Mach 3 software or another program?

[ravihotwok]

Quick question, id mach 3 the best software to be using when starting out? or is there any other alternative programs out there?

[A_Camera]

Quick question, id mach 3 the best software to be using when starting out? or is there any other alternative programs out there?

In my opinion UCCNC is better but you can only use UCCNC if you buy one of the motion controllers sold by CNC Drive as well. Mach3 is old and it feels old, but it works well, so if you get familiar with Mach3 the time spent will not be lost even if you later change to something else. Mach3 is probably more complex and more advanced than you'll ever need, but it is in my opinion very reliable. I only have experience with Linux CNC, Mach3 and UCCNC, so I don't know anything else, but of those three, I prefer UCCNC.

[ravihotwok]

cheers mate,

it may seem a bit odd me asking that question when I havnt even done anything with the machine yet but the reason is this machine is supposed to be a updated usb model as opposed to the serial cable one. But the software included on the crappy disc which came with it was planet cnc. I have done a few searches online and there is next to no support for it. Where as the mach 3 there is loads of support, tutorials etc which to me seems the best choice as im just starting out and need all the help i can get

[A_Camera]

I am afraid that unless you find a plugin for Mach3 you will need to do some modification to your machine unless you are willing to start with Planet CNC. Perhaps you will find some people here or on cnczone who are using Planet CNC who can help you with that.

BTW, the link in your other thread shows a box which is not USB. I think it is better because that gives you the flexibility of using any software, even if in some cases you need to buy a separate controller. With a parallel port type of CNC you have the choice of using UCCNC, Linux, Mach or whatever you want, you have also a huge pile of motion controllers to chose from. Complain to the seller that they did not deliver what is on the picture, or did they deliver that USB-parallel cable as the picture shows? Because if they did then you can easily swap that one out with something else, but if the USB controller is inside the box then it will take more efforts from you.

[Leadhead]

I am a simple soul and have easily set up Planet CNC. With a bit of help from Zapp and Planet CNC support.
pm me if you would like to discuss.

[ravihotwok]

this is the exact model I have bought
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2323472905...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[ravihotwok]

3.Installing a CNC control software and Drive such as the MACH 3 or EMC2 on your computer.

Actually says to install mach 3?

the seller isnt replying to any of my messages at the mo as there was no instructions so I am in the dark
What mods may I have to do?