Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Vector Cam

Just got to throw my 2 cents in.


Several years back I stumbled on to vector. At that time it was their 1st
decent version vector 2.0

The reason being, DAN/CAM/CAD (shareware) from the software point didn't work
out for me. The manuals and videos for converting your home brew to cnc was
great. lots
of real info on building drives, etc., on the cheap.

Dan at camtronics wrote an article in nuts and bolts that was a major jump
off point
for newbie's to cnc.

The guy that sold vector for about $200 stop posting the offer on the web.

I contacted the vector people in Europe and they provided a lot of help.

After the bobcad guy (brother #1) and the vector guy (brother #2) buried the
hatchet. Brother #2 wrote the code. Vector for Europe and Bobcad to marketed
in the USA.

Fred stepped up and really made vector take off in the US. To show you the
level of support, real manuals were written and Fred could be reached a lot
cheaper
than calling over to the other side of the pond.

My Ver 2.0 sat on the shelf until I found Fred.

When I explained the situation to Fred, the people at vector allowed Fred to
upgrade me to Vector Ver 6.* for little or nothing.

Been with vector ever since.

To me Vector was open source cnc because you didn't have to buy a new post
processor every time you wanted to connect a new mill.

I'm at version 9.4 each upgrade has been about $50 and when there is a
majior

Revamping of the software (and the do listen to their customer base for new
features)
about $100.

Do I know everything there is to know about vector?

No

But Fred is always there to help.



Dan at camtronics has some nice drive kits and there are others on the web
that
offer decent kits.

I introduced Marriss at Gecko to the list when I 1st saw his product in
an industrial publication.

@ less than about $170 servo and $150 stepper they are the lowest cost
and most features for the buck commercial drives you can get.

BTW I have drives from both Camtronics and Gecko in addition to the drives i
designed and built myself

Less I forget, both guys provide outstanding pre sale and post sale support.

I'm not a cnc professional, I do this for a hobby.

There have been many people who have been very helpful both on and off the
list.


Thanks a $1M Guys.



Bottom line:

You can get started on the cheap but buy the best you can afford.


Don Holness




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