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30-03-2018 #1
Hello, I was wondering if anyone could give me some input or suggestions on a controller to buy. A few details to be noted, I'd need it to be either USB or Ethernet but not parallel port because my desktop broke(which had a parallel port) left me glued to my laptop. Now this is mainly for hobby use, therefore I can't spend too much, yet I do realize that these can get quite expensive.
I don't have any experience with the software control either so I'm open to suggestions on that too (although I've seen some solid reviews on Linux cnc and I see mach is commonly used for hobbiest use).
Finally my opinion; I had an Arduino Uno, with grbl firmware downloaded. For a few days I was able to get it working my old cnc by attaching it's pin outs to the proper input pins on my 3axis tb6560. I accidentally left the current slightly too high from the power supply resulting in the tb6560 board eventually frying. Although this happened, I still think it's a good idea to use Arduino as a cnc controller because it is so cheap for what it can offer.
Anywho, like I said, I'm just looking for some suggestions on controller boards and software, I think Arduino is a good controller but I'm open to any opinions as I'm inexperienced. (FYI: I have a 3 axis cnc router 4',2' that consists of nema 23's running off 3 amps).
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
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30-03-2018 #2
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30-03-2018 #3
hi
i have used the ethernet version of the smoothstepper from warp9,with great success.
coupled with the pmdx 126 breakout board and gecko stepper motor drivers. these were used to convert a connect 121 lathe and a cncmasters junior mill, to mach 3
regards paul
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30-03-2018 #4
Arduino/GRBL is the cheapest option. Not that high performance, or that many features, but will plod along and do the job.
Next step up would be a secondhand desktop to get a working parallel port. Opens up the options of LinuxCNC, or Mach.
Then you're in to the realm of various USB/Ethernet external motion controllers.
CS-Labs, PMDX, CNC-Drive UCxxx, KFlop, SmoothStepper, Planet CNC, along with various Chinese offerings, and a few others I've forgotten.
What would be recommended depends on if you're looking for any specific features, want certain customisation, and budget.Avoiding the rubbish customer service from AluminiumWarehouse since July '13.
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30-03-2018 #5
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30-03-2018 #6
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The Following User Says Thank You to m_c For This Useful Post:
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30-03-2018 #7
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The Following User Says Thank You to Chaz For This Useful Post:
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30-03-2018 #8
Thank you.
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01-04-2018 #9
Doesn't using Centroid tie you to using a Windows 10 PC?
You think that's too expensive? You're not a Model Engineer are you? :D
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02-04-2018 #10
On a budget
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CNC-4-Axi...EAAOSwQ7hauLAl
No import tax (For EU at least) with MPG wheel or just search ebay for 500khz cnc for direct from china without the wheel. (~£130, take the risk)
You could do a lot worse there's a thread on here about them, many happy users on here and plenty of people to help you get started.
http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/10187...ion-controller
Not sure how import tax works in Algeria it might be cheaper to import from China or EU you have to check this yourself.Last edited by Desertboy; 02-04-2018 at 08:59 AM.
http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/10880...60cm-work-area My first CNC build WIP 120cm*80cm
If you didn't buy it from China the company you bought it from did ;)
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