Retro Reproduction.

[Jon Elson]

On 10/24/2015 08:01 PM, geneb wrote:
>
> I wouldn't mind finding step-by-step instructions on how 
> to refit a 2000 model year MaxNC 10 open loop mill.  The 
> controller it has now is parallel port based and the 
> control software is DOS only.
>
Well, this is a stepper-driven machine?  Are the stepper 
drives in good condition, and are they good units?
Stepper drives have come a long way since 2000.  Gecko 
stepper drives are pretty amazing.

You can run stepper drivers from the parallel port, but the 
performance may be less that optimum.  I make a board that 
generates steps in hardware that gives more accurate step 
timing at higher speeds, and also allows closed-loop 
operation if you fit encoders to the machine.  This is all 
supported by the LinuxCNC program, which is pretty 
fantastic.  I use it here in my shop to run a Bridgeport 
mill with my own servo drives.  I also have a desktop mill 
that I built mostly for taking to shows that uses my 
controllers and drives.

You can check out the LinuxCNC.org web site, and see what 
others are doing in the retrofit area.

Jon