Engraving machine controller

[Rustynut]

Hi

I’m looking for some advice
I have experience of CNC machines but little knowledge of stepper motors

I have a old 3 axis engraving machine, the controller has developed a fault so I want to replace it with a new controller and run Linux CNC
The machine has limit switches for the home position and a separate spindle controller that still works fine

These are the motors, they are 4.7 amps

28157

I plan to use a dedicated PC with a parallel port

What do I need to buy ?
Any recommendations on UK suppliers, preferably a one stop shop ?

Drivers ?
Power supply?
Controller?

Steve

[Doddy]

You offer only half of the story. What machine? If the PSU okay?, what's it's rating? (chances are it's matched to the drivers and the motors). Are the drivers okay?, what format is the controller? and how have you realised it's faulty?

Drivers? - tell us about your existing drivers.
Power Supply? - tell us about your existing power supply.
Steppers? - are these working?
Let's assume the controller it u/s.

If the driver, PSU and motors are all good then you might be able to get away with just a parallel-port BoB. And a dedicated PC, with LinuxCNC installed. And a Parallel cable.

[Rustynut]

Thanks for the reply

The machine and controller are Suregrave

The Y axis stopped working
I've confirmed it's a controller fault by swapping the X and Y axis

2816028161

[JAZZCNC]

I suspect the board uses integrated drives and is bespoke but it would be worth taking the lid off and showing us inside because it could be something that can be replaced.?

However if it's dead then how far do you want to go with it because those motors could be re-used and a simple machine like this could easily run off the parallel port with £5 BOB and Linux CNC. Throw some £20 drives on it and away you go.

OR you could go full monty and use an external ethernet motion controller and higher spec digital drives with better motors, like closed loop system. This would turn it into a high end machine.

[Rustynut]

Yes it's a bespoke controller and beyond economical repair

I would like to re-use the motors and build a new controller

Would I be right in getting 5 amp drives a BOB and power supply