LinuxCNC + CNC-Drive UC300ETH-5LPT ethernet motion controller?

Determined to escape to open source cnc, can I bring my UC300ETH with me?
Had a bit of a look around but can't find definitive info - thanks for any opinions.

no you won't be able to use the uc300eth.

OK, thanks - time for a rethink

Didn't they release support for Mach3?

If so, I would think LinuxCNC would be next.

GaryLa wrote:

Didn't they release support for Mach3?

If so, I would think LinuxCNC would be next.

UC300ETH is a motion controller, Linuxcnc is also a motion controller. You don't need 2 motion controllers. They are not compatible.

the UC motion controllers are (all) compatible with uccnc (that is their primary CNC software developed by cncdrive for their UC motion controllers), mach 3 and mach4

with mach 3 and mach4 they are only partially compatible. they don't offer threading on mach4 or synchronised lathe spindle functions.

cncdrive have provided an API for Windows, but I cannot see them opening up to linuxcnc.

the UC devices are motion controllers, data is buffered between the pc and the UC hardware device and all timing is done within the UC hardware device. the front end is essential blind to what is actually happening NOW as part of CNC motion because all timing functions are done within the UC hardware device.

linuxcnc won't like working with that approach.

I have a cupboard full of (expensive) CNC drive stuff, that is gathering dust. uc400eth, uc300eth, UB1, UD1, neuron lite thx mini THC and various other lot bobs. + 2x uccnc licences.

buy some Mesa hardware (or you can actually use some of the 3d printer hardware now) and learn linuxcnc. sure it's complex and confusing but once you get it it will begin to make sense. plus it works.

robertspark wrote:

buy some Mesa hardware (or you can actually use some of the 3d printer hardware now) and learn linuxcnc. sure it's complex and confusing but once you get it it will begin to make sense. plus it works.

Plus there are no limits to what can be done

When I saw they had support for Mach3, I assumed they had written a different firmware for the UC300 which allowed it to just be a breakout board.

robertspark - thanks for the pointers, I'll look into Mesa.