Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Beginner question regarding Controller.

In a message dated 5/22/2003 2:19:53 AM Central Standard Time, ffrank@...
writes:

> Can anyone recommend a cost effective controller, perhaps even a good used
> one?
>

Assuming you realize a "controller" is the COMPUTER, and that which is
attached to and powers the lead-screw motors is the DRIVER.

Even an ancient, but still reliably functioning, '286 computer is a decent
controller! A more modern '386 with a good floppy drive and even a FEW
megabytes of C:, running MSDOS with GWBASIC is adequate, if you write your own
software in GWBASIC as I do. If you hafta use some proprietary "G-code compiler"
with VB or WIN-nn, sorry! Call Bill Gates.

I have several pre-windows Tandy laptops running MY machines---compact and
adequate!---which cost me an average of $25 plus UPS (via e-bay. Seens ALL
gone, now! Whew!)

I went by a local puter-dealer who takes "old junk" in trade, and got a FINE
NEC laptop, pre-mouse, monochrome, and FORMATTED it, loaded MSDOS 6.22 and
GWBASIC, and it is working FINE as a "CONTROLLER". I paid $99.00. Internal
battery-charging circuit is challenged, but "plugged in", it works fine!

So, you now realize you meant "DRIVERS"??? There is NOTHING to beat the
Gecko series! I leave "sales" of that to others!

HTH ! ! ! Jan Rowland


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]