:10:19 AM »

Benny,
I like this one better than the previous "brass metal look" I think you captured the general effect that I mentioned in that thread, whereby the background needed to be less bold so the data could be emphasized. I personally like the grey metal over brass metal, but not a fan of the wood trim shown in the second image. Overall, though the clean and shine look fantastic. Can you add a layer of dried coolant spatter & dirt? I guess we can add that on our own.

32

General Mach Discussion / Re: Recommended PC Configuration

« on: March 28, 2006, 02:50:33 AM »

Hey Borris! Whatever your talking about I think I want to check it out. Can you elaborate on how you integrate a CF card? For example how would you drive a monitor?
I'm in the process of building my control box (using a rackmount case) and I love the idea of enclosing everything in one
box.

33

General Mach Discussion / Re: Recommended PC Configuration

« on: March 27, 2006, 01:16:56 AM »

Hi all,
So I've been reading this thread with interest as I'm trying to salvage an older PII PC.
I'm seeing by this thread that it's a hopeless cause, right?

I haven't purchased Mach yet, and I'm still trying to follow what the relationship is between
CPU speed and machine performance.

Is there a way to calculate feed rate according to CPU speed. I'm asking because maybe my
setup is sufficient for my needs.

My thinking is if I'm shooting for 50 ipm Feed, and if someone were to say "your PII ain't going to
get no 120 ipm, but it may get 35-50 imp." I'd be happy.

Is this all there is to the CPU speed? or does it really get squirrelly with a slower CPU?

Thanks

Evan

34

General Mach Discussion / Re: CNC4PC Boards

« on: March 24, 2006, 11:43:24 PM »

Lindsay- Thats interesting you use a relay and switch for motor V. I had my motors on a separate circuit with a switch also.
My reasons had to do with little kids. I just wanted my last defense again an accident up high and out of the way.
Thanks for the comment re CNC4PC board. If you'll check out my other post (poll) I finally reached a decision to try it.
Since where I'd like to go is with the GRex, it's just not a package ready to go yet. So instead of dropping the bank on
yet anthor board from Campbell, I'll bite the bullet & see what kind of trouble I can create for myself.

Can describe in detail what your cable problem was? or did you already in another thread?

35

General Mach Discussion / Re: Campbell combo vs Gecko Grex

« on: March 24, 2006, 01:06:43 AM »

Yeah, to clear things up in my head, I emailed Art today over this topic, and found out that as much as the grex is
ready hardware, Mach4 is not quite ready to ship.

In my other thread I haven't seen any real concern over the CNC4PC board. So with this info, I'm thinking of just installing
my current hardware ie: CNC4PC bidirectional breakout board until the GRex/Mach4 couple is ready.

Any pearls of wisdome regarding the CNC4PC board?

36

General Mach Discussion / Re: Campbell combo vs Gecko Grex

« on: March 23, 2006, 01:39:00 PM »

OK, I'm glad I posted this question because I was unaware that the two boards required different versions of Mach sfwr.
Am I correct in this? If so, as vmax has suggested, I think the answer is already here for me. I'm not so sure I want to be
on the cutting edge of both software AND hardware. I'm not worried about figuring out implementation of new gear. But I am
worried about putting the gear together without incident. My electronics is pretty basic, and not sure if I could troubleshoot
on my own.
This is why my last post was specifically about the inherent problems using other boards.

Thanks for your input.

P.S. It would be interesting to see this poll develop, but I see how it may be polarizing, my apologies.

37

General Mach Discussion / Campbell combo vs Gecko Grex

« on: March 23, 2006, 03:11:37 AM »

Hi all,
I had started a thread earlier regarding breakout boards which led me to comparring these two pieces of work.
I was wondering if there is enough experience among all of you to guide a new system build.

I'm upgrading (overhauling) my older machine. It's a stepper drive that used to run off maxnc firmware/software. But now have Gecko G201 and will run mach3.

Re GRex: I like the ethernet comm and available feedback loop (for steppers!) in the Grex. But may be a little untried to commit to.

Re C.D. Combo: I like the tried & true reputation he seems to have in this community, also has relays and spindle feed built in.

If only I could combine the two.

So what are your thoughts?

38

General Mach Discussion / Re: CNC4PC Boards

« on: March 23, 2006, 02:52:47 AM »

Well that's just dandy! Now I feel like a kid in a candy store. Too many choices. On one hand got a nifty new package with ethernet comm, feedback for steppers vs Campbells combo board (I saw it today, cool) with spindle feed & 4 relays.

Either way, I like the factory integration of components. But then again, blowing an individual component is cheaper to replace
(ie CNC4PC boards).

I think I'll post a poll between the two vendors.

Thanks.

39

General Mach Discussion / Re: CNC4PC Boards

« on: March 22, 2006, 01:56:00 PM »

Yeah, I did already buy the CNC4PC gear mentioned in the first post, I'm just inquiring before I do the install. I figure it's easy to do the best thing
once.
As I see it with the GRex board, it has ethernet built in instead of parrallel. Even if this arguable as to being better, It'll be a better comm route as I'm already networked.

The Grex also provides for a feedback loop for Steppers. I hadn't considered that when I first started purchasing gear. I'm switching out my old steppers with new ones.
and probably won't add the feedback loop now, but I guess it's nice to know I can upgrade there in the future.

I'll look at the Bob Campbell stuff though, thanks.

40

General Mach Discussion / Re: CNC4PC Boards

« on: March 22, 2006, 10:33:44 AM »

Hi, and thanks for info. Re; CNC4PC boards there's another post stating:

"Please be carefull with the CNC4pc board it can at times draw power from the PC and energize itself and make things work when you are not looking or expecting it to.  I would suggest a board from Bob Campbell to be on the safe side."

I worry when I read this stuff because I can't afford to chase down this kind of problem. I'll be busy with problems I create on my own.

Re breakout board, Im wondering if I'm better off getting a GRex instead? I hadn't really looked at it, but it seems much better. I'd be willing to spend the $ in leu of less hassle.