Shopbot Desktop converted to LinuxCNC

Here's out Shopbot Desktop that was converted to Linuxcnc control. We decided to do a conversion because the oem software is buggy and lacking in performance and features compared to Linuxcnc.

Some key differences after upgrade:
1. more reliable communication between motion controller (LinuxCNC) and the machine
2. ability to control spindle with native Gcode commands via RS485
3. better homing and software limits on each axis + tool height setter
4. better compatibility with CAM gcode output
5. faster/smoother stepper pulse control due to Mesa 5i25 pci card
6. ability to extended the cnc machines abilities, like controlling a spot welder or pick and place machine.

Sorry to the linux purist, but the computer is running a win7 virtual machine for CAD/CAM in Autodesk Inventor. I've actually done CAD/CAM work while the cnc machine is making chips, mainly due to the fact that the Mesa card offloads the step generation burden.

Picture album: imgur.com/a/Eij2S





Aluminum busbars and PCB where machined on the Shopbot/LinuxCNC machine.

Thanks Tom.
The capacitor bank (16V, 1.2F) is shorted via the mosfets across a metal joint to create a spot weld. It's known as a capacitive discharge spot welder.

Thanks for the comments.
BTW, that was version 1, which is 120J of stored energy. Version 2, which is about 80% done stores 500J.