[skaha]

I have built a desk top cnc router, I have stepper motors etc., I am looking at controllers, one that looks interesting offers for options an on board g code processor, and an rs-232/rs-485 serial interface, are these desirable options?
Thanks
Terry

[ger21]

Only if the control software your using supports them. Sounds proprietary to me.

[automizer]

Controllers can be built many ways, look at control software; see if there is one you like over others and build around that. ger21 is right some control software can so that but I see the best being ethernet its much faster then RS-232 and simpler to set up. As for the g-code processor that is normaly done on the design side on your desktop and the CNC controller just reads the code

[Torchhead]

The quickest (and least expensive) route is to use what hundreds of other builders use. A PC parallel port(s) to some form of interface card/box driving off-the-shelf stepper driver. The controller software runs on the PC and sends Step & Dir signals for up to 6 axis. The interface unit gives you isolation and buffereing for inputs and outputs and helps with the integration (places to connect the wires).

For controller software see: www.machsupport.com [MACH3]
For motor controllers (depending on your motors) see: www.Xylotex.com or
www.HobbyCNC.com or www.GeckoDrives.com

You can buy the electronics pretty much done for you. Including power supplies and even complete power supply/motor driver combos.

Hang around this place and ask questions. Just like the one you did ask. Rs232 or RS485 interface will drop you smack into a proprietary system. You then have fewer options for controller software (usually just theirs) and even fewer sources of help. Pick something hundreds have done and you have a potential of hundreds of ideas and support.

Tom Caudle
www.CandCNC.com

[skaha]

Thanks for the replies, they certainly help some one starting out.

[Rance]

Travel down a paved road rather than a dirt path.