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[JAZZCNC]

Hi jazzcnc.
yes there should be plenty cable.
I will try this first and see how it goes.

Next big issues.......upgrading the old windows 98 computer.
Do you no if this would be a massive problem?

Probably not but like I say need to see what's making it tick.? . . . . Get us some pictures.

It could be just a simple change of software or possibly simply replacing a custom I/O board for standard breakout board.? . . . . .On the other hand it could have Custom driver board and I/O board which needs 12 or 24V signals in which case it's often easier and cheaper to just rip the electrics out and sart again with modern stuff.
Also to some degree what motors it use's will play part in what's required and that's why I said before pictures of motors.

Take some nice clear pictures from several angles and look for any markings.

[gavztheouch]

Don't get hung up on changing the old computer until you have to. I have a thermwood from 1998 and I assumed I would need a new control unit to modernise the machine. Once I started using the machine I found the control unit to be as good if not better than mach 3. What makes the biggest difference to how flexible and capable your setup can be is the tool path generation software and the pc you have to run it on.

[JAZZCNC]

Don't get hung up on changing the old computer until you have to. I have a thermwood from 1998 and I assumed I would need a new control unit to modernise the machine. Once I started using the machine I found the control unit to be as good if not better than mach 3. What makes the biggest difference to how flexible and capable your setup can be is the tool path generation software and the pc you have to run it on.

Agree with Gaz that if it's working and you can load code generated from CAM then your probably creating work for the sake of it and not always for the better.
Some of these Old controls and custom boards have very fast dedicated pulse generators that work better than the parallel port and Mach and to get anywhere near matching them could cost plenty of money buying external motion control cards and still not make it much better.
I would only change if the software is restrictive or difficult to use. Or the machine doesn't meet the speeds you'd like from it and if this is the case then you'll definately be into much more money and work.

[burnooot]

ok first thing Monday I will get on it and get some pictures.
she's a big heavy lump of cnc but hopefully will do for a starting point.
was lucky to get original CD with program on it and operators manual.
thanks again for your advice.
will post pictures asap.

[burnooot]

will have a look and see. thanks clive.