Component identification for old CNC router project.

[Shaye]

About a year ago I jumped into building a CNC router, and at this point I've forgotten quite a lot since I left it unfinished. Could someone tell me what I have (and don't have) here to build a CNC machine?

 

[Tha fios agaibh]

No idea but I'd start by getting documentation on that driver board (3rd pic) to see its requirements.
A schematic would be a huge help.

 

[Shaye]

How would I go about doing that?
I believe I got it on the site called: STEPPERONLINE
I don't see it there anymore though.

 

[Shaye]

Actually, I have the box that says what was in it I think?

 

[Minder]

Presumably that is the stepper driver, what are the part numbers etc on it?
You may have to do an inquiry on the CNCzone someone there should recognize it, I don't use steppers, only servo's.
https://www.omc-stepperonline.com/
Drop them a line and they may have the info.
M.

 

[Shaye]

I actually found a site that has what I have, but I didn't buy it from them.
http://www.goodluckbuy.com/cnc-kit-3-axis-nema-23-stepper-motor-3-tb6560-driver-controller.html

 

[Shaye]

The one on that site looks slightly more simple, but it looks almost identical.

 

[Shaye]

Would close-up shots do for part numbers and anything else needed?

Also, thank you so much for taking the time to look at this and help me out with these replies so far.

 

[kellys_eye]

Looks like you have pretty much all you need to control three axis of CNC. The steppers are 'smallish' (but that depends on what size/power CNC you're going to make) but the control board looks to be fairly competent but I'd guess they need a PC with a parallel port to run them from - not all modern PCs have this and even some USB-to-Parallel cables have 'issues' so perhaps you might need to start looking for an older PC that has a 'proper' parallel port fitted?

You will also need a good power supply of 24V to 36V and at around 3A to 5A minimum (the documentation for the board should make recommendations).

 

[Minder]

On the question of power supplies for steppers/servo's I recommend a good linear supply, which can easily be constructed, if necessary.
Regulation is not needed for this application, and although SMPS's can be had fairly cheap, they are no where near as rugged.
M.

 

[Shaye]

Thank you for the suggestions and basically spelling out such a simple task on my end.. I assumed that I had not gotten everything needed. Does anyone recommend any free sites for running this whole thing (code-wise)? I've heard Linux CNC is good?

 

[Minder]

Mach3 and 4 free for so many lines of code.
M.

 

[Irv]

The hardest part may be finding a computer which can "talk" to those old ports, but which can run modern software. Many, if not most people doing CNC use something like an Arduino Uno to drive the steppers. It should not be too difficult to adapt, if necessary.

 

[Minder]

He has the driver apparently, so should not require a Arduino?
If not parallel port there is USB interfaces.
If I read correctly he just needs the software to drive them, see also CNCzone.
Max.

 

[Irv]

I haven't checked the other CNC software, but Linux CNC specifically says you cannot use USB, because it is not stable enough, and doesn't allow needed signals from the controller to be fed back into the PC. I suspect that other similar software needs the same type of feed back. Therefore, a USB to Parallel adapter is out. So, find a computer that can accept an add-on hardware parallel port card, and things should be good.

 

[Minder]

Very few PC based CNC systems are closed loop back to the PC, Mach, linux etc included, it relies on some kind of motion card or system to close the loop.
Kmotion, or Linux with a motion card.
The ultimate IMO is Galil Motion cards, which can replicate any industrial CNC in performance, with encoder/closed loop feedback in the 12Mhz range.
The likes of mach (parallel port) etc, are just trajectory planners that hand the motion loop over to external controllers/drives etc.
Mach has no idea whether the steppers/servo's have actually closed the loop.
M.

 

[Shaye]

He has the driver apparently, so should not require a Arduino?
If not parallel port there is USB interfaces.
If I read correctly he just needs the software to drive them, see also CNCzone.
Max.

CNCzone? Is that in this site?

 

[Bluejets]

cnczone is a web site/forum dedicated to cnc machines and software. Google search usually works for me.