[wmaraines]

OK, I am going to build an Open Builds C-Beam based CNC Router, 1000 mm on 2 x's, dual 1500 mm on Y gantry, and about 160 mm on Z. This allows me to feed 54" wide ply at 2.5+ feet if needed. Dreams of running 8' ply.

I believe I am going to buy this package of steppers, drivers, power supplies, "CNC Wantai 4 Axis Nema 23, 425oz-in Dual Shaft& Driver DQ542MA 128Micro" which features a DB25 pin breakout board connection to a computer. I have a laptop with USB,s, what do I need to connect the 2 together and communicate with the right pins? I assume I need some software, but not sure what. Or does someone make a proper breakout board that has USB's for all communication? I mean USB's replaced DB25's years ago, right?

Here is one that I think would work, A Set of PiBot Electronics 2.0 Kits for CNC (Free Shipping by DHL), though I would have to reduce the drivers from the Wantai folks. Will it???

I intend to use Fusion 360 for CAD/CAM, so no Mach3 required. I hope to run jobs for companies that have CAD systems that I can import their drawings in a format I can use to set up my CAD and G-codes and maybe make some money while I have fun. I think Fusion 360 is the PERFECT CAD/CAM system for novices, us hobbyists and companies with $100,000 or less in sales.

I really am a noobie, although I was trained in the old pencil and mylar days as a draftsman, yet this is all so confusing to me. LOL

[ger21]

Fusion 360 does not eliminate the need for Mach3 or some other machine control. Fusion 360 outputs a g-code file. mach3 reads that g-code file and moves the machine.

If you want to use Mach3 with that electonics kit and a USB port, then you need a Mach3 compatible motion controller like a UC100 or Smoothstepper.

The kit you linked to is for controlling your machine with grbl, and won't work with Mach3. Those kits are typically much lower powered, and probably won't drive larger motors.

A lot of those chinese kits like the Wantai are not matched very well with the motors. Most 425 oz motors require well over 100 volts to get maximum performance from them.

[wmaraines]

So, sometimes my ignorance even astounds me. Apparently, I do need Mach3 or a similar product. DARN!!!! Any ideas for similar products?

One which will work with my CAM part of Fusion and create G-code and send it to my machine motor drivers.

Here is a link to the stuff I was hoping to buy USA Free CNC Wantai 4Axis NEMA 23 425oz in Dual Shaft Driver DQ542MA 128MICRO | eBay ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_fro m%3DR40%26_sacat%3D0%26_nkw%3D151775646567%26_rdc% 3D1.

Now, here is a place that I am also considering, Stepper Motor & Stepper Motor Driver - StepperOnline for a NEMA 24, 566 oz with a driver M542T, still need a BOB with USB if possible.

I hope I am getting closer. LOL

Bill

[gregoose]

Here is a link that has USB controllers. The Mk3/4 is one that i have been considering. Planet-CNC.com I haven't purchased so unfortunately, I can't provide a review. I think I found information on it here at one point. Hope this helps.

[ger21]

Any ideas for similar products?

UCCNC from CNC Drive.

Are you going with a direct pinion belt drive system?

With stepper drives, you get what you pay for. As I mentioned before, with the kit you linked to, those motors really need over 100Volts to get the most out of them. At 36V as supplied in the kit, you'll only get about 30% of the speed that they're capable of.

Good quality kits will run about $500-$600. I'd recommend a Gecko G540 kit, or Leadshine MX4660.

[wmaraines]

OK, new concept. I will buy a used tower computer with DB25 connector, the I don't need a special breakout board. TaDa!!! (I think) Now, lets figure out the machine controller. I looked at UCCNC, but it needs either the UC100 and UC300 motion controllers to work? Those are expensive. Can't it work with a standard computer with a DB25 connector, plus the power supplies,drivers and stepper motors from somewhere??? I thought the UCCNC was software that supplied the breakout board ad drivers with the info required to move the motors?

So, am I getting close to a system that will work?

Thanks again everyone,

Bill

[wmaraines]

I am running a direct drive GT3 drive belt, 6mm wide, and it is tied to a glued in place belt in the bottom of the V track. Seems like a better way than just a single belt. ???

OK, I hope this is the final plan. LOL I am going to buy a desktop computer with a DB25 connector, then install LINUX, and EMC2, their CNC machine control software, and I THINK, all will be good. The best part of this, is that it is FREE. So now I can design or import in Fusion 360,then in CAM export G-code to EMC2, and EMC2 will run parts on my CNC Router. I think. LOL

So, Gerry, Greg, does this work???? Gosh, I sure hope so.

Bill

Bill

[ger21]

EMC is now called LinuxCNC.


Yes it should work. But be aware that not all PC's will run LinuxCNC the same when using the parallel port. Some work much better than others.

[wmaraines]

OK, that figures. Nothing is simple. Any clue as to what to buy so I can optimize the performance?

Bill

[ger21]

No idea. I've never used LinuxCNC. You might want to ask on the LinuxCNC forum.

[Louis_Cannell]

Look at the Dell machines most of them still come with a Parallel port.

[wmaraines]

Assuming you are talking about what LinuxCNC says, minimum 1.2Ghz, 1 GB Ram, 8 Gb Hard drive, and at least 1024 x 768 graphic card. That much I figured out.

Thanks
Bill

[UA_Iron]

Assuming you are talking about what LinuxCNC says, minimum 1.2Ghz, 1 GB Ram, 8 Gb Hard drive, and at least 1024 x 768 graphic card. That much I figured out.

Thanks
Bill

You will want to use confirmed hardware with LinuxCNC (look at their forums). Some motherboards will not operate in the real time manner that LinuxCNC and the linux kernal is supposed to operate with. Your linux program is your machine controller doing all the coordinated motion pieces, you don't want something that will fail to keep the integrity of the real time linux kernal.