Alternative Controller

[michaeldevanney]

Hi, Im sure this has been asked, but I could not find it in my searches. Can my Rich Auto controller be replaced with a computer controller?

Thanks

MD

[grossmsj]

It can. But it isn't trivial at all. I replaced my Rich Auto with a Centroid Acorn controller. It added a huge amount of increased functionality and improved performance.
BUT there is a lot of electrical work involved. For example, the VFD had to be removed and put in a separate box to allow space for the Acorn board. There is a lot of rewiring to the Acorn also. After the Acorn is in there you'd probably want add inputs for various devices (probe, tool touch off) and you'd need to wire a few outputs also (PWM for the laser).
The I2R is basically an Axiom with UCCNC controller. Almost certainly you'd have to get the machine as an I2R as I don't think this is something that can be retrofit.

[michaeldevanney]

Thanks. Thats what my research came up with as well. Think I will hold off for now.

[micknm]

While on Instagram a few weeks back I saw this post. Looks like Larry had done it successfully and very elegantly.

http://instagram.com/p/C1YNRJiJ9XW