Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Another Try

Hi Mark;

I am also looking for a controller, this time for my lathe. I am currently
leaning toward Ahha, but not for the reasons you indicated. (I need
threading capability.)

The Ahha system is not turnkey. None of the others are either. Even if you
go with their driver box you will still find it is more than a bolt-on and
go thing. Limit switches, spindle control and various peculiaraties of your
machine will have to be connected and this isn't always just a matter of
connecting the wires.

However, if you feel uncomfortable assembling a driver box then the Ahha
system is about as close as you will get to a bolt-on system. There are
others, of course, and some are just as good. I have a Microkinetics and
can definitely recommend against that one.

I would recommend you build your own driver box using geckos. You will need
to do more work and research up front but when it is complete you will know
how it works and can thus repair it. As long as you are building the drive
you might as well go with a parallel port based software such as cncpro
(dos) or master5 (windows). This will save you quite a bit of money over
the Ahha. Both work very well.

Don't get to excited about the dos/windows thing. That cute and fuzzy
windows interface won't make parts any faster or better. You must determine
whether or not you are willing to trade the stability (and higher speed) of
old technology for the features of new technology.

Doug