Mach 3 software or another program?

[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

[A_Camera]

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

In that case you should be able to make it work with any other software as well, but maybe no point in rushing anywhere, start with Planet CNC and see that everything is working.

[Saracen]

> Acceptable software:only CNCUSB

The fact that it came from China and only runs CNCUSB means it's probably based on a cloned Mk1 Planet-CNC controller and Planet-CNC will not support it in any way.

http://forum.planet-cnc.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=520

This was their stock response to people asking for support for one of these boards:

"Looks like you have one of Chinese counterfeit boards: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=520
We do not support these boards and therefore we cannot be responsible for any hardware or license malfunction.

You should turn to support and help to your merchant/seller that sold you this product.

However license that we provide should work with these controllers.

These boards are based on our first Mk1 controller which is obsolete and is not supported.
Many of its features are outdated and there is no software/firmware development.
It has a small buffer and weak processor, which reflects on bad machine performance.

You can purchase original controller or license in our web shop:
http://planet-cnc.com/products/"


The licence costs 69euros, plus VAT if applicable.

Adrian.

[Ger21]

You're machine most likely came with pirated hardware and/or software. Planet CNC has good support, if you buy the hardware and software license from them, or an authorized reseller.

Fwiw, most of the Mach3 controlled chinese machines on Ebay come with pirated copies of Mach3.
Anyone buying chinese machines should plan on replacing the hardware and software that they come with,if you want a reliable machine.

I think that UCCNC, Planet CNC, and Eding CNC are all arguably better than Mach3 at this time. All are actively being developed, where as Mach3 development stopped years ago.

[hanermo2]

I use Mach3 sw, and have done so since 2002, from mach2 days..

It is perfectly solid, and delivers industrial quality reliability and performance, on appropriate hw.

All "base" features will usually work on anything, be it linuxcnc, machx, or likely UCCNC.

The difficulties start to come up with advanced features, toolchangers, light bars, multiple toolposts, css, high accuracy threading etc.
Screw mapping, multiple spindles, and so on.
Multiple MPGs.

[Ger21]

The difficulties start to come up with advanced features, toolchangers, light bars, multiple toolposts, css, high accuracy threading etc.

Or, when you run into any of the well documented bugs that will never be fixed.

To be fair, most people never run into these bugs. And Mach3 is used by far more people than it's competitors. But the competition has passed it by.

[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?

[A_Camera]

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?

To use Mach3, probably no mods needed because it looks like you have a parallel port type DB25 and then if you want to use Mach3 you can do that with the parallel port of you PC. Of course, it assumes that you have a PC with parallel port.

If you want to use USB and Mach3 you can buy a UC100 from CNC Drive, plug it in and add the Mach3 plugin to the Mach3 Plugin folder and off you go.

But...

All this assumes that you have either knowledge to figure out the pins at the back of the controller box, or you have documentation. Guessing may not work that well.

At this stage, if I were you, I'd contact Leadhead and would start with Planet CNC. That is probably the simplest way to go ahead.
Regardless of which route you go, you should read ALL the manuals you can find. It is not going to be possible to give you full assistance and help you with every small steps unless you do some self help and read the manuals needed. At least I will not have the time and the possibilities to guide you with every step you need to take.

EBay sellers are not always helpful, but in my experience, most are doing their best to solve all the issues. You can also search the Internet for documentation about your machine and Planet CNC and everything else you need. This hobby is not just plug and play, every step takes time unless you have previous knowledge and experience.