What may be the best way to convert my Denford compact router to mach 3?

[JAZZCNC]

The controller it's self is not difficult to setup at all even for a novice, thou it must be wired correctly otherwise it can be damaged just like any other device incorrectly wired.
As to connecting to your existing hardware then I don't know enough about your machine to comment. If just a case of Outputs to control things on/off and inputs to monitor things then I doubt you'll have a problem because the CSMIO uses 24V I/O's which are common on many bespoke control systems.
CSMIO range of controls are often used to retrofit large industrial machines, both lathe and milling/routers. The IP-M being the baby and only 4 axis with reduced features, with IP-S being the Daddy for Step/dir control and the IP-A being the Grandaddy for Older anologue machines so if you have any chance at all these will give you it I'm sure.

Regardes the new drives and connecting then that is simple. If your wanting to use the existing drives then you'd need to check out what they require. Thou I suspect you'll get much better performance and easier conversion if you upgrade the drives.

[m_c]

If your wanting to use the existing drives then you'd need to check out what they require. Thou I suspect you'll get much better performance and easier conversion if you upgrade the drives.

The existing drivers are built into what is essentially the Next-Step BOB. The Next-Step control board itself sits above and is connected by two large pin headers to a connection board with three stepper drivers and required power supplies built in. You can use the existing drivers by simply patching into the pin headers, but they're pretty basic drivers, although they're good enough for the machines they're fitted to. You will get better performance by fitting new drives though.

[suesi34e]

Hi m_c

Thanks ever so much for having a look at the wiring diagrams for me and goinginto so much detail. You have been a big help to me and the good news is I amnot bothered about the lock on the door so I may bypass that. If I understandwhat your saying it is that I can use all of the hardware in the machinewithout the need of the control box by patching some wires into the pinheaders.

Thanks ever so much for all the help

Kind regards

suesi

[suesi34e]

Hi JAZZCNC

Thanks for the info on this. I am yet to read about the controller in anydetail but it sounds good. I am also glad you say it is not difficult to setupfor a novice. I am still getting to grips with the mill I have, G-code and Ihaven't even started on CAM software!

Thanks

suesi

[paul_m]

Hello Suesi, im new onto here and ive rushed a bit prematurely into a Denford Microrouter compact. did you get this completed and running reliably? i would be very interested in whatthe outcome was and how much its cost to convert too.

thanks, Paul

[suesi34e]

Hi Paul, just sent you a PM.

[paul_m]

Hello Suesi, im new onto here and ive rushed a bit prematurely into a Denford Microrouter compact. did you get this completed and running reliably? i would be very interested in whatthe outcome was and how much its cost to convert too.

thanks, Paul

All done and running now :)

[suesi34e]

That is great Paul. I hope that you start making cool parts and having fun soon.

Best of luck

Suesi

[Artificer59]

@paul_m, suesi34e

Hi, I have a Denford microrouter which I would like to upgrade. Please could you tell me what route you chaps went for with this. Many thanks.

[JAZZCNC]

@paul_m, suesi34e

Hi, I have a Denford microrouter which I would like to upgrade. Please could you tell me what route you chaps went for with this. Many thanks.

I can answer this for you because it was me that converted the machine. Which actually started life with Suesi34e then went to Paul.

Bascily it was gutted with the exception of the DC speed controller. New 50V Digital drives/psu and CSlabs ip-M motion control card where used.
This was a high quality convertion which cost more than some would have spent but it shows in the end result. The old machine setup could only dream about performing like it does now.

It's possible to hack one of the exisitng boards so the old drives can be used but IMO they are low quailty and old technology so not worth the trouble.
You'll have much better machine if you use modern digital drives and run with higher voltage than the standard 36v. Connect them to a decent motion control card rather than the parallel port and you'll have nice machine that is reliable and performs like it never did before.