Wanting to convert new to me machine to Ethernet controls

Hey guys, as the title states, I recently picked up a machine (Laguna Republic) that came already setup for cnc work. It currently has what I believe is a very basic bob running directly off a PC parallel port. I would like to build a small case PC and run the machine from ethernet but the options are endless and I feel borderline clueless.I know electronics prett well, just never done much with CNC machines.

Few things I would like.

1. Ethernet Based
2. 24V system. I work with PLC control systems alot and like the robustness of a 24V system.
3. Touch probe compatible
4. Would like to have some sort of watchdog
5. Ability to add 4th and possibly 5th axis later on.

I'm sure there are other bits I would like, just cant think of them now.
TIA

Your budget will dictate the direction you go. Do you want to go with an actual industrial system, but still capable of running on Mach3, that is upgradable to a more robust system later?

Or, do you have a software preference?
I have everything you want with UCCNC, their UC300ETH motion controller and an MB2 breakout board from CNC Room. For under $400.
However, UCCNC currently doesn't have good 4th axis support.

step/dir? What about linuxcnc? The ethernet connection is realtime - not buffered.

Check 1. Ethernet Based
Check 2. 24V system. I work with PLC control systems alot and like the robustness of a 24V system.
Check 3. Touch probe compatible
Check 4. Would like to have some sort of watchdog
Check 5. Ability to add 4th and possibly 5th axis later on.

Check - expandable.. :)

https://mesaus.com/index.php?route=p...&product_id=66

$199 - 5 axis step/dir, 48 - 28v i/o, analog and encoder counter for spindle..

sam

Thanks for the replies guys.

The machine came setup to run Mach3 but being as I havent even got to use it yet, it leaves me pretty open. I literally moved the machine into my shop a month ago then had to leave on business so I've been chomping at the bit to get back too it.

For budget, I would like to stay under 1K USD. Now I know that leaves me open to a lot out there, but in the 1K that would be including the PC I'll have to either build or buy and whatever boards go along with it. I can get power supplies from work, so no big deal there.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by samco

step/dir? What about linuxcnc? The ethernet connection is realtime - not buffered.

Check 1. Ethernet Based
Check 2. 24V system. I work with PLC control systems alot and like the robustness of a 24V system.
Check 3. Touch probe compatible
Check 4. Would like to have some sort of watchdog
Check 5. Ability to add 4th and possibly 5th axis later on.

Check - expandable.. :)

https://mesaus.com/index.php?route=p...&product_id=66

$199 - 5 axis step/dir, 48 - 28v i/o, analog and encoder counter for spindle..

sam

---

Sam, have you used this system? I've been doing a bit of looking at it. Linux CNC seems to be more stable from what I read. Less software crashes ect. The computer requirements are also much less than that of a a windows based PC. I like the idea of being able to add an encoder to the spindle and do rigid tapping without having to buy add on boards and such like CSMIO requires. All in all it looks enticing to buy just to try.

I have not used that exact model - but I have used a ton of mesa hardware.

This is a ethernet retrofit using a mesa 7i80 (with a bunch of supporting cards)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXLF0u-tdT0

sam