Finally got through making the change from Mach3 to Centroid Acorn/Gecko G-540 combination...Just finished initial testing today, and I can already see big changes to the good side....Although it was a lot of work, a lot of reading, and a lot of brain drain, I'm really pleased with the outcome.
Steppers run smoother and faster without losing steps (that's the main advantage)...I've been able to bump my rapid motion from 185 in/min to 300 in/min with no skipped steps...I probably could go higher, but there's no need, I'm not in that much of a hurry.
X,Y, and Z touch off is simple, even with multiple tools.
The controller recognizes all Fanuc G, M, and Canned Cycles, so that opens up some new areas, plus conversational programming for fast simple programming outside of CAM software.
Big PLUS...Vectric post processor is right on the money for this controller.
All in all, I think it was a worthwhile change...I plan to start this weekend putting it through some more stringent tests, but I'm confident all will be well.
Had to do it re-cap...got her done
- Rcnewcomb
- Vectric Archimage
- Posts: 5920
- Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2005 5:54 am
- Model of CNC Machine: 24x36 GCnC/WinCNC with ATC
- Location: San Jose, California, USA
- Contact:
Re: Had to do it re-cap...got her done
Please show us a video of the rejuvenated machine in action!
- Randall Newcomb
10 fingers in, 10 fingers out, another good day in the shop
10 fingers in, 10 fingers out, another good day in the shop
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- Vectric Craftsman
- Posts: 136
- Joined: Fri Jan 03, 2014 1:00 am
- Model of CNC Machine: Home built aluminum and steel 3 X 4 CNC
- Location: Charlotte, NC
Re: Had to do it re-cap...got her done
Randall, thanks for the reply, and just as soon as I run a few more tests I'll be sure to post some pictures.