Hi All I have started the mechanical build of an Ooznest OX CNC and getting to the point where I need to commit to my choice for a controller. Ideally I'd like to go down the LinuxCNC route but I am struggling to work out what controller setup to go for. The simple option would probably be to go for an XPro V2 and UGS but I like a bit of a challenge. I would be interested in your views and opinions and experience on this. Thanks Ivan
xpro just works plug and play. I have seen these pop on the market but don't know how this new one works, the ones that came with just a parallel port people had problems. TB6560 4 Axis USB CNC Controller Board Stepper Motor Driver+ Remote Hand Control another way is FMD2740A CNC Driver 50V/4A/128 microstep Hybrid Stepper Motor Driver Controller then hook those up to an Arduino I have seen that way work good..
We'll you're all set for a TinyG, xpro, or a shield. The question is how far do you want to go? Your only a few more pounds away from a G540, power supply, and motorcables. Download LinuxCNC and go. You need an lpt port interface though which could be an additional cost depending. Personally, even though I'm not a fan of the G540 I'd go that route in your shoes. Its much more capable than the above mentioned combination boards. It'll provide you with enough overhead for growth and the performance and support are proven just about to an absolute. It'll likely be the last thing to give you trouble and be there for you if decide to build bigger. Resale isn't bad either. Just my 2c Joe
Thanks for your advice. I look into those options. The UK reseller for the g540 charges 325 pounds for it. Has anyone in the UK bought direct from gecko. I may go down that route. Another g540 question. I would need the 4th access to mirror the Y. Is that configurable in linuxcnc or would I have to do some fancy wiring to make that work? Thanks Ivan
As for a source, you might check with Automation Technologies to see if they'll ship your direction. G540 with resistors / G540 without. (You should be able to find the resistors cheaper on your end.)
Thanks everyone for your input. I ordered from the US a G540. Now to see if I can get my head round linuxcnc stepconf and how to slave the second y axis.
