Controller upgrad for 2007 PRT Alpha 96?

[geneb]

I'm thinking about buying the $200 controller upgrade for my 2007 PRT Alpha 96 and I'm wondering if it brings enough to be worth the cost. I'm a hobbyist user, so I tend to be pretty cost sensitive. :) Does it eliminate the communication errors that some times happen? tnx! g.

[paul_z]

Me too.

Paul Z

[Konrad T]

I upgraded my PRT Alpha about a year ago with the new controller card and this truly has been a relief and a great success :).
Before that I had repeated communication problems and other strange behaviour - never reproduceable and despite trying out all the various recommended "countermeasures". Since the upgrade of the board: not a single lost com or other problem. I cut sometimes very large 3D files over hours. And in combination with the new software family 3.8.x my 'bot works now very civilized all the time and with what appears to me smoother movements and ramping.

Highly recommended and well worth the money!

Konrad

[geneb]

Konrad, were there any settings you had to change in order to work with the new controller?

tnx.

g.

[Konrad T]

No, Gene - as far as I remember you simply replace the old Control Card with the new one. When installing the newest Control Software you will be prompted to load the new firmware version, which is of course included. Pretty simple but effective:)

Konrad

[srwtlc]

Here's a couple of links with information on the latest controller version(s).

http://www.shopbottools.com/mSupport/control_card_Version.htm

http://www.shopbottools.com/mSupport/SBCSversion38features.htm

If your current controller uses the USB to Serial pigtail adapter, you can now plug the USB cable directly into the controller, eliminating the need for the adapter.

As stated in the first link, "Changes in the board over the last 5 years have been primarily added expansion pins (such as PWM control for lasers and analog input) for new accessories. Basic functionality has been the same since Version 201 and all boards run the same software/firmware".

Using SB3 3.8.XX and the related firmware is what aids in better communication/connection along with a number of other enhancements/changes. As noted in the second link, some options are not available on V201 Control Cards.

So, installing the newer card without running the 3.8.XX series of software doesn't really gain you much. I've been running 3.8.XX since early beta testing and while some are experiencing stable running, I on the other hand am experiencing very unpredictable behavioral issues and it has not yet gained my trust. I've done installs ranging from messy in place "on top of" to total pristine clean installs with excellent communication rates and still see numerous serious errant behavior issues. So, YMMV, but I'd recommend a clean install with a test of your Packet-et with UD (instructions on this can be found after install here...C:\Program Files (x86)\ShopBot\ShopBot 3\Help\UD Diagnostic Notes.pdf). If you use a USB hub, try it without first, as it generally is not needed with 3.8.XX.

[geneb]

Ordered. If it stops the com errors, it'll be worth it. They don't happen very often, but when they do, it lays in wait for the worst possible moment. :)

g.

[aschutsky]

Gene - is this upgrade really only 200 dollars for prt alpha users? If so, where can I order? :)

[geneb]

It was actually $217 and change. :)

The controller is separate from the board that holds the stepper drivers. That's why they can offer the upgrade at such a low price. It's a tiny little card.

Call ShopBot and as to talk to Frank and he'll make sure you can use the new board. I don't have the part number handy right now, sorry.

g.

[aschutsky]

It was actually $217 and change. :)

The controller is separate from the board that holds the stepper drivers. That's why they can offer the upgrade at such a low price. It's a tiny little card.

Call ShopBot and as to talk to Frank and he'll make sure you can use the new board. I don't have the part number handy right now, sorry.

g.

That's what I thought, perfect! I will call and check for compatability with my machine. Thanks!!

Andrew

[geneb]

You're welcome! Good luck. It's an easy upgrade.

g.

[aschutsky]

You're welcome! Good luck. It's an easy upgrade.

g.

Gene - Thanks very much again for posting this. I was able to order my card this morning. Can't wait to get on the latest version. :)

[geneb]

Mine is due on Wednesday. :)

g.

[aschutsky]

Gene - you up and running yet with the new board? Install was easier than I thought. :) I'm up and connected although I must have knocked one of the prox switch wires out, have to fix that in the morning. ;)

[geneb]

I haven't had a chance to get it done. I only cut parts on Saturdays and I've got two more sheets of parts to cut - I don't want to fiddle with the machine until I've got everything for the current project done. (I'm running a "Wharthog" for myself and a friend - check it out: http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=78417&page=6)

I plan on moving the control box and I'll get the controller upgrade done when I do that task.

g.

[aschutsky]

I haven't had a chance to get it done. I only cut parts on Saturdays and I've got two more sheets of parts to cut - I don't want to fiddle with the machine until I've got everything for the current project done. (I'm running a "Wharthog" for myself and a friend - check it out: http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=78417&page=6)

I plan on moving the control box and I'll get the controller upgrade done when I do that task.

g.

Cool project! I don't blame you for not wanting to mess with it in the middle of the project, I did the same. :) You should be pleased with the outcome though, it's very straightforward.