Linux CNC powered Ethercat Mill Retrofit

Hey guys,

I am new to LinuxCNC and I am planning to retrofit an old Bridgeport series 1 interact. Can anyone give me feedback on what to look out for or maybe better alternative to purchase, I have experience in electronics, DIY UCCNC plasma and setting up Linux servers for webhosting but no experience in Ethercat components or LinuxCNC itself.

Here's a list of some of the components I want to purchase.

Leadshine - EL7-EC1000N servos with ELM2H-1000LA80E motors
Mini Pc - To run LinuxCNC (Are there 3D party Ethercat boards like the mesa ones I have seen that would be better?)
Touch screen - USB C / HDMI input for touch controls
Beckhoff - Coupler, I/O module (For limit switches and addons)

What other components should I look at and would this be a good place start?

Thanks

Hi thanks,

I am trying to get a quote on the EL-8, which is a more expensive/new version but I have seen them work on LinuxCNC through a Raspberry Pi.



I am a little scared to set these up though as there is not much info on doing this from what I've seen. As I also don't have much experience here especially when it comes to the setting up the drives addresses and communication.

If you need, I can help you configure remotely. You can contact me via the following methods: WeChat: 304394405 Discord: onceloved.cn

Thank you, I am still far out from this project as I have not purchased anything yet, I want to make sure I know what I need and what I'm buying. I am currently learning about Ethernet ports with real-time operations and which PC to use for this.

Either L7ec or L8ec is fine. The former is cheaper while the latter is a bit more expensive. I don't feel much difference in use. Try to buy the encoder cable with battery. It can be configured to use absolute value. In this way, the limit and origin switches are saved. For io, ek1100 plus el1008, el2008 and ek5102 should be enough (ek5102 is used for handwheel encoder). I feel that Beckhoff is a bit expensive. You can also use mesa7i92 card. I am currently using ethercat bus servo drive and 7i92. 7i92 is mainly used for handwheel and tool setting.

Thanks for the info,

I am getting the Encoder battery its literally like $4 here are my cost options if anyone else needs this for future reference price is ex shipping and import fees

EL7-EC1000N - With 1000W (3.18nm) motor + Brake + Cables and Battery - $255 per Axis
EL8-EC1000F - With 1000W (3.18nm) motor + Brake + Cables and Battery - $351 per Axis
EL7-EC1500N - With 1500W (6.00nm) motor + Brake + Cables and Battery - $449 per Axis

I am not sure if the EL8 is work the $96 extra

Yeah I am looking at getting refurbed Beckhoff El2008, El1008 with the EK1100 Coupler. I was not planning on keeping the hand wheel but the Mesa card does not look to bad.

Do you have any tips for PC wise to run LinuxCNC? I am looking at industrial PC's but they have stoneage hardware for the price of a high end gaming rig xd. Would a Pi or Intel Nuc be viable here, I want to make this a decent retrofit but as a home mill I have to be realistic with the components I choose.

You are probably paying for more expensive electronic parts. Probably the cheap version doesn't have an fpga chip . I think you give most of the money. Buy the expensive version.
For PC, just choice an old workstation. You can review the latency test topic

I have used the Soyo SY-H110Z full firmware version V3.0 with a modified BIOS and an i3 8100 with low latency.
I am currently using the Supermicro x11ssm-f which has a slightly higher latency than the above motherboard but has two network ports.
Generally, full-size atx motherboards can achieve good latency