Bridgeport Servo Motors--Mach3 Compatible?

[komatias]

Thanks for the comprehensive reply, Lots to consider there! Think the stepper/servo motor route looks most attractive as it would enable a 4th axis to be easily added--but we will see after we have thought about it a bit more.

Have you considered just upgrading the Anilam? It seems a bit of a waste to rip the machine to bits with it only being a 2002. If it is to have easier GCode input, I am sure the new controllers will have better capabilities. Then again I do not know the cost of replacing the Anilam so it may financial sense to do a full conversion.

I have been looking at some controllers recently that are reasonably priced and have up to 5 axis capability with rigid tapping too and they have not been too bad in terms of price. I am still trying to verify if they are legal in the EU though.

[JPB33]

Thanks for the reply. Yes it does seem a big step to make so many changes to the machine espacially as it works. We looked at an upgrade for the existing controller but it was very expensive and as we also have a Seig KX3 which runs Mach3 we are familiar with it. Havent decided yet but the Mach route was also give us options on adding more axis.

[JAZZCNC]

I have been looking at some controllers recently that are reasonably priced and have up to 5 axis capability with rigid tapping too and they have not been too bad in terms of price. I am still trying to verify if they are legal in the EU though.

But do these Chinese controllers your looking at output Analog signals or just Step/Dir.? . . . Most I've seen are Step/Dir.

If was me and DC Servos/drives are working fine then I'd just go with the Cslab's IP-A. Doesn't get any easier just little rewiring and away you go and with top notch controller from Top company.

[Boyan Silyavski]

This type of upgrade is a no brainer, like Dean suggested. Everything could be ripped out and rewired in a day.. ~700 euro but you keep the good motors you have. Final result- a modern machine that will do 3d, 4rth axis and so on. Which otherwise could cost arm and leg. Then you could fit a stepper if you like for the additional axis.

[John S]

He needs the Cslab's IP-A for those Dc motors but can that do step and direction for the 4th axis ?

[JAZZCNC]

He needs the Cslab's IP-A for those Dc motors but can that do step and direction for the 4th axis ?

Nope it can't and you bloodly well now it can't you old Git. . . . . Anyway 4th axis wasn't mentioned when I suggetsed that route.

To be totally honest (and think John S would agree) if it's working OK I wouldn't touch I'd just sell it and retro fit an Old VMC.!!

[John S]

Nope, genuine query as I have never used the CS Labs gear and some of the Chinese controllers can do 0 -10v and step and direction.

Personally if it were mine I'd go the IP-A route as I'd not thought of that solution.

Anyway less of the Git .

[Gary]

Servos are +/-10V not 0-10V.
0-10V are typically for speed control for spindle and these controllers.
I have a few stand alone controllers from China and they are all step and direction.
Not seen one that is fully closed loop with the encoders going back to the controller, so if you know of one, can you link it?

Also there are stepper drivers that will accept +/-10V as well, so if you need another axis on the CSMIO/IP-A you can use a stepper motor, but it needs to be closed loop with an encoder fitted, so will not be much lower price than a servo.

Nope, genuine query as I have never used the CS Labs gear and some of the Chinese controllers can do 0 -10v and step and direction.

Personally if it were mine I'd go the IP-A route as I'd not thought of that solution.

Anyway less of the Git .

[komatias]

Nope it can't and you bloodly well now it can't you old Git. . . . . Anyway 4th axis wasn't mentioned when I suggetsed that route.

To be totally honest (and think John S would agree) if it's working OK I wouldn't touch I'd just sell it and retro fit an Old VMC.!!

Can still rig up a servo on analogue via belt drive to actuate the 4th if going the IP/A route surely?

[JAZZCNC]

Anyway less of the Git .

Oh ye Sorry forgot your official title is Old B''####d. . Lol

Nope, genuine query as I have never used the CS Labs gear and some of the Chinese controllers can do 0 -10v and step and direction.

Personally if it were mine I'd go the IP-A route as I'd not thought of that solution.

Well I've not seen any, well any that are affordable anyway. Likes of your Siemans etc may well but they are very expensive. Also think you mean +/-10v not 0-10v different animal.

Can still rig up a servo on analogue via belt drive to actuate the 4th if going the IP/A route surely?

Yes course can if got spare axis but John asked if IP-A could output Step/dir as well which it can't.