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

Just make sure those EtherCAT devices work with LinuxCNC, otherwise you might need a to do some reading and editing, and some might just not work.
I am not the one to give a definitive answer as i have no EtherCAT to play with, yet.

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.