PMDX-340 compatibility

[Grant.marshall]

I am retrofitting a older light machine TMC-1000 CNC mill running an late 80s DOS program. I am wanting to use the PMDX-340 with Mach 3 for this retro-fit. Before purchasing I am wondering if it will work? Possible issue:

1) The spindle motor is a 115V AC 12amp motor but I do have speed control over it

[Steve Stallings]

Hi Grant,

Your machine has 2.9 ampere rated 6 wire stepper motors. They were
originally run in unipolar mode, hence the 6 wire connection. They can
be run by the PMDX-340 as bi-polar motors by going full winding (series)
or by going half winding. Series offers slightly more torque. Half winding
offers slightly more speed. Or if you determine that you want both you
could upgrade to modern square frame bi-polar stepper motors.

The spindle appears to have had a separate power driver board that
used a manual potentiometer to set the speed and the control box
had a switched AC outlet to turn it on and off. The PMDX-340 likewise
has a switched outlet and should be able to control it in the same
fashion. CNC control over the speed would require more work and
having documentation for the power driver for the spindle.

To run Mach3 using a parallel port you will need a computer running a
32 bit version of Windows7 or WinXP. A 64 bit version of Windows, or
any Win8 or Win10 system will not be able to work with a parallel port
and Mach3.

You can also use Mach4 along with our PMDX-411 to run this machine
under and any WindowsXP or later operating system using a USB port.

Steve

[Grant.marshall]

So if I purchased the:
PMDX-340
PMDX-411
Mach 4
I would be set?

[Steve Stallings]

That would get you going.

Don't forget you can save a few bucks by buying the PMDX-411 and Mach4 as
a bundle. See the bottom of the PMDX-411 web page.

You might want a PMDX-USB-AtoA-Extension if the 18 in cable from the PMDX-411
does not allow you to place the computer and PMDX-340 where desired.