We (
hive13.org) just got a proLight Turning center and a proLight Machining Center pretty cheap. We have the controller boxes but I don't want to deal with antique software and crazy interfaces. I'd like to convert them to Mach 3.
I'm starting with the turning center and it looks to be in excellent mechanical condition. The steppers are SLO-SYN M063-CS06 that are running in 4 wire mode. The spindle is a Baldor DC (90V) 10.6A.
This is my first CNC "rebrain" so I'm a bit of a newbie.
I think I'd like to stick with the Gecko 540 but I'm not clear if I also need an interface board. One of the others members is suggesting a LinuxCNC setup.
We have a modest budget (we are a nonprofit) so I can't just go with a full conversion kit.
I'd like to test the steppers to make sure they are working OK, they feel fine. The ballscrews and rails feel smooth and are not worn.
I feel like we should be able to install a modern system that lets us use a computer from this decade.
Any advice is appreciated. I dislike plowing fields that others have already sown.
Thanks in advance,
BradmanOH