conect 121 / cadet lathe manual/user's guide anyone?

[Rabs]

I'm afraid that the first thing I did with mine was chuck the old electronics and replace it with new drivers, a breakout board and Mach 3, so I'm probably not going to be able to help.

I did manage to decipher the motor specs though (the markings had all worn off on mine). If you need them let me know and I'll dig out my notes.

[x-rayman]

Hi Rabs,
Thanks for the offer.
I may have to do the same but I am trying to avoid that at present.
I think I am making progress but its very slow.

Kind regards,

Keith

[m_c]

Conqueror Design & Engineering who supplied many of the original control boards to Conect still exist, and do a conversion kit to run their own software, but are showing as out of stock - http://www.eaziform.co.uk/index.php?...ts,cncupconect

Personally, I replaced everything in the control cabinet on mine. Modern stepper drivers will give far better performance, and modern software is far better.

[x-rayman]

Hello m_c,

Thanks for the link.
I have looked there before in the past for another project.
I do have a 4 axis stepper motor control board which is connected by USB which I may use although I got it for something else.
Maybe I will have to fit that and update the machine.

Kind regards,

Keith

[m_c]

Be aware that not all CNC controllers support lathe functions, so before you fit anything, check that it does support threading.

[x-rayman]

Hello m_c,
I will check that thanks, if it does not I may install it elsewhere.
The board it was meant to replace runs Mach 3 so that should be OK.

Kind regards,

Keith

[John S]

Be aware that Mach 3 doesn't thread correctly on long threads with the single slot encoder.
Mach 4 is getting there but it's been a long haul and as well as a $200 Mach 4 license you will need an external controller board as Mach 4 cannot exist on it's own like Mach 3.

Linux CNC can thread and is free [ can't use USB breakout boards ] but unless you are conversant with Linux it's a steep learning curve.

I had a look yesterday and found the Conect lathe software. It runs off a PC, what flavour I have no idea, probably DOS and I also found the manual for it.

If you want to go the original route I can scan and upload these