Anybody know what "PathPilot Controller - Next Generation" means?

Sorry if already covered somewhere. What's the Next Generation mean? Just software upgrades? another commodity computer? I have a pathpilot controller already - will I need to upgrade to the new one or just put on the latest software upgrades and I'm next gen then?

Thanks..

Where do you see that term used for PathPilot ??

(;-) TP

This is mentioned in a blog article written in 2015. I believe they meant the next generation after the Mach3 controller.

https://www.tormach.com/blog/pathpilot-beta-testing/

It is mentioned at https://www.tormach.com/store/index....uctory_Package but looking up the listed part number gives nothing.

its on the latest ad copy for the new MX with servos.... but there's no detail behind it.

I think its a small form factor pc like rdsi built in the other thread. I was tempted to do this a year or so ago. Uses different Mesa card then current controller. Also encoder feed back thru parallel port. All this I picked up reading threads and looking at pics posted on net over last year or 2.
Also seen pics of a console control like other cnc machines have with mpg hand wheels and stuff. But no info.

I thought I read they were using an ethernet Mesa card with the breakout board in the computer control cabinet. I could be mistaken though.

bob

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Originally Posted by rowbare

I thought I read they were using an ethernet Mesa card with the breakout board in the computer control cabinet. I could be mistaken though.

bob

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Probably they mean something like this: ( both versions would be "Next Generation" )

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fkkup30bCwE

Also in the update to V2.0.0 they changed from a 32 bit OS to a 64bit OS and they combined the controller card with the ECM board also with the new MX machine they added a lot of safety features plus rigid tapping and spindle orientation to teh mix. So yes it could be teh next generation of tormach controls.

(;-) TP

I bet they replaced Kirk with Picard.

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Originally Posted by JerryGarcia

I bet they replaced Kirk with Picard.

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:)

I sold my series III hardware when I had to move, but kept the controller. I guess I could use it with the lathe and get the new controller with the mill... (little ways out yet to get new machines)

Looks like Tormach is quoting SOME machines with what is labeled as a brix controller. A small form factor pc that can mount to back of monitor and connect to and control machines via cat5 cable. Only draw back I guess is usb wireless network would be only choice as these box/mb combos have only one lan port. And maybe 2 usb ports so all usb devices like keyboard ,mouse ,puck, touchscreen would all plug into a external usb expander. In the past I have read that usb expanders can be a problem with machine controllers, only guessing they have fixed this.

It means someone has been watching Haas videos...

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Originally Posted by Kenny Duval

It means someone has been watching Haas videos...

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You lost me. Or is this posted in wrong thread?

Pretty sure the name just reflects the much smaller form factor with the elimination of the Mesa PCI or PCIe card and the move to ethernet connected machine control vs. the large DB25, difficult to route cabling formerly required. And all of these controllers come with SSD internal storage vs. the rotational media of the older generation. Although I think the older style controllers for the 15L and 440 have also moved on to SSD by now for increased reliability within a shop environment.

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Originally Posted by mountaindew

You lost me. Or is this posted in wrong thread?

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The Haas marketing wanks named the current control as the Next Generation control.