Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Getting started

hi Tim, Paul,

Gotta disagree with you Tim on one little point, THERE IS a list:

<MaxNC-users@yahoogroups.com>

And I agree, MaxNC mills or kits for a Sherline retrofit are a cheap way
to get something to play with (best way if you're looking to learn).
Later you can change it out for something better (and more expensive).
The software is basic, works, no frills, somewhat terse interface.
Software runs on DOS, with low end PC's. 4-phase drive (unipolar)
steppers aren't the greatest, but are enough to do the job (albeit
slowly). Manual is quite limited, but hay, that's what the lists are
for! I started with one of MaxNC's "Motion control kits", I still have
a spare that's possibly going on a PCB router, although I now have
commercial drivers for it.

HobbyCNC will also get you going, and you can BUILD a wooden router w/
his plans. Uses low cost steppers, you can use threaded rod, (or more
expensive leadscrews from Kirt he specifies). Even equipment drawer
slides have been used to build a router! (see list's pix).

TurboCNC is a great piece of software (and a good price!), especially if
you want to get in there and LEARN about the code too! Code is in
Pascal, although there are plans to rewrite it in 'C'. See it's list:

<turbocnc@yahoogroups.com>

HTH

Alan KM6VV


Tim Goldstein wrote:

>
> I have not experience with MaxNC so this is all 3rd hand. Unfortunately all
> the comments I have heard from users of the software are less than positive.
> I don't know if it has changed, but the drives have also been phase style
> and not step and direction. This means that if you want to switch to the
> more common step and direction software you have to come up with a phase to
> step and direction converter. Additionally, MaxNC is not a member of this
> lists.
>
> There are a number of list members that are now offering low cost drives or
> kits. http://www.hobbycnc.com/ is one that comes to mind. This particular
> system is a unipolar RL drive so preformance will not be spectacular, but
> heck for $50 for a 3 axis kit you can get your hands dirty and actually
> start learning this stuff. I would suggest that instead of the DeskNC
> package that HobbyCNC offers you look at TurboCNC from www.DAKEng.com The
> freeware version is full featured and if you decide to register it is only
> $20.
>
> Tim
> [Denver CO]
>
> >Hi Paul,
> >
> >I would suggest that you check out MaxNC. They have a full line of
> equipment and software oriented towards the beginner. Also, I know of no
> less expensive alternative.
> >
> >Best Regards
> >Greg Pettengill