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Newbie Question about Mach 3 to 4
« on: April 06, 2019, 01:40:43 AM »
Sorry for the dumb question, but can Mach 4 run on a Mach 3 controller? My suspicion is not, but the web site says to start with Mach 4 if you've never used Mach 3...

Thanks in advance for direction and patience.

Kevin
Re: Newbie Question about Mach 3 to 4
« Reply #1 on: April 06, 2019, 02:06:33 AM »
Hi,
some controllers like the ESS can run Mach3 OR Mach4 but the majority do not.

Mach4 is more capable but Mach3 has, and still is, satisfying a lot of people. If there is something specific
you want or need from Mach4......if not then Mach3 will be very nearly as good.

What controller do you have?

Craig
'I enjoy sex at 73.....I live at 71 so its not too far to walk.'

Offline Tweakie.CNC

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Re: Newbie Question about Mach 3 to 4
« Reply #2 on: April 06, 2019, 03:01:30 AM »
Quote
Sorry for the dumb question, but can Mach 4 run on a Mach 3 controller?

Which Mach3 controller do you have (make and model) ?
PEACE
Re: Newbie Question about Mach 3 to 4
« Reply #3 on: April 06, 2019, 12:58:09 PM »
Thanks for the replies....you've confirmed my suspicions....

I'm using a Chengdu XinHeCheng....or....WiXhc MKX-V, USB board.

Offline reuelt

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Re: Newbie Question about Mach 3 to 4
« Reply #4 on: April 06, 2019, 03:07:59 PM »
Thanks for the replies....you've confirmed my suspicions....

I'm using a Chengdu XinHeCheng....or....WiXhc MKX-V, USB board.
YOUR WiXhc MKX-V, USB board ONLY supports MACH3 NOT MACH4.

The only card from that same company that supports MACH4 is:-
Model: MKX-M4
That can be used as:
        1. MK3-M4:3 axis motion card.
        2. MK4-M4:4 axis motion card.
        3. MK6-M4:6 axis motion card.

http://www.cdxhctech.com/html/eProduct/view_216_406.html

It is better to migrate to
WARP9 ESS to reap all the potential capabilities of MACH4.
https://warp9td.com/index.php/products/#details


« Last Edit: April 06, 2019, 03:24:55 PM by reuelt »
"the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord"
Re: Newbie Question about Mach 3 to 4
« Reply #5 on: April 06, 2019, 03:49:44 PM »
Hi,
those XHC controllers are rubbish, avoid like the plague.

https://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=36023.0

Craig
'I enjoy sex at 73.....I live at 71 so its not too far to walk.'
Re: Newbie Question about Mach 3 to 4
« Reply #6 on: April 06, 2019, 05:49:51 PM »
Mr Average: What do you suggest as a replacement, if I continue with Mach 3? I'm just getting started, so am open to following this path, or jumping ship to Mach 4. If I change to Mach 4, will my stepper drivers have to change as well?
« Last Edit: April 06, 2019, 05:52:55 PM by kevin r »
Re: Newbie Question about Mach 3 to 4
« Reply #7 on: April 06, 2019, 06:14:59 PM »
Hi,

Quote
What do you suggest as a replacement, if I continue with Mach 3?

If you stick with Mach3 then your existing XHC controller will work. It has a few failings in terms of what it supports and
what it does not, things like lathe threading and THC. If you require  realtime support for a specific function, say, THC,
then do your homework otherwise the XHC controller will disappoint.

If you are just starting out in CNC then I would recommend Mach4, it is still being developed whereas all Mach3 development
ceased five years ago. Going straight to Mach4 does represent a bit of a hurdle, you will have to get a compatible controller
for instance. That will cost somewhere in the region of $120-$250 for economically priced units and $600 plus if you want
really high quality.

I personally use and like the Ethernet SmoothStepper by Warp9. The same board can be used for either Mach3 OR Mach4.
With Mach3 it is fully featured with things like lathe threading and THC. The vast majority of realtime features works in Mach4
but THC is being beta tested now.

PMDX-422 by PMDX, the 57CNC by PoKeys and the UC300 by CNCDrive are all worthy of consideration in the economical
market segment.

The PMDX-422 is for Mach4 only. The other two have both Mach3 and Mach4 plugins. They do not have a full suite of
realtime functions so careful research is required if there is something specific you need.

The Hicon Integra by Vital Systems is very capable and high quality at $600 for the base model. Extra functionality adds
to the cost.

The last word in quality is supplied by Galil. Be prepared to pay $2000 for a three axis controller.

Quote
If I change to Mach 4, will my stepper drivers have to change as well?

No, the stepper drivers that work with Mach3 will work indentically with Mach4.

Craig
'I enjoy sex at 73.....I live at 71 so its not too far to walk.'

Offline reuelt

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Re: Newbie Question about Mach 3 to 4
« Reply #8 on: April 06, 2019, 07:08:42 PM »
The PMDX-422 has been replaced by the PMDX-416 which adds opto-isolation to the inputs and allows direct to panel mounting.
"the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord"
Re: Newbie Question about Mach 3 to 4
« Reply #9 on: April 06, 2019, 07:53:31 PM »
Hi,
I previously posted that the model of choice was the PMDX-422, that was mistaken, the flagship model is PMDX-424.

The PMDX-416 is a smaller cheaper version of the PMDX-424.

The 416 has only five optoisolated inputs whereas the 424 has 9. Additionally the 424 has 230VAC to DC supplies on board.

Craig
'I enjoy sex at 73.....I live at 71 so its not too far to walk.'