Centroid CNC4
So all this is basically new to me. Never done any CNC or programming stuff before. Maybe the original post should have been something more like "How do I get this machine into the 21st century?". I spoke with a few different sales people at different companies and to have someone upgrade the machine for me would be around 3k which isn't out of my price range but it would be nice to get the machine running for less. Maybe someone could direct me further as how to proceed.
forhire, you mentioned gtkterm? How does this work? Does it just feed the machine gcode line by line? Maybe something like this would be my best option for now just to get started.
With a terminal (gtkterm, minicom, procomm, etc) you connect to the control and are given a menu. You can load files into memory (option 7) if it's under a 1000 lines or so. Larger programs you can feed line by line (see the attached image). The controller supports a bunch of canned functions as well as loops and stuff. I've never exceeded the space with hand written programs.
If you have a working control, then the fastest and most logical way to get your feet wet will be to use the machine as is, because it's working! Spend some time learning to write gcode and do some stuff. I have used my cnc4 for a lot of years and just recently really started feeling the itch to upgrade.
Do you have a computer that can use for your terminal? Is it windows or linux?
Does the computer have a serial port? Most desktops have one or two DB9 connectors, as do older laptops. Newer machines you may need a usb to serial dongle.
Do you have the CNC4 manual? I was talking to someone at Centroid this week... he was very familiar with the controller... it's possible they would send you a copy.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
I think the power supply is one part I would keep. From the sound of things it is more than adequately powered, and it is already there and wired.What size power supply will I need?
What does the Centroid do with the encoders? They don't add much to a stepper system, other than following-error detection.
I think I'd build a new power supply rather than gutting a working control. I built one for a hobbycnc and the Centroid looks amazingly similar aside from the transformer being about twice the size
In watching the Centroid it would appear that the machine will catchup or correct based on the encoder feedback. For all it's shortcomings it's repeatability is pretty good.
I think your right about the servos. I think if I do this I'll build a new control with servos and basically pull this unit complete. The quote I got from MachMotion with servos was just over 5k. I think I could easily build a emc2 control for much less.
This is on a Lagun (bridgeport style) knee mill with ball screws. Any guess as to the size of servos required? I kinda glassed over when I was talking to MachMotion and he was rambling on about servos.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
How is your X axis stepper mounted? Mine is mounted sweeping back and down... which really cuts my travel X axis. It has been this way forever. A couple of times I have thought about rotating it up and forward so it can clear the knee. The manual states it should be up and forward... I think mine is backwards. Could you send me a picture of your X axis if it's forward... I'd like to see if it would be worth the time to fix it. This is a picture of mine. Thanks.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.