Wanting to convert a dead plotter to make pcb's

I was hoping it would work, then I would have made a etch resist pen holder and a dremil holder, and improved its pen up/down to drill.

May have worked.......


Anyhow the thing is dead on the coms side, but all the motors work ok, it has no limit switches I can find but finds its 0 point by I think a magnet, its always right etc so it has something!

The steppers also seem to have optical sensors, because If I move the x or y by a good push, it flashes its error light.


So, if I have read the faqs right,

0) make a new Z servo to get better range and more force for drilling. (only needs to do a 2mm depth)

1) I need to make a 'breakout' board for limit switches.

2) I then need to make a set of x y and z driver boards.

3) connect the existing PSU in the plotter to the driver boards. (will be right voltage for motors etc)

4) install some 'software' to control it.

(0) I can do, (1) I think is on this forum but now cant find it, (2) not found them yet, (3) needs[2] first (4) dont know what to use, I would like to be able to work from the worst format of all, bmp........

Does this sound achievable with this old junker and some bits from scavenged scrap?