TEP educational CNC machine using TechCAD

I have come into possesion of a TEP CNC engraver that I think I can use for PCBS. Problem is that I cannot find the software it is supposed to work with or any information about it. Googling it brought me to this site where there is one thread from a while ago with dead links in.

The correct software is TechCAD but it does seem pretty rubbish from what I have read and I would prefer to get it going with EMC2 or Mach3 but I have no information about the protocol needed over the serial port connection. The original seller "http://www.rev-ed.co.uk/detail.asp?prodname=TechCAD&quick=1" was typically British when it comes to helpful replies "Sorry, this product was discontinued several years back" was all they could do to help me.

The machine has an RS232 connection presumably for data input but I have no information about the protocol, there is a PIC in the machine that receives the RS232 so I could disassemble it if nothing else came to light or I could simply throw the electronics away and fit a parallel port control system but that would be a shame as this is all working and in very good order.

I am looking for any documentation, the TechCAd software that was free originally with the machine, operators manual maybe, basically just anything that will get me going with something more than left right forward backward, up down that I have at the moment with the panel button.

http://81.110.238.61/tep.jpg

Well after much phoning, emailing and generally chasing I managed to find the maker and as they no longer make or sell this machine they posted me a reg number, software and manuals all free. Good service methinks :)

Just need to get it working now, seems not to like USB <> serial devices.

Hi Mjolinor


I also have that machine and have struggled to get it working! you have got further than me with your investigation, is there anychance you could let me know the details of the manufacture so I too could get a manual and drivers etc

Would be most greatful!!!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mjolinor

Well after much phoning, emailing and generally chasing I managed to find the maker and as they no longer make or sell this machine they posted me a reg number, software and manuals all free. Good service methinks :)

Just need to get it working now, seems not to like USB <> serial devices.

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Hi How are you getting on? Have you got it working yet?
Cheers
Ian

All working fine now but major changes. It would not drill holes because of the on/off Z axis, it just snapped the drills.

Picture of it now.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/dknpower/tep2

That is during the changes, finished now and all good.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mjolinor

All working fine now but major changes. It would not drill holes because of the on/off Z axis, it just snapped the drills.

Picture of it now.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/dknpower/tep2

That is during the changes, finished now and all good.

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I have the chance to buy one of these machines. It looks like you've done a lot - could you give some details, what have you had to add, are you running on the original or different software? Was it a useful base machine to start from?
Cheers
Ian

Hi Mjolinor

I have recently started a position in a school with the exact same cnc engraver. Could you please send me the link for the user manual as I am having the same problems. Your help will greatly be appreciated.

Hi

I have found the same machine gathering dust in a cupboard and would like to get it going.

Could you please share the info you have collected.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

I have exactly the same problem is it possible that you can supply the company links and any other information which might help me please
Kindest regards

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mjolinor

I have come into possesion of a TEP CNC engraver that I think I can use for PCBS. Problem is that I cannot find the software it is supposed to work with or any information about it. Googling it brought me to this site where there is one thread from a while ago with dead links in.

The correct software is TechCAD but it does seem pretty rubbish from what I have read and I would prefer to get it going with EMC2 or Mach3 but I have no information about the protocol needed over the serial port connection. The original seller "http://www.rev-ed.co.uk/detail.asp?prodname=TechCAD&quick=1" was typically British when it comes to helpful replies "Sorry, this product was discontinued several years back" was all they could do to help me.

The machine has an RS232 connection presumably for data input but I have no information about the protocol, there is a PIC in the machine that receives the RS232 so I could disassemble it if nothing else came to light or I could simply throw the electronics away and fit a parallel port control system but that would be a shame as this is all working and in very good order.

I am looking for any documentation, the TechCAd software that was free originally with the machine, operators manual maybe, basically just anything that will get me going with something more than left right forward backward, up down that I have at the moment with the panel button.

http://81.110.238.61/tep.jpg

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Hello! I know it's a long time ago, but I wondered if you could give me any clues about software etc. I recently bought a tep engraver with serial port - it all works fine but I haven't a clue about where to find the software. Any advice gratefully received. Martin.

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Originally Posted by martinstokes

Hello! I know it's a long time ago, but I wondered if you could give me any clues about software etc. I recently bought a tep engraver with serial port - it all works fine but I haven't a clue about where to find the software. Any advice gratefully received. Martin.

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I have the software.

I can also tell you it is not worth the effort of getting it going. I replaced it all with RAMPS years ago.

http://rollingpast.com/john/techcad/

Please let me know when you have it so I can delete it from the server.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mjolinor

I have the software.

I can also tell you it is not worth the effort of getting it going. I replaced it all with RAMPS years ago.

http://rollingpast.com/john/techcad/

Please let me know when you have it so I can delete it from the server.

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That was quick thank you so much ! I have downloaded the two zips so you can remove them. I hesitate to ask more questions after you have been so helpful and please excuse my total ignorance but I guess if it's zip I need to run on something like xp (I have xp and later windows, but use mainly linux) ? and what is RAMPS and how do I do that?

Thanks in advance

Martin.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by martinstokes

That was quick thank you so much ! I have downloaded the two zips so you can remove them. I hesitate to ask more questions after you have been so helpful and please excuse my total ignorance but I guess if it's zip I need to run on something like xp (I have xp and later windows, but use mainly linux) ? and what is RAMPS and how do I do that?

Thanks in advance

Martin.

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Presumably you use Nautilus as a file manager if you are a Linux user. That will unzip the files, that is what made the files. I do not use any Windose products other than mice, that is the only thing they do correctly.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mjolinor

Presumably you use Nautilus as a file manager if you are a Linux user. That will unzip the files, that is what made the files. I do not use any Windose products other than mice, that is the only thing they do correctly.

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Thanks. Can I run this TEP engraving machine with linuxcnc - it only has serial port on the cnc interface?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by martinstokes

Thanks. Can I run this TEP engraving machine with linuxcnc - it only has serial port on the cnc interface?

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You can but not the software that I posted. That runs under Micro$haft only. I can't remember but it may be a DOS programme.

I disassembled the PIC and got LinuxCNC to sort of work but never really took it anywhere because an ON/OFF Z axis is not that useful so I just went all RAMPS with a proper Z axis.

I still have it but have not used it for years because it is just easier to order PCBs form China than it is to do them yourself.