Mach3 Screensets

[Neale]

I'm not sure if it's to do with TLO directly, or some of the stuff that gets done at the same time. I don't use TLO as I have the usual ER20 collet on my spindle, so no repeatable tool settings. I have modified some of the tool height setting macros that are often mentioned to work with my setup and controller (so it uses the CSMIO M31-type probing, for example) and I have the usual tool height, initial tool height for multi-tool operations, and second-tool setting macros. These all work fine with the m6 macros now, including various combinations of G28 and manual jogging while tool-changing. Seems pretty solid once I upgraded to the older Mach3!

I'm also pretty confident that the probing and movement stuff works fine in X and Y as well, as I threw together some macros for X and Y probing while setting up the machine and they seemed OK. Not sure that I ever used them during an M6 sequence, though - that seems pretty unlikely. But at least they do work when needed, with the older Mach3 version.

Still tempted every time someone mentions UC300ETH, though - seems to do pretty well everything the CSMIO/IP-M does, and in a supported package. If you buy an expensive BOB to go with it, anyway...

[Davek0974]

Still tempted every time someone mentions UC300ETH, though - seems to do pretty well everything the CSMIO/IP-M does, and in a supported package. If you buy an expensive BOB to go with it, anyway...

That looks ok, I'm a bit confused about the LPT part - if its ethernet, how can it be LPT??
Anyways, the price difference will drop when you add in the cost of all the connectors/adaptors to get from the header sockets to real-world cable connectors etc. Still looks a good board though.

[Ger21]

UC300ETH + UB1 + UCCNC license = $380 US.

Closer feature wise to the IP-S than the IP-M.
And the macros always work.

That looks ok, I'm a bit confused about the LPT part - if its ethernet, how can it be LPT??

The LPT is just the way the pins are configured. They match a parallel port pinout, so that just about any breakout board will plug right into it.

[Davek0974]

Its a 5LPT board with ethernet connection? So you would use 5 BOB's too get full functionality??

Just guessing, couldn't see a UB1 win the site ;)


Edit,
typing at same time ;)

Makes sense now, I still prefer the CSMIO if not just for its "completeness" and rugged build.

[Ger21]

"Full Functionality" would depend on the users needs. And there are 1 port, 2 port, and 3 port breakout boards. The UB1 uses 3 of the ports.
http://www.cncroom.com/interface-cards/uc300eth-ub1

You don't need the 5LPT board with the UB1, so you save a few bucks there.

Makes sense now, I still prefer the CSMIO if not just for its "completeness" and rugged build.

But it relies on flawed software, which is the main issue.

[Davek0974]

But it relies on flawed software, which is the main issue.

Yes its one drawback and i have worked around it, I guess i could ask CSLABS if they have done anything on it as the linked stuff was a while back, doubtful though which is a pity IMHO.

[Neale]

I guess i could ask CSLABS if they have done anything on it

About as likely as retrofitting the dual-motor support from the IP-S into the IP-M, more's the pity.

[Neale]

if its ethernet, how can it be LPT??

It talks ethernet to the PC, but instead of direct outputs like the CSMIO range, it has a set of 5 "parallel port" style output connectors. In fact, they are standard PC board headers and each needs to be connected (simply) to a terminal strip (or cheap BOB as the connectors carry the same signals as a parallel port) to give access to the connections or (much better) to a custom BOB which provides opto-isolation plus the potential for 24V signalling. There is a fancy BOB specifically designed to go with it that provides opto-isolated access to all its IO ports. Not sure if it can also handle differential signalling for connection to stepper drivers. The combination isn't cheap - the BOB costs as much as the controller board, I think, but the combination plus UCCNC is competitive with the IP-M if you also add in Mach3.

(edit - Gerry was quicker off the mark! UB1 - that's the board I was thinking of)