Real Newbie needs some help and advice

I am sure there are a lot of posts with this subject line, but wanted to be clear up front. History. Purchased a 6040Z 4 Axis cnc router. Bought Mach 4 controller software, VCarve Desktop, UC100 USB Adapter that is running on Win 7 Platform. Got things running OK, then my router decided to run off, duplicate codes, and become erratic. Contacted Mach 4 to verify it was an issue with that software. Got a response to check Motor 0 speed and replied with the info. Nothing but crickets so far. Been trying to resolve this since Wednesday. Getting ansy enough to investigate going to another controller software. Oh, and forgot to say I paid 2 phone sessions with them at $60.00 per to get going, so I have $320.00 invested and it's not working right. Can't totally blame them since I can't confirm it's their issue, but they have neither confirmed or helped so far.
After saying all this, I have some questions about Linuxcnc.
1. Is this software compatible with what I have?
2. Since I have set everything up with Mach 4 software, is it going to be a pain to convert to Linux?
3. Will there be any assistance in setting this up, either form Linux or a generous user from here willing to help a newbie?
I would appreciate any and all assistance and advice.
Tim

Check out my Linuxcnc videos. If you need me, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. I'll give you a hand

youtube.com/channel/UC5Agp5Z6F1JiWihdO-QKkbQ

UC100 USB is a motion control. Linuxcnc is also a motion control and afaik linuxcnc can't work as a front end the way Mach4 does.
Too bad about the paid support because that money would have bought some nice linuxcnc compatible hardware.
As for support you've been given a generous offer. Also questions.on this forum always get replies.

I am a new adopter of linuxcnc (I have dabbled for years, but I would say that it's setup is now easier than it ever was. that is not to say it is simple, just easier)

I have come the route of mach3, mach4, uccnc to linuxcnc. usb smooth stepper, ethernet smooth stepper, uc400eth, uc300eth +ub1+ud1. to say I have spent a lot on hardware is an understatement.

to answer your questions.
1) the uc100 is not compatible with linuxcnc, the rest of your setup will be.

the uc100 is a usb to parallel port (lpt / db25 ) motion controller, which means if your pc has an lpt (printer port) you could run linuxcnc without buying more hardware (possibly!)

given you have a uc100, you probably don't have a printer port on your pc..... probably ...

it is generally not recommended to run linuxcnc on a laptop, but you could always test your hardware and know for sure by booting up your hardware using the linuxcnc iso live install burnt onto a DVD or usb memory stick (download the linuxcnc iso, download RUFUS (one option, there are others search " iso bootable USB" on Google))

once you boot the live image of linuxcnc run the latency test and post your numbers.

to improve your numbers, go into your bios (f2/F10/ delete at start of boot) and disable all energy saving / speed throttling / power management settings.

if you have an lpt / printer port and your latency numbers are good you can use linuxcnc without more hardware, if they are not so good, then you can buy MESA hardware to offload some of the processor load of running linuxcnc.

if you have an ethernet port, then ethernet hardware would be best, given at some point you will want to change your pc and it will probably be more forward compatible than PCI / pcie cards in my opinion.

I have only ever played with MESA hardware as I don't have an lpt port.

2) linuxcnc is different, it has a learning curve. if you have a simple setup and are happy to just run AXIS as default for a mill then I'm sure you could be up an running in minutes using the MESA Pncconf utility walk through.

linuxcnc offers other modules?? to add stuff like pendants and Native am which expand its functionality, but require additional configuration steps and understanding, but walkthroughs are available.

(I am at this stage of understanding about adding other stuff and setting up my other hardware )

3) someone has already offered to help you, plus just ask on the forum.

be specific about what you are asking and provide as much info as possible (eg if it throws an error, post the error, don't just say it doesn't start or work!!)

only you know your hardware and how you have wired it up and set it up, and there are probably millions of possible hardware setups and infinite options on configuration.

AXIS is a graphical user interface (GUI)

it is basically a screenset the same as mach4s default screensets.

there are other options too, and you can change them if you desire.

I believe AXIS is probably the original and oldest (it looks old, but works and is functional).

I have come to the conclusion that "it's not about the look of the cup / mug / jam tin but it's about the taste of the coffee"

the parts I cut out are the important bit, their finish and accuracy, not what my screenset looks like. as long as it works and I know how to use it, I am "slowly" trying to get use to not having the glossy (black / dark) uccnc screenset (all fur coat and no kickers).

I will at some point dabble with a screenset when I learn more over time.

@Knothead,

Wher are you located? This info might help to find personal assistence.
Help per TeamViewer etc. Can be a solution also.

As GUI I do recommend gmoccapy (may be I am a little bit influenced ;.) , as I do code that gui)

Norbert

Non-existant user wrote:

Check out my Linuxcnc videos. If you need me, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. I'll give you a hand

youtube.com/channel/UC5Agp5Z6F1JiWihdO-QKkbQ

I have looked at your vids and I personally think you are doing a great job. The vid's are clear and concise with good camera work.

newbynobi wrote:

@Knothead,

Wher are you located? This info might help to find personal assistence.
Help per TeamViewer etc. Can be a solution also.

As GUI I do recommend gmoccapy (may be I am a little bit influenced ;.) , as I do code that gui)

Norbert

OFF TOPIC

I do really like the visual appeal of Gmoccapy (but got totally lost trying to change it or move / remove something)... hence thought, start with AXIS until I get my head into Linux, linuxcnc, python, bash, .... qt5...

the GUI I like the most is QtPlasmaC.... but that is specialist / specific. I just like the simple colours (anything in black looks good / clear with a few other contrasting colours). personal opinion... would love to be competent enough to change QtPlasmaC (or create something similar) for 3 axis / 4 axis mill / router and 2 or 3 axis turn or lathe. (one day! I can but hope)

I do look in awe at what a few guys have created with patience, perseverance and time.

Back On Topic>>

If you want to convert from UC100 >> MESA hardware, the "quickest" way would be to buy a MESA 7i92M

store.mesanet.com/index.php?route=produc...69_62&product_id=302

depending upon where you are in the world, it is available from different / more local resellers.

you can then (after setting it up) plug in your DB25 cable and it will work as your present setup.

You then have a spare 26 PIN IDC connector for a second board if you wish or expand to other hardware the options are vast when you start to understand the MESA lineup + firmware options available should you wish to do something else.

I am in Amherst, OH USA.