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Starmill BBC
Posted: Fri 04 Apr , 2008 12:19 pm
by Phil Gravett
Hi, just joined this very informative forum. I am running an old Starmill on a BBC and it is getting very frustrating to have to switch between edit program and machine control. Also pauses in circular inter', not smooth cut.
I wish to update to pc but not sure where to start. I know this machine was supplied as pc version as I have an old Amstrad disc and dongle but no 5 1/2 " discdrive and think it is corrupted anyway.
I do not want to get involved at this stage with changing internal electronics. Anyone out there been through this?
The machine is same as one in photo archive.
Posted: Fri 04 Apr , 2008 16:49 pm
by Steve
I am not sure what control you have.
If it is a Smartstep or Denstep then you could be out of luck
Have a look at the guide below and see if your electronics is anything like this
https://www.denfordata.com/projectimages ... _guide.pdf
Posted: Sat 05 Apr , 2008 3:09 am
by Phil Gravett
Thanks for prompt reply. I have printed out data and will get at back of machine this weekend. Fingers crossed. Phil.
Posted: Tue 08 Apr , 2008 9:39 am
by Denford Admin
For this kind of vintage machine (ie 80's BBC micro) you really have no choice but to go to some new hardware and PC control software.
I think even the DOS controls struggled to interpolate circles greater than 90 degs.
Posted: Wed 09 Apr , 2008 9:58 am
by Phil Gravett
I am begining to realise that. Not used Dos but the tool dwells on any radius. So I am am doing well to get anything close to round out ! What are my options then. I haven't got thousands to spend.
I have got computors spare running anything from 3.1 to Vista.
All suggestions welcomed. Phil Gravett.
Posted: Wed 09 Apr , 2008 10:06 am
by Denford Admin
The cheapest way will be to look at using software like Mach
https://www.artsoftcontrols.com/artsoft/index/index.htm
Others on here have updated starturns and triacs to run with Mach - have a good look at posts by sweep and davidimurray
Using some software like Mach will mean you can spend the money to buy interface cards and drives, or you can do it cheaper by making them yourself.
Posted: Wed 09 Apr , 2008 20:44 pm
by Januseng
Phil.
I have converted a Novamill to run using Mach. It has a CNC4PC C11 breakout board, Routout stepper drivers and a spindle motor driver from:-
https://www.beel.ca/smcmanual.pdf
Have a look at this to see it.
https://www.machsupport.com/forum/index. ... 833.0.html
If I can help with more information, just ask.
Ian