I have microkentics cnc and would like to switch the software to Mach 3. I have messed around with this for a few days and can't seem to get it to work. Has anyone been able to do this?

Hi

I'm in the same situation as you: I have MicroKinetics and want to change to Mach 3 but am not sure if it will work.  Did you ever get any help or manage to get it working?

Thanks.

Don

Hi Don,
   Do you have any links, info about what you have now? I'm going to do a search for you.

Brett

Hi Brett

Thanks for offering to help.

I've got a Bridgeport Mill run by MicroKinetics DriveRack high performance power driver, an OptiStep Plus-PC motion controller, 3 x 42M1150D Stepper motors and Millmaster Pro 4.2 software.

I bought the uprated MK program to run on Windows XP - which MK assured me would run it - but they failed to tell me I'd have to change my motion controller card so I'm still having to use Win98.

I'd appreciate any help available so that I can get away from MK software.

Regards.

Don

Hey Don,
   I had a look at their website. I'm not sure. Let some of the others have a look. Have you asked Microkinetics? You already have the steppers, limit switches, PC and power supply I guess. Worst case, get a breakout board and three Geckos. You may not have to do this, just sying "if".

Can you list some part numbers and links?

Brett

Looks like the Drive rack may take the place of the geckos as well. Not certain, but I think.


Brett

Hi Don. I could not get the microkenitics drivers to work with Mach 3. I am working on using geckos to replace them. You should get a breakout board because all of the pins are different from Mach 3 to the drive rack. Also the transformers put out 86 volts which was to much for my nema23 motors, so I had to redo the drive rack. I am switching to Mach 3 for the same reason you are- the old software microkentics offers. By the way, the geckos make my motors run alot smoother and faster than they did with microkenetics. Let me know if you need more details.

Thanks, Brett

The only other information I have is

3-axis drive rack Part No 9996200-003
OptiStep PCPlus motion card Part No 90002000-005
Stepper Motors are Part No 3054211501

with the website that you already know.

I have no other information except to say that MK have not been very helpful when I've needed help or advice.

Mach3 sounds the way for me to go but I'm worried that I have neither the time nor the ability to get it up and running successfully.

Thanks for the help.

Regards.

Don

Hey Don,
    I looked for those part numbers on their site. No joy. The card is the only one I feel like I have found and your numbers aren't the exact same as theirs. As far as setting up Mach, we can help with that.

I'm sending you a PM.

Brett

I just had a look at there docs and I think it should work! you may have to run in Sherline mode... Looks like they have nice stuff...