Re: BOSS5 to Mach2/Gecko

Been there...read that.

I really don't want to spend the money on servos, encoders and drives
at the moment. This is why I want to use the original motors and
power supply. They are good enough to move the machine with it's old
control (at advertised rapids) and just want the same in return BUT
with PC control to leverage higher memory and advanced functions not
available with the stock control system.

I have a CNC router and CNC plasma cutter with stepper motors on
them. Yes, if you push any stepper system they will lose steps...but
so do servos if you overdo it. My machines make me money...and
steppers are simple, cheap and reliable. Maybe one day in the future
I will swap out the steppers on the BOSS for servos...but it isn't in
the budget at the moment. This is why I specifically stated not to
mention servos.

Basically, the goal is to convert the BOSS over to PC control via
Mach2 and the mentioned hardware so that I can run a program larger
than 14k. I am not spending $1300 for a BTR. DNC doesn't work with
BOSS5. The most cost effective option right now is Mach2.

The Larken drives can be found here: www.larkencnc.com

So...I guess that no one has done this before using the stock PS and
steppers without frying a drive?

-Brady

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "turbulatordude"
<dave_mucha@y...> wrote:

>
> <snip>
>
> > Not interested in servos. Not interested in off the shelf kits.
> >
> > Thanks!
> > -Brady
>
> I would say to read Message 77354 From: "Mariss Freimanis"
>
> It explains how to chose a motor and why.
>
> Also, there was a post on 'Mystery Motors' that mentions the

problems

> with huge steppers. a lot of energy goes into getting over the
> cogging.
>
> Dave