Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Newbie follow up

Vincent, I'm going to be doing the same thing. You should review
the posts in the last 2-3 days. Got lots of great info. My machine:
http://members.home.net/escarcega/bptcnc/CNC
Sounds similar to yours. I had no control to start with. You should
try and salvage the power supply out of your controller. Don't think
much else is good. Tim will be evaluating a Gecko drive on his
series II. I'll be waiting in earnest. The drives seem to be the most
expensive part, but Gecko's sure are reasonable and should be
more than adequate to drive the steppers. Matt Shaver is a good
guy to talk to. He mentioned half phasing the steppers for speedier
and better performance. I'm sure I'll have to hit Matt up again for
this info when the time comes.

Marty

On 4 May 2001, at 16:59, Vlocci wrote:

> Several months ago I posted my first message regarding a future
> conversion of a series I / II to PC control. Well as luch would have
> it, I just picked up a used series I, with a long gone Boss controller
> for a steal. Machine has been sitting for a good 2-3 years as it
> became to expensive to fix and too much trouble to haul out.
> Following an afternood of tugging, pushing and general cursing, it now
> rests in my shop.
>
> The spindle wiring I can handle, along with the phase conversion etc,
> but it is the PC to stepper I'm going to need help on. Here is my
> dilemna:
>
> In case your wondering, My use of this machine will be strictly
> personal hobby projects, not a production line setting. I'm not after
> the fastest machine speeds or the quickest part production, and am
> more than willing to wait the extra few minutes for parts.
>
> So here goes:
>
> First the software questions:
>
> From what I have read over the last few months EMC is the way to go
> for low cost CNC conversions. I'm open to this, but let me throw in a
> few hiccups....
>
> I have several high end software packages available at work, including
> IDEAS and Solidworks (and possible an old version of Pro E) . I'm
> more than skilled in the CAD side of things, but we have never
> compiled anything to be run on CNC. All our work stops on the
> modeling side of things, and is passed off to the next person in the
> chain. Are these packages a better solution to EMC for a user in
> my position? Do they do what I'm after or is there an "middle man"
> program that goes from a IDEAS file to G-code? (for exmaple) I'm
> ready to pull the manuals off the shelf, but rather save myself the
> research if I'm barking up the wrong tree. If my current CAD
> applications are just "too good" (i.e. too complicated) for my
> pursuits, any suggestions on hobby CAD programs? How about the
> conversion from CAD file to a ready to run G-code file?
>
>
> Moving onto the Hardware side of the equation:
>
> -Again, its a low use series I with stepper motors. Its the
> control
> that died (from what I'm told) and the steppers should be fine. What
> exactly "the control is dead" means is beyond me, so I'm unsure what
> can be salvaged. I'm inclined to start anew, as opposed to trying to
> keep a dying beast alive anyway. Without starting a huge flame war,
> what is the reccomended approach to interfacing what I have to PC.
> I've seen some glowing reviews of the Gecko drives a while back. Is
> this a modern approach which will work well? Posting seem to indicate
> this is also an inexpensive route to take. Additionally, I'm assuming
> I'm going to need some sort of power supplies for the motors. Are
> these the type of things someone handy with a soldering iron (but far
> from an EE) can handle, or is there a reasonable cost alternative?
> For that matter, what would a "reasonable cost" alternative cost?
> Anyone document a conversion like this relativly well? (even better,
> anyone document it online?) I've read most of the links, but most
> setups go from before to after in just a few pictures. Frankly, I'm
> still too low on the learning curve.
>
> Finally, any suggested reading on the CAM side of things. I've
> never
> even seen a line of g-code and have virtually no experience on
> selecting toolpaths, plunge rates etc. Ran a part or two back in
> college (i'm a Mech Engr) but that was a few years back and there was
> a TA who held by hand along the way. Regular machining practices I'm
> OK with, as I've been turing handwheels for some time, it is the CAM
> oriented side than is blank right now.
>
> Sorry about getting so long winded. I'm sure I will plague you guys
> with more than a few questions in the coming weeks. If you prefer,
> I'll gladly take this off list if it is too off topic.
>
>
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Vincent
>
>
>
>
>
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