Longs 3 axis CNC kits - are they suitable for Bridgeport Series 1 conversion?

[john swift]

with stepper drivers like the dm860a that has its own input opto-isolators



you don't need a breakout board with output opto-isolators like this supplied in the kit-


these two BOB's only buffer the printer port outputs and only opto-isolate the 5 inputs -

a breakout board like this found in some of the ready made control boxes


the closest available on ebay is something like this


note it does not have the 5V DC/DC converter found on the TX14175 and requires another power supply

the least expensive change will be the breakout board but it may not make any noticeable
difference when using the original motors and drivers


As I don't have the longs kit to test, I don't have a definitive answer but
problems the original breakout board will only show up at high speeds
the original motor / driver combination may limit the maximum motor speed first

without going through all the stepper motors , stepper drivers and power supplies on sale

its not easy to say which is the most cost effective change

using a higher voltage supply & stepper drivers verses replacing the motors with lower inductance motors

John