Nils,
Yeah but a lot of people may have "hand me down" computers from power users that will be available for mechmate use that might be low end dual or quad core. Be a shame not to be able to use them though.

Quad core is working great with cam software and other helping softwares, no need of graphic card (2 GB RAM suffice.)
Using old 1.9 with MM (256 RAM), that is also working without a single problem till now.

While dual core may seem like a waste to you, over 90% of new PC's are dual core. And they're dirt cheap, too. Before long, you won't be able to find anything else, if you want a new PC.

I don't think a dual core is a waste. The computer power you need to run Mach and the MechMate does not need dual core. It is true that eventually quad core or the next thing will be the only thing you will be able to buy if you buy new. If that is all you have available to you then that is what you have to use. But to use a dual core processor with Mach to run MM if you have a lower processor available, in my humble opinion, is a waste.

The point I was trying to make was that to run Mach and MechMate you do not need a fancy powerful computer.

If you want to run CAD and CAM, then you want to buy the latest processor and lots of memory. That is if you can afford it.

Currently, you can buy lots of used lower processor computers on ebay. That is what I did. That works for me.

Of course I come from the stone age. My first computer course was on a main frame using punch cards. My first home computer was an Apple II with 24 MB of memory, I think. I think my TV has more than that. I think my phone has more than that.

Ahh, the apple II, I remember those days. :) Nils did you have a commodore 64 too? I loved that thing, maybe it would run a MM, no probably not. :)

No, the next machine was a PC. I forget the specs but there wasn't much.

This whole computer issue is in a big state of flux as far as DIY CNC is concerned. We also have the Parallel versus USB thing, for which the Mach team has produced the SmoothStepper as a "fix", and coincidentally it also fixes the dual/quad core type issues.

What about a Sinclair ZX-80...man what a MACHINE :D

Attachment 4723

Gerald,

I agree with you. The current issue is the interface between the CNC and computer. The SmoothStepper might be the solution, I have not kept up with it. Maybe what is needed is a plug in card to the computer which attaches to the BOB.

My son has a friend that runs a computer repair shop. He gave me a few parallel port cards. He said he has no use for them, nobody needs them anymore. Check with your local repair shops and see if they're finding the same. At some point they will throw them out.

I've long thought that an embedded system design makes sense for a CNC like the MechMate. When my almost endless supply of junk computers and firesold parallel port cards runs out, I'll be looking hard at PC104 based designs.

See http://www.pc104.org/ and http://www.pc104.com/ .

Choosing one vendor at random, WDL Systems makes the eBox-3851 which seems to have a nice set of specifications for driving a MechMate.

For folks that insist on using laptops without parallel ports, or dual core processors, has anyone tried a flashcutcnc.com controller? Any ideas on cost? Do you still need the Gecko's to drive the steppers? ... Just curious.

I heard that you can now use Mach3 with it, but I do not know that for sure.

IMHO, dedicate an old/cheap computer to the machine and you will be better off, but that is must my perspective.

No, you can't use Mach3 with it. I think it's about $1000 for the software and signal generator. No drives, so you'll still need Geckos and power supply.

Gerald,
Will this Expresscard34 to Parralel converter work with the PMDX-122 BOB?

http://www.synchrotech.com/products-...r_pcie_01.html

or maybe this one,

http://www.synchrotech.com/products-...dapter_01.html

As I am using a Dual core 2 ghz, 2 gig ram laptop, and dont reaaly want to buy another computer.

Anton

I have no experience of those converters. Suggest you ask at:

http://machsupport.com/forum/index.php

or

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mach1mach2cnc/

Anton,

I have not tried it but you have to be careful using a Laptop computer. It has been suggested that the power management programs that run in the back ground are a problem.

When you go to the Mach forum you might want to ask that question as well.

Thanx guys's. I am blowing my budget a bit. Bit hey, might as well score a new desktop out of the project. Are there any maximum specs recommended for the computer that runs the Mach 3 program, and any other requirements recommended to have when choosing a computer?

Much appreciated,
Anton

Anton,

Mach takes a very minimum amount of disk space, processor and memory. I purchased an old Pentium III with 256 or 1 gig memory and I think it has 80 gig drive. I don't use it to do any thing else but to run the MM on it. I have a laptop that needs to be upgraded to do my CAD and CAM work. When I am ready to cut, I transfer to a memory stick and take it to the machine.

Looking at those two converters, the first one has the correct specifications to potentially work; as a PCIe interfaced device, it's very much the same as a traditional motherboard or add in card parallel port. Of course, not all parallel ports work well, so it would need testing. The second is USB based, and almost certainly will not work. As mentioned above, you also face the challenge of disabling the power management features of the laptop. This is often a combination of BIOS level settings and OS level settings.

One more note to the adventurous , laptop parallel ports do not have very strong bus drivers (the chips that drive the parallel port) on them. This is to save power when running on the battery. In the past when using other parallel devices, I frequently ran into laptops that would not operate devices that would work off of a desktop parallel port. This may or may not be true of the add on card you mention but I would test it first if possible. :)

[QUOTE=

So, as Gerald pointed out - DON'T - use a wireless ethernet card.[/QUOTE]

Does the decidated PC that runs the Mach3 software for the MM, need to be connected to the internet for the machine to function properly, or is it just for updates, etc. ?

Robert

Bob,
You do not need the computer connected to the internet for anything at all. Some people like to have it connected to their network so they can transfer files. I like to keep computers that are used for specific tasks like the MM free of internet connections and only use it for the purpose intended. If you start using it to browse the web, and run other stuff, you will eventually find clutter building up that will affect the running of your machine at some point.

Its a preference.
I use dedicated PC for the Mechmate without LAN connection because
1) I can use recycle old PC or low spec + low cost PC in the shop a.k.a. dusty, environment.
2) I prefer to work on the PC in a comfortable location other then to squat beside the machine. A nice cup of coffee + ciggy are mandatory.
3) I'm from the stone age, I feel awkward to turn on a machine that has a wall between us.
4) Internet is an distraction :p

BTW, contrary to many believes, new PCI parallel port are freely available in my part of the world & they are in production. Price ranges from US$10~30 off the shelve, give me a shout if you need help to source some.
5) All-in-one => All problem happen at once...

I'm running an intel Atom based motherboard, they have parallel ports as standard. A really nice feature is that the whole board, drivers and processor and 1 gig of ram costs under usd $100.00. I believe it is also possible to run a compact flash card rather than a hard drive though I've not tried it. Boards come with onboard video and many usb ports. There are also "smaller than a cigar box" cases that will house it.

No problems running Mach and VCP. Solid.

Chuck

Chuck,
Most people do not know that compact flash cards are really just another ide device. Yes thats right, get the right adapter and you can hook up a compact flash card just like an ide hard drive. Solid state disks just use the same pricipal, and give you higher capacities than you can get from one compact flash card. Some industrial computers come with the CF socket already hooked up to the ide port for you to use as a HDD. Cheper than a SSD. :)

Chuck,

Do you actually have one of these Intel Atom boards driving your Mechmate? You don't get stalls when jogging at max speed? Would you be so kind as to share the specific model number to the board you are using? I had a lot of problem with modern machines with their "advanced" power saving features built into the hardware. I ended up using a older celeron machine instead of a more modern Core Duo machine.

Thanks,

David

David even my machine runs on the single core Atom, day night and day :) no hick ups

its the actual intel based gclf board. I think you should get the single core atom -

Liaoh,

Yes, I have the most basic one, I'm thinking its the 945GCLF but don't have the box handy to verify. I'm running windows XP, on Mach the kernel speed is 45KHZ. I gig ram. I've never had problems with stalls or any other glitches.

Be sure and disable things like instant messenger and other non essential items in windows and for sure you don't want anything like wireless lan running. Like Javeria says, I'm using an Intel brand board with a single core processor.

Chuck

How important is the kernel speed for running Mach3? Is it better to run the computer on high speeds or is also 25 tHz enough? What if you run it on 100 tHz?

Claus, it is my understanding that the faster the pkernel speed, the faster mach3 can send pulses to your B.O.B. (Break out Board). Naturally, the speed requirements will depend on your setup. If you have geared motors or a belt drive, then your need for higher RPM will go up along with your gear ratio. If you don't have any reduction, then 25K is adequate. For example: You have ungeared steppers - you only need 200 pulses to get one revolution from your motor. However, if you are running the recommended O.M. 7.2 motors, you will need 1440 pulses to get that same one revolution on your motor. Basically, the faster Mach3 sends pulses, the faster your motors will turn. This in turn will require a higher speed pulse train to achieve a descent max speed.