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A few years ago I put the pages back up, but I think I forgot to tell anyone. Anyhow, you can see all the pages here: https://github.com/shaworth/Spectralight-CNC-Conversion, it was a fun project,...

I moved the information on the parallel port conversion here: https://github.com/shaworth/Spectralight-CNC-Conversion

Note, for some this worked great, others found it to be frustrating and...

I got spindle speed for the mill working using this module: C41 - PWM Variable Speed Control Board, CNC4PC
But to be honest, the speed control knob worked just fine. My mill is mothballed right...

Ok, the important bits of information are now up. You can find them here: https://github.com/shaworth/Spectralight-CNC-Conversion

Good news, I found a viable backup. Transferring everything now.

I'll dig around my backups and see if I can upload everything to github or similar. I can imagine the frustration of knowing the information is out there... somewhere.

Shannon

Hello everyone, sorry for being 'out of pocket', my email was flagging notifications as spam. I hardly visit here anymore as I no longer have a mill.

The site is archived here: ...

The site is down and I'm unable to restore it until after the 1st. At that time you should have what you need.

Shannon

My adapter will only work if you use EMC2 or Mach3 or a similar 'parallel port' machine controller. That old spectralight software will never work with my adapter.

Good luck,

Shannon

EMC2...

ZipSnipe,

Funny to hear from your. Your post from something like 2005 is like the first post I read on CNCZone, it was right after I purchased my mill.

Concerning the site. I didn't pay my...

I need a collet solution for an "engraving machine" that I would like to use to drill PCB boards with. I will only be using 1/8" shanks. The spindle is threaded on the outside for the last 1/2". ...

I'm not the only one then! I must have seen that information, and not quite comprehended it a dozen times before it stuck. Some of the physics and electronics here run contrary to my natural...

This is an open source CAD package (it is free) and has worked perfectly for my needs:

SourceForge.net: free-cad

Shannon

I had the same problem, here is how I solved it. The key is this plugin for the free version of sketchup: Convert Sketchup SKP files to DXF or STL | Download Sketchup plugin Use the plugin to...

Ahhh, so CamBam has a mold option! That is great news.

Currently I am using an opensource CAD called Free-CAD (SourceForge.net: free-cad). It saves STL so I'm in luck there.

For things...

I think this is more of a CAM than CAD question, but I could not find a general CAM forum.

I am a hobbyist and I would like to machine molds to use with pourable resin plastics. I need software...

We finally figured out the left hand thread part of it. But I would love to get my hands on the portions of the manual that specify how to adjust and maintain the machine. I'm sure there are...

On my site: build.spaceopera.org I detail how to build a $6.00 cable that plugs the LMC controller box into the parallel port. This cable allows you to run EMC2 / MACH3 and other controller software...

Hello Rex,

My controller box is dated 30 July, 1998.

The board is viewed from the back, so that the silkscreen printing is correctly oriented.
HDR1: NA - Connector
HDR2: NA - Connector
HDR3:...

Hello,

Purchased a Vanguard 3400 with the intent of converting it over to a light-weight CNC machine. We have a good handle on the electronics. However we are stumped by the collet! it seems...

The PCB board that I'm currently using is a simple affair that replicates the adapter cable, pin by pin. On the site I mention that I've been building a board that incorporates charge pump support. ...

At some point I forgot to update the site with new EMC2 instructions. Thanks for pointing this out. I have updated the site with complete instructions for EMC2. The instructions are here: ...

Good job hunting the gate down.

I've found that after the conversion the reliable top speed for rapids went from 30 to 42. What speeds are you seeing?

Please post a "it works" comment on my...

I assume you have visited my site (http://build.spaceopera.org) already.

I just put the finishing touches on this section: http://build.spaceopera.org/site/adapterboard/index.html It provides...

I had a huge advantage, the mill and the legacy control card and software were all working perfectly. Reverse engineering it was trivial because all I had to do was attach an oscilloscope and...

Sam,

Thanks for that insight. I planned to place a microprocessor (attiny2313) on the breakout board. However, I didn't realize the significance of the charge pump. This bit of info makes...

I've received feedback from several people. On the whole the mod seems very reliable. There is one issue, and it poses a very significant safety risk. The parallel port, when not being controlled...

Well, good luck and I hope it goes well. If you need any readings from a working system, let me know.

An update, an industrial designer is sending me stl files exported from rhino and I am generating gcode with MeshCAM. I am very pleased with the results. Very pleased.

Shannon

I have had success using HeeksCNC to read models exported out of Rhino (as Solidworks IGS files). Once the models are read, I am able to apply machining instructions, save the nc file. ENC has had...