Mach3 or UCCNC- CNCnutz Episode 215
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- čas přidán 28. 07. 2024
- More information on this video can be found on my website below.
www.cncnutz.com/2018/08/mach3...
There are a couple of questions I get asek on aregular basis. 3 times this week already. Should I change from Mach3 to UCCNC and what do I recommend for a first time builder. Mach3 or UCCNC?
2017 Screenset
If you are interested in the Screenset mentioned in the video you can find it here.
www.thecncwoodworker.com/uccnc...
Mach3
As mentioned in the video a recient update to Windows 10 has broken Mach3 preventing it from opening. For anyone suffering this problem you can download the latest version of Mach3 which has the fix applied. The new version is Mach3 R3.043
www.machsupport.com/software/d...
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I hope you enjoy. - Zábava
An excellent review and comparison, Peter. Thanks very much for posting this. It should help a lot of people who are undecided as to which way to go.
Thanks Mark
Thanks for posting the video. I am using Estlcam, an Arduino Uno and either an Arduino cnc shield or wire the Uno (or Nano) to the stepper drivers if using Nema 23 steppers. Very inexpensive hardware, USB port, capable straightforward software.
Thanks for your insights into motion controllers.
JERRY IS THE MAN! He offers incredible screen sets at amazing prices.
John
Thanks John. I couldn't agree more.
Cheers
Peter
I really like Gerry's screen sets too but check our CNC4XR7 for really cool ones too if you've considered a tool changer. Sam is a wizard with those tool change macros!
Thanks for the info... I was thinking about making the change but you just saved me so much time and money!!! Thanks and the wife says thanks too. :)
Youve convinced me I'll choose Mach 4
Best explanation on CNC basics on youtube
Thanks Lowell
Your info is great! I have both Mach3 and UCCNC, but decided on Centroid Acorn CNC.
Thanks Robert. I've heard of Centroid but haven't looked at it.
Cheers
Peter
UCCNC blows the Acorn out of the water in many things. I have both controls and just saying.
I use UCCNC mainly because my CNC machine came with a UC100 and a license for UCCNC along with a custom screenset to suit it. No reason to change. I also like the Laser plugin built into UCCNC, and supports my XHC pendant. Another great video peter.
Thanks John.
Will have to have a look at the laser support when I get my lasershoe rebuilt.
Cheers
Peter
Just a suggestion ... your next video could be a comparison of parallel ports - smooth stepper - UC300eth . Thank you for sharing your valuable knowledge.
Good information! I saw some of your previous episodes were sponsored by Masso. Do you have any experience with Masso controllers, and could you offer your opinion/comparison to UCCNC and Mach3.
However, I use a UC100 to drive the breakout board because my computer do not have the parallel port. I had to get a newer computer and they do not have the parallel port any more. Unknown to me the UC100 can take usb signals and turn them into parallel port signals. That save me a big headache since I did not need to replace everything to work with a serial port. So the only thing I needed when I replaced the computer was to add this UC100 and I was in business again.
Thanks, just finished changing over to UCCNC and an AXBB-E controller.
Nice. I haven't had anything to do with the AXBB-B unit myself but I don't imagine it is much different when it comes to setting up the UCCNC software.
Cheers Peter
Hello, thx,,, i just got Stepcraft 420 with UC100/ i use Mach3 on a laptop that my old cnc run off,,, if i buy UCCNC and install it on ie my bit Desktop PC, will it write anything to the UC100 at lock it to the desktop PC, or can i also install UCCNC on my laptop and run Stepcraft on it there to, and not only form one computer,, IE does UCCNC at any time write something to the eerom on the UC100 card? do you know that ? thx..
Very good review. I use Mach3 with UC100 controller and it works good for me.
Thanks John.
Cheaper to buy an old used parallel port laptop...about $20 ...all day long thats what i did...
@@shelby50411 Serial port is 4x slower than a uc100 or other similar motion controller.
Very good review and nice tips thank you !!
Thanks Geert.
Thanks Peter
Thanks for this Video. Can you advise What Cad / Cam Hardware and Software including Router and Table ect . For Guitar making. Thanks
a couple of questions will it work with a plasma table and does it control a torch height controller also can you change it from metric to standard
While I have no experience with plasma but if you look on the uccnc forum there is a whole series of threads talking about it. I'm not sure what you need to know but have a look here and hopefully it will answer your questions.
cncdrive.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=16
With regards changing from metric to imperial you cannot change measurement units. You can set the machine profile up as either metric or imperial. I have 2 profiles to cover both units. It ignores g20 & g21 commands.
Hope this helps.
Cheers
Peter
Great video, Peter, I am using Mach3 and my machine is running in the direction i want, but when engraving , it makes a mirror image. Any clues? Thanks
Hi Manny,
Are you saying that it cuts all other parts correctly and only engraving is mirrored?
Can you email me with the offending Gcode.
cncnutz65@gmail.com
Cheers
Peter
Peter, Outstanding review I use Mach 3 with the 2010 screen set it works great. I recently had to have my Hard Drive cloned and if my old PC( 2nd time) goes out again I will make the change Thank You.
Thanks Lou
Let's hope it doesn't come too
that.
Cheers
Peter
There's also the LinuxCNC and Mesa Ethernet board option.
Hi have a general mach3 issue....and i am new to mach3...in jog mode it wont move in step...only moves continuous....any ideas why?.....i use the mpg on screen navigation and have i in step mode at .100 per step and no axis moves.....and how do you get mach3 to be full screen instead of partial screen size?
Hi der ddd
Never had that problem .
Under config, General config check the "jog increments in cycle mode" settings. If they are 999 then it will only contineous jog. I sett all of mine to 0.01 so that i always know what distance it will single step and don't need to worry which it is set on. Bear in mind that i am using metric. If you still have a problem you would be better to email me and i will try and help.
Mach3 always sizes to fullscreen on my setups automatically so not sure why yours isn't.
Cheers
Peter
Hi Peter. I enjoy your presentations especially this one because I'm building a system now and on the fence.
I was on another forum and saw there is a performance difference between the two as that's why Art of cnc came out with Mach 4.
What is your take on that. I already have a mach3 license and a Warp9 smooth stepper. Thx
Sorry David, I can't really comment on Mach4 as I don't have it and have never used it.
Cheers
Peter
can ucnc control a lathe ,threading??
I use mach3 turn ,the uc100 controller works for threading but can uccnc software this also ?
I don't honestly know. You would need to ask on the UCCNC forum.
Cheers
Peter
Thanks for your video sir...i need video wiring for uc400eth to breakoutboard sir?
I own a Chinese cnc machine that came from my father's.
He bought mach3 a long time ago and never got the machine to work with it, it came with usbcnc.
Though I can't get some settings to work with usbcnc so I'd like to find out how to get it to work with another program.
Hi Jasper
I'm not familiar with usbcnc but I suspect that the motion controller it communicates with is not compatible with Mach3. You will need to Investigate all parts of the drive system to see how it is constructed and see what components you have and if they will work with something else. You can off course change the drive system to run on Mach3 but it is just a matter of how much you want to spend.
Cheers
Peter
Great video Pete. I've switched from Mach3 to LinuxCNC. Made a video on on my channel. I think it's a little easier for beginners. And for my Hot Wire foam cutter it has much better display in my opinion. Best of all no license issue. Has a Ethernet option with a Mesa card.
Thanks Keith. Good to know that LinuxCNC has a motion controller solution as well.
Cheers
Peter
Linuxcnc has many controller solutions...
E Falegname Hi. Could you elaborate on the Linux different control software?
@@neuxstone l made a video on how to install and get LinuxCNC up and running. Check my channel or just search for "How to get started with LinuxCNC"
Hope that helps
Thanks David
I will have a look at your video, hopefully this evening.
Here is the link if anyone else want to see it.
czcams.com/video/F4xHCwtaS3w/video.html
Cheers
Peter
Thank you for the nice work on your videos. I am in the process of starting a new build and looking for options regarding controller software and boards. On some of your prior videos, you used the MASSO controller. I am new to this whole thing but I thought that the MASSO unit was all-inclusive. Do you need UCCNC or MACH 3 in addition to the MASSO or is this a different type of setup? Thanks again for your help!
Hi Wilbert, I have not used the Masso in any of my videos but you are right. It is an all inclusive controller. You do not require a PC, Mach3 or UCCNC. You still require stepper drives for you motors.
Cheers
Peter
@@cncnutz Hi Peter! Thank you. I must've seen mention to something like that on one of your videos maybe a sponsorship. I appreciate the time you take to instruct and your videos have been very helpful.
My Ten year old controller card has died and I’m thinking about going with the UC300ETH with their software. Just wanting to check and see how your system is faring. I’m hoping it supports my Gecko 251X steppers, can’t find much on board to driver connections.
Thanks
The UC300ETH is working fine though I don't use it much these days. Connection is the same as you would do for any parallel port and it will work fine with the Gecko drives.
Cheers
Peter
Noticed that you've used some offline CNC controllers, and wondering if you have any recommendations? Details: router CNC, slave-Y, ideally ATC capability later on... thanks in advance! And I love your videos, they're extremely helpful!!
Thanks nutz...ill look ....ive never used mach3....ive uased universal gcodecsender but i just bought an old cnc router that was told to use mach3..so im learning it now
You will find Mach3 far superior to what you were using.
Cheers
Peter
Great video as usual peter! Two years later are you still using the UCCNC and is it still working to your expectations?
I’m wishing to get away from Mach3 and Printer ports.
I’ve been reading and watching hours of CZcams videos on different systems. I like the UCCNC and also the Acorn.
Any thoughts on the Acorn controller and software, other then being more expensive?
Glen
Hi Glen
These days I'm using the Masso CNC controller. I have no idea about Acorn.
Cheers Peter
I was expecting a comparison of features of the 2 systems. Instead it seems you are mostly just comparing price. I want number of axis, io port comparisons, if they work with servos or just steppers, and many other things...
Thanks Peter! Do external motion controller boards make laptop control workable? M3 (par port) always warned about this ...
Not sure what you are asking but I have always used laptops with my motion controllers and they work fine. Compared to using the parallel port the load drops with a motion controller. My laptops are old and run XP.
Cheers
Peter
Thanks Peter. The M3 instructions discouraged using laptopsbecause the power-saving mechanisms are sometimes beyond our control, and this can affect the timing. i guess offloading the heavy lifting to the motion controller makes this moot. Cheers!
To get around the power saving or CPU slow down I run a program called RMclock which stops the processor slowing during quiet times. I haven't had any trouble with the 2 different laptops I have used on the machine. I believe that usb has power saving as well but it hasn't been an issue on mine either.
Cheers
Peter
Good to know ... thanks!
Good review thank you
Thanks Bernie
Either you have moved to a different time zone or you have become a Bat :-D
I an one of those people who can't sleep at night. If I'm in bed by midnight it's a miracle.
Hello Peter, I'm looking at the Shark HD4 extended cnc from Next Wave Automation but they don't say what they use for control. DO you know if they use Mach 3 or Uccnc? Thanks
Sorry Mike but I know nothing about the shark machines. You will probably have to ask the seller. Personally I would be surprised if it is either of the 2 you mention.
Cheers
Peter
Since the last win10 update mach3 is not working anymore with it unless you do a fix or reroll your win update. I have the uc300 coupled with my old mach3 license, but if i need to change it would be uccnc because it looks more futureproof and the gui looks better.
Check out the links in the description. I put links to the Mach3 software update to fix the windows 10 issue and I also wrote about it in the writeup that accompanies this video. Just follow the link under this video to my website.
I'm not running windows 10 so i can't test it out. Let me know how you get on.
Cheers
Peter
Thanks! I didn´t done the fix and rerolled the update because i was scared to kill my good running system, but since the fix official now, i may update mach. But to be honest, i think there will be more problems with this win updates and mach3 in the future, so for now i disabled all update stuff because the cnc-pc does not need to go online anymore and i don´t know if this is just a problem with my setup, but having those fixed ips for the ethernet of the uc300 screwed up my wifi-connection anyways. But the root of the problem with my network can be anywhere;)
Keep on and thanks for your good videos!
Good one glad your up and running again.
Cheers
Peter
Nice review Peter 😊 I’m using Mach3 2010 Screenset from Gerry and it’s works really great to, the Auto Tool Zero for multiple toolset is very handy. One thing that makes me continue using Mach3 is the plugins. I don’t now if UCCNC handle my remote and my USB microscope that I’m using for zeroing.
Gerry makes really nice clean screensets for sure.
If it ain't broke don't fix it.
Cheers
Peter
CNCnutz (Peter Passuello) Yea that’s right 👍 But in a way UCCNC feels fresher and I like to get software updates ones in a while 😉
You can download UCCNC for free and configure / play with it. You could jog around the screen. I did a video on installing it and set up a pendant as you want. You might also be able to get your microscope working though if it is a manual viewing aid you probably only need to pull up a view screen and watch it as you jog with the pendant. Not really seen a microscope setup. I lead a very sheltered life here.
CNCnutz (Peter Passuello) aha I’ll check that out 👍 if you have the time you can check out my video abut the microscope here czcams.com/video/YsNfdNFIc7s/video.html
Just checked out the video. I like the microscope. Is the cross hairs built into the scope or is it part of the software?
I bought the software from cnc4pc and the pay pal system froze up, 3 times, so 3 payments went through. It's a glitch in cnc4pc's system. So only do the purchase once and wait for there email. Two payments were refunded to me, they are very nice people to deal with. The main reason I am using this system with the 300 is because Peter is a very good teacher. Cheers
I found them very good to deal with when I bought mine. I hope you like the UC300 as much as I like mine.
Cheers
Peter
CNCnutz (Peter Passuello) it's going to be a long hard road, might start liking it in about a years time.
Have a few questions about UCCNC.
1) The software is installed on my PC and the licewnce is linked to my hardware (controler). If my PC die can I install it on a new PC with the same licence?
2) Is UCNC compatible with MacOS?
Thank you!
The licence is keyed to the controller not the pc so you can load it on any PC at any time. I don't know about Mac OS. You will need to ask the supplier.
Cheers Peter
@@cncnutz Thank you Peter. I had a look on their site and UCCNC is not compatible with MacOS. Their licensing policy is IMO incomplete and ambigous. Thank you for clarifying this :)
Just signed on for a new MASSO build myself. Been using MACH 3 since 2004 and wanted to give something new a try. MASSO tech support 2nd to none.
That's an option for those who don't want a PC and don't want to mess about installing software. If I was to manufacture machines I would put Masso on them and save a lot of hastle. There is a lot to be said for a dedicated setup like the Masso.
Cheers
Peter
Yes that's right but its important to note that you also you save the cost of buying a PC and eliminate cables between the PC and the control card. That can be an advantage for someone starting from scratch. BTW, thanks for all the great YT content . You've helped me out tremendously when I built my cnc router last year. Just save the us from that strange little stuffed animal!
Thanks for the video, they all seem to be a step up from Mach3. Did you ever consider LinuxCNC ? If you passed it up, can you explain.
I had a quick look at it but didn't like it I even bought a dedicated PC for it. I'm not really into Linux and at the time i tried it, it didn't do constant velocity so I moved on. It was a long time ago and have not considered it since.
Cheers
Peter
@@cncnutz Thanks Peter. I see just a few years ago people are chatting in the cnczone about CV bug in Mach. How long have you been using Mach, 3 or 4 ?
@@stevecarlisle3323 I used Mach3 for about 8 years before changing. To uccnc. I don't use it anymore and have never used Mach4
@@cncnutz thanks again Peter.
Good work
Thanks
@David, you can interface Linuxcnc with different motion controllers, ex: Pico cards: forum.linuxcnc.org/27-driver-boards/14977-pico-systems-faq. Mesa cards (Ethernet option included): forum.linuxcnc.org/27-driver-boards/32929-mesa-card-recommendation?start=0 mesaus.com/ .For the graphical interface Gmoccapy, Pathpilot...forum.linuxcnc.org/41-guis .Personally I use Axis with NativeCAM; I think I will use this new GUI as soon as the project has been completed: forum.linuxcnc.org/41-guis/34996-another-gui-project-underway?start=0 I find it very complete and graphically updated only flaw that looks a bit too much Pathpilot.
In the US you can buy refurbished PC's with parallel ports all day long for around $100. I just replaced my PC with one with 6 gigs memory and a good video card.
I contacted UCCNC about upgrading from Mach 3 to there software/controller. They recommended the UC400ETh controller + 12-24 power supply and Licence, total $172 UK, convert that to my currency and its over $300 and I haven't even put in tax or shipping. So it looks like I am stuck with the glitchy Mach3 and I hear Mach 4 isn't any better.
I’m in the process of building a CNC router, and I’ve decided to run it off of a modified 3D printer controller. I happen to be a software engineer, so modifying MK4duo (itself a variant of Marlin) isn’t a problem for me. Basically I’m stripping out/disabling all the temperature management stuff (since a router obviously has no heaters) and modifying the menu system to do router specific operations (toolsetting/probing, part-zero, etc).
The major advantages of this are 1: cheap, ubiquitous controller hardware - it runs on an Arduino 2560 with a modified RAMPS board (I set mine up for 24v operation; this being a small machine with NEMA 17 motors on it I can use standard A4988, Drv8825, or any of the Trinamic driver modules, but for a larger machine you could skip the RAMPS board and wire the Arduino pins directly to Geckodrives, etc). 2: No bulky PC required - the electronics fits under the frame of the bed. 3: No Windows issues. 4: Runs g-code from an SD card; so the machine doesn’t even need to be cabled up to my CAD/CAM machine. 5: Software is open-source, so no licensing issues. 6: Easy to integrate into my own control panel (when running a machine I prefer physical buttons and knobs instead of a mouse).
The disadvantages of this are of course 1: It’s not plug-and-play like some PC based systems are; I do have to fork MK4duo and modify it myself. 2: No big graphical display (on the other hand, there’s no big bulky monitor, either).
If I understood half of what you are saying I would be inpressed, but I will have to settle for very impressed instead. 😉
I had never heard of MK4duo until I looked it up just now. Nor had I heard of a RAMPS board but as I can see these are more akin to 3D printers which is on my list but not just yet. I do have the print head though.
Would love a photo of it when you get it finished.
Cheers
Peter
couldn't you just run GRBL and be done
I built myself a large rack and pinion machine few months back. I though of using an arduino at first, but since grbl only supports outputs for 3 axes, there was no suitable way to mirror the movement for the slave axis. Unfortunately I had to go the parallel port way. If you able to add a support for an independent slave axis such that the gantry can squared by using separate end stops for the Y and the slave that would be really awesome. I would surely ditch my pc in that case and go for an arduino.
CNCnutz (Peter Passuello) Think of this as making a DSP controller for the machine but with very inexpensive and open source hardware/software.
For what it is worth i used to use TurboCNC which is DOS based and and could only handle 3 axis but I had 4. I just added 2 steper motor drives to the Y axis. Note: I said 2 drives not 2 motors to the same drive which would be a disaster.
Ran ir for a couple of years like that ans used the crach method for squaring. (still do)
I'm not familiar with GRBL. Do you know if it does constant velocity machining? TurboCNC didn't which is why I moved away from it.
Cheers
Peter
How do you convert your VB Macros? Like Zero set.
You don't. They have to be written from scratch though there is some documentation built into UCCNC for those who want to make their own macros. The macros use a different language c#.
Cheers
Peter
Not sure if it's in the release version yet, but UCCNC will also soon support both VB and C# macros. I think the VB will be .net, though, so slightly different then Mach3. But if you can write a Mach3 macro, you should be able to learn C# fairly easily.
Plugins can also be written in both C# and VB.net. I'll be using a VB.net plugin for the next version of my screen, to eliminate most of the 250+ macros the current screen uses.
Why not use free Universal G-code Sender with an Arduino & Grbl shield?
There's a big difference between commercial grade controller software and free software. At least I hope there is. Does UGS have constant velocity? Tability to add a pendant or MPG? Allow custom scripts and macros? The stepper driver shields are designed to run small steppers not the larger steppers on a large machine. That said many people do great work on these free setups and I recently bought an arduino shield to have a play with so it will be interesting to compare when I get some time.
Cheers
Peter
hello, I am the owner of the stepcraft plotter UCCNC control software during work, the cutter should rise to 5 mm, it happens that the cutter will rise to "0" while the program is about 5mm when it starts milling, say depth of -3mm and milling then at -8mm, why is this diet, I'm just starting with cnc
The most likely answer is either you have not calibrated the axis or you are loosing steps. You will need to do some testing to establish the cause.
Cheers
Peter
so now you have one machine and a spare controller... how long before you decide to just build another machine?
Don't tempt me or Mrs CNCnutz might have something to say about it. 😀
Lathe? 🤔
Now that's just being evil. 😀
I bought an old wood lathe about 5 years ago to convert but it is still sitting. If I add a VFD for wood turning and interchangable stepper drive for the spindle and then X Y table for a router I could get into real trouble with Mrs CNCnutz.
Oh come on Peter. You KNOW you want to...
Your going to get me into so much trouble.
mach 3 user here, we run the cnc ctrl box to a regular usb port on the computer (win 10)
One big difference between Mach3 and UCCNC is that Mach3 is slow in executing Mcodes. Not really that much on a problem if you have a router, but it's a huge problem if you have a plasma cnc with torch height control.
Thanks Brian. I haven't noticed it myself but then I don't have a plasma worst luck.
Cheers
Peter
That is true!
It sounds like uccnc doesnt back their products very well, especially if their product FAILS and YOU have to purchase another license because of their product failure.
I don't quite see how you draw this conclusion from my video unless. You have experienced poor service from them.
Cheers
Peter
Great video Peter. Are you going to be know as UCCNC nuts now? ;)
It could become. My alter alter ego 😉
UCCNC very much loads the laptop processor 80%. And Mach3 is 10% and works smoothly. UCCNC is working in jerks.File 79 mb 4 axis.
Why not LinuxCNC?
To be honest Muz Muzza, I tried it many years ago and didn't like it.
I'm not saying it was bad, but it wasn't for me and the video was about what I had.
Cheers Peter
@@cncnutz Same here. I’ve struggled with setting up LinuxCNC for the last 4 months and I’m over it. I just bought a UCCNC licence and an AXBB-E controller. I hope the consensus is right, in that, it’s much easier to set up and get up and running than LCNC.
LinuxCNC forever Pete!
I tried it many years ago but it didn't really do it for me. Linux is a much better platform to run a real-time application like a CNC machine than Windows is for sure.
Cheers
Peter
or GRBL or LinuxCNC or Smoothie or TinyG and there are probably others. You have left out a lot of options.......not to mention the more pro/commercial options like Fanuc/Siemens/RZNC and so on.
Very true David but that's because the subject is choosing between Mach3 and UCCNC and why I changed. Not about all the different control software's available. The commercial ones are probably not available to the hobbiest. Many of the others are lacking in features and all of the ones you mention are outside my experience.
Cheers
Peter
fair enough. hard to cover it all anyway. I use GRBL with the bCNC GUI but I also have a wire cutter 'in progress' that will run on LinuxCNC for which I have made a wing cutting plugin. Ever tried Sketchup + the SketchUcam plugin for Gcode generation? I am the maintainer. openbuilds.com/projectresources/sketchucam.1/
No I didn't know about the sketchupucam. At some. Stage I want to investigate Grbl for a laser and see if it is a good option but that will be quite a time away.
Cheers
Peter
Thank you my dear for sharing your valuable knowlge ، would you please explain more about if using much 3 or much 4 for 4 a axess or 6 axess bob . Good luck
Not really sure what you mean but for a 4 axis board you can use a single parallel port eg a UC100 but if you want 5 or 6 axis you need 2 parallel ports which would require something like a UC400 or UC300. Both of these motion controllers have 2 parallel interfaces that can be used to run motors. If you are using Mach3 you have the option of using motion controllers from various suppliers but for UCCNC you can only use a UCxxx controller. I'm not sure what the options are for Mach4.
Cheers
Peter
Hope this helps.
Cheers
Peter
There is no upgrade path from Mach3 to Mach4 either. Very annoying as I bought the Mach3 in 2020 because there was more support for it. Which is not that great anyway.
The useful bit for me is that UCCNC only works with UCCNC controllers. So you're locked into UCCNC.
Most uccnc controllers also work with mach3 and mach4.
Have you tried GRBL? I am more than happy with it.
I haven't but I have been thinking about using it for a laser build. I need to Investigate further.
Cheers
Peter
I use it on eShapeoko with 1.5kW spindle, with small 2.2A 3D printer stepper drivers (DRV8825 can do 1.5A without cooling) and the 1.7A NEMA 23 motors are more powerful than eShapeoko frame needs. No need to have full blow drivers. These small reprap ones fit right onto protoneer shield. It's funny how tiny this setup is when compared to machine itself. it's barely bigger than arduino while having both motion controller and drivers. But you have to be careful about unshielded VFD spindle cable. Protoneer shield is not exactly isolated and VFD generates enough EMF to freeze the arduino if you run the cables in parallel. But since i got shielded spindle cable, no problems...
And i use bCNC as software to send commands to GRBL. Good stuff. It even has basic 2D CAM features built into it. I like it so much, that recently started to contribute to bCNC project myself. I am adding lots of features, but they are not released yet. Also i hope that we'll manage to add some 3D cam features soon. But there are more nice GRBL interfaces for your PC. One bit young and experimental is called ugs-platform, unlike bCNC it does not have integrated CAM, but it has nice UI.
I will have to have a look into it one far off day when I get some time.
Cheers
Peter
started with uccnc, didnt realize metric only, have 80 old fanuc programs in inch, just too be a pain, will go to mach4
UCCNC can be used with imperial as well but you cannot change units once you set it up. If you set it up as imperial then g21 will not allow you to run a metric Gcode file.
Cheers
Peter
I would like to know if the hardware of UCCNC is based in ARM+FPGA. It is single question but with sense.
I respond myself : Microchip microcontroller, no known model. Can be the reason of success in speed, a microcontroller is real time 100%.
You didnt mention that most modern pcs / laptops don't support mach3 parallel.ports .that is all modern 64 bit versions of windows do not support mach3 parallel ports..you have to install the 32 bit version of windows which btw only supports 4gbs of ram...so you are really obliged to use a usb mach3 motion controller...and these are availble cheaply from the usual chinese sources
Very true. I forgot about that John.
cheers
Peter
Build a lathe and use Mach4
Don't see myself trying Mach4.
Not really sure what it brings to the party but then I've never really looked that hard if I was honest.
Cheers
Peter
CNCnutz (Peter Passuello) it is meant to be getting a new targectery planner if it is as good as uccncs or better it is worth if not only if you do a lathe other wise no
Thanks Daniel. Good to know.
CNC Drive will soon start working on a new S-Curve planner for UCCNC. I'd expect it to take about a year to be ready, though. Should still be ready way before any new Mach4 planner, lol.
Thanks Gerry now I definitely need to get a UCCNC
you sound so much like Mel from The Layland brothers
Can't say I'm familiar with the Layland brothers. Cheers Peter
@@cncnutz The layland brothers was a 1970 (ish) TV show in Australia where 2 brothers and their families traveled around Australia sharing information and facts about places and animals.
I do like the Video, I thought about Mach3 and and mach, Due to cost, i am going to try LinuxCNC
Good run down of the differences between UCCNC and Mach 3 but, you missed the most important thing: Mach 3 has a trajectory planner bug which UCCNC doesn't have (as well as a bunch of other bugs in Mach 3). UCCNC is definitely a performance upgrade compared to Mach 3. About the only thing Mach 3 does better (at least last time I checked) is rotary axis stuff. Check out a comparison video I made a few years ago: czcams.com/video/UJ8NM1MVFdM/video.html
p.s. - Ger was in my shop and saw the performance differences between Mach 3 and UCCNC in person.
Thanks Andy, will have a look.
Cheers
Peter
Just watched your video and realized I have watched it a few times before. After seeing it I had changed my CV settings to be more like yours though yours are imperial if I'm not mistaken. Nice demonstration.
Cheers
Peter
Why not just use universal G code sender (free) and Girbl with arduino (35) to total = 35! Done
Parallel port expansion cards are $10. Not a big deal.
Parallel port cards need to be the right type and not all windows versions can use Mach3 with a parallel port.
Cheers Peter
Dont forget you can buy a addon parallel port card for your desktop for about $16......
That is true Dan. I'm surprised they are still available given that I haven't seen a parallel printer in years.
Cheers
Peter
A parallel port will always give you jerky motion compared to what a motion controller which is a dedicated high speed pulse generator will give you.
@@gaborlajtinek2423 thats not been my experience but whatever
Dan Miller Unfortunately even these addon cards are not supported on 64bit versions of Windows. I say stick with a UC100 or higher and offload the motion controlling from the PC to the controller. That way even a slow old notebook will do the job just fine. I have a Dual core Intel Atom running 1.3GHz as a backup and it runs with a UC100 perfectly.
Grbl usg is free and you can get a controller for under 40...... 🤷♂️
Parallel ports are history. I have used all forms of ports and software. The UCCNC controllers are cheap, super reliable and work with 64 bit, and the USB port. I don't use UCCNC software anymore. It has to many problems with circles. Problems the developers have not been able to resolve. I use Mach 3 with the UCCNC controller. Perfect combination. This is the best combination.
LinuxCNC
Not an option as it will not work with the existing motion controller.
Cheers
Peter
@@cncnutz Yeah, I know. I do have the same dilemma. I acquired some time ago a PlanetCNC MK3 controller and now I think to build a machine using the LinuxCNC software but I do need to change the control board also.
Linux cnc
Hi Mohamed
Do you know if you can you use a UC100, UC400, UC300 or a smoothstepper on LinuxCNC?
Cheers
Peter
Hi Peter, With Linux CNC you can use Ethernet if you don't have a parallel port in your laptop.
No, you can't use any add on motion controller, basically because LinuxCNC is it's own motion controller, it runs under a realtime kernel on the PC. I use Mesa cards with mine as well as the version Tormach runs, PathPilot. Linuxcnc is not for everyone, you need to get under the covers to make it work but I have to say it is well worth it. My 2400x1200 Mechmate has never worked so well in it's life. I am running Nema 34 motors under 5i25 and 7i76 Mesa cards, soon to transfer to a 7i76E ethernet card to get away from my parallel cable (connected to the 5i25 not the PC)
I run Linux, but i prefer to use external motion controller (GRBL), since that way i don't need dedicated PC with realtime kernel.
Boring...
Click bait! Thought this was about comparing Mach3 and UCCNC. It's a whine about a few dollars for the cost of the software!
Tempted to agree there is no real comparison, just a price justification. From what I heard a lot time ago the 3D trajectory planner is much better in UCCNC, but not sure it handles 4D & 5D as well. I'm currently using UCCNC. Threatened to leave many times but I stay for the cleaner interface of the out of the box UCCNC. When I think about it he never even showed us a screen shot of UCCNC only the skin that Jerry makes.