Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Completely new to all this...

Warren,

Our breakout board can support four axis. The limitation on the number of
axis is a limit on the number of pins on the parallel port.
If you need two more axis, then you can install a second board. Six axis is
the limit for Mach2.

Our board supports an add-on board for relays and a board for spindle speed
control. The basic board supports solid-state relays.

The number of relay outputs for things like coolant and misters per board is
basically 3 in addition to the charge pump.

Bob Campbell
Bob@...
www.campbelldesigns.com
Breakout board
THC board sets
CNC router plans
Stepper Motors
VisualMill Basic

----- Original Message -----
From: "wvickery2003" <wvickery2003@...>
To: <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, November 02, 2004 11:03 AM
Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Completely new to all this...


>
>
>
> Thanks for the help Ron,
>
> That's cleared up some problems I had. I never even knew that a
> breakout board existed. Just as a matter of interest, does the
> power supply connect to the breakout board if you use one?
>
> Do you know how many axes can be operated off Bob Campbell's Mach2
> board and how many 'extras' can be operated as well (like coolant
> etc.)?
>
> Thanks
> Warren Vickery
>
>
> --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, R Rogers <rogersmach@y...>
> wrote:
>> Warren,
>>
>> Nema 34's would be a good choice for that size mill. There are
> many different configurations for CNC systems. Basically, there are
> 6 different components.
>>
>> A computer with 1ghz speed or faster (dell sells a 2.2 ghz for
> $349).
>>
>> Controller software, there are many to choose from( I personally
> recommend Mach2). Downloading demos from various sources for CNC
> software is a good way to make a selection.
>>
>> A breakout board that is an interface betwen the PC and the motion
> control system(If you use artofcnc Mach2, Bob campbells Mach2
> breakout board is perfect), There are ways to get around using a
> Breakout board but it involves soldering and making up DB25 plugs
> and cables however, The breakout board adds many features to the
> control like accessory control for spindle start, coolant, etc and
> travel limits and home limits for the work envelope. Many safety
> features like "watchdog" that monitors certain pins for
> inappropriate signals from the PC to prevent unexpected movement,
> opto-isolation (I think) to prevent high current from the drives
> going back to the computer port. It does alot and is well worth the
> investment.
>>
>> Servo or stepper drives, one for each axis and Geckodrives are an
> excellent choice. There are others available and thats just the ones
> that I use.
>>
>> Power supply and your choice of motors will dictate what its
> output will need to be
>>
>> And lastly, Stepper or Servo motors. The debate is long on which
> is better but here is my spin on it from what I've gathered from
> these boards and my own personal experience. Steppers are rated in
> holding torque and their torque dramatically decreases during
> movement. Stepper drives are more expensive than servo drives. The
> upside to steppers is that they are generally cheaper to buy and
> they do not need an encoder to feed back to the stepper drive.
>>
>> Servos on the other hand will generally be rated at lower torque
> for the same size as a stepper but, the torque is more even holding
> and during motion (google "Servo versus Stepper" for a graph
> displaying performance comparison). A belt reduction is suggested
> used to get more RPM from the motor and higher torque to the
> ballscrew. Servos must have an encoder to feed the motors position
> back to the drive. Servos are generally more expensive and most of
> the hobby drives will only work with DC brushtype servos. Servos run
> cooler and the drives are generally less expensive. From reading
> these boards for a long period of time servos seem to be more
> reliable and less prone to problems. Whatever motors you intend to
> use post the info from their dataplates on the list here and you
> should receive an evaluation There are some really sharp people on
> here (myself excluded :-) and they can help you out with it. Get a
> mill and PC then find some appropriate motors and thats the best
> place to start
>> selecting the other various components.
>>
>> This is just a brief overview, largely my own opinion and does not
> cover all aspects obviously.
>>
>> Hope this helps,
>> Ron
>> wvickery2003 <wvickery2003@y...> wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>> Hello everyone,
>>
>> I am completely new to all this CNC stuff.
>>
>> I would like to find out a bit about converting a chinese
> mill/drill
>> to CNC operation. I don't don't have anything at the moment.
>>
>> I am aware that I would need a PC, stepper controller board, power
>> supply(???) and stepper motors. Would Nema size 34 stepper motors
>> work (well) with a mill/drill machine? Would a Xylotex 4-axis
>> controller be able to control size 34 motors (is the amperage etc
>> correct)? What kind of power supply do you need?
>>
>> Are there any other reasonable (cheap...) controller boards around
>> that would work and what could I do if I wanted to control the
>> spindle and coolant from the computer?
>>
>> Sorry that I am asking so many questions which probably
>> seem 'stupid', but I've got to start somewhere...
>>
>> Thanks in advance
>> Warren
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
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>
> Addresses:
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> URL to this group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO
>
> OFF Topic POSTS: General Machining
> If you wish to post on unlimited OT subjects goto:
> aol://5863:126/rec.crafts.metalworking or go thru Google.com to reach it
> if you have trouble.
> http://www.metalworking.com/news_servers.html
>
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jobshophomeshop I consider this to be a
> sister site to the CCED group, as many of the same members are there, for
> OT subjects, that are not allowed on the CCED list.
>
> NOTICE: ALL POSTINGS TO THIS GROUP BECOME PUBLIC DOMAIN BY POSTING THEM.
> DON'T POST IF YOU CAN NOT ACCEPT THIS.....NO EXCEPTIONS........
> bill
> List Mom
> List Owner
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
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