Hi kqtat5v; I have (basically) just finished updating a computer to a 5i25. I'm still figuring out the last of it, but some random thoughts for you.
1) In my office area at home I have two computers, an older 3.4ghz pentium, and one of my two Intel D525MW 1.8ghz dual core computers. I actually find the 1.8ghz computers better; faster, smoother, and quieter. Am looking at updating the 3.4ghz pentium motherboard to an AMD quad-core, if I can find the time/money combination. It's actually not a lot of money to upgrade, so I'll probably just do it one of these weekends. 2) My little KX1 CNC mill has been transformed by the 5i25. Have been changing the parameters, and it now just flies on rapid moves. It will also just creep; e.g. my Sherline rotary table, 1 revolution in 6 hours, no issues. I think the rapid moves are 6000mm/min, 100mm/sec, or 4 inches per second. I'm sure I could make it faster, but, that's really more than fast enough for me. 3) I'm sure Jon Elson's Pico Systems servo stuff would work just as well with a servo-based system. Now that you know that your computer motherboard is not compatible with the 5i25, look for a good used/free newer motherboard, and it might give you a surprise. Software steppers is ok, but I hate to say it, but I'm converted to these add-in products now! Last bits to figure out? calibrate spindle speed, invert touch probe input signal (really simple) and I think that's it. (I have to thank, again, the positive replies on this forum, and especially Andy Pugh for saying "just get a 5i25, it's pocket change, really" - he's so right) John A. Stewart. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Everyone hates slow websites. So do we. Make your web apps faster with AppDynamics Download AppDynamics Lite for free today: http://p.sf.net/sfu/appdyn_d2d_jan _______________________________________________ Emc-users mailing list [email protected] https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
