RBK Controller Upgrade

[wmwmacs]

My 2008 ShopBot PRS Standard Controller has been condemned as unrepairable. ShopBot has recommended the RBK Controller Upgrade as a replacement.

Has anyone had any experience with this upgrade? How difficult is it to install or make repairs?

Thanks.

[Brady Watson]

For a PRS, it's pretty much a plug & play deal. Unbolt the old box and bolt in the new one.

You will most likely have to replace the heat shrink on the motor cables with a heat gun...but other than this it is easy.

-B

[wmwmacs]

Thanks Brady. My controller is in a PC Box, do you think it should still be plug & play?

[Brady Watson]

They will include brackets to install the control box to your extruded table side (front left). The box will hang on there.

The entire input block can come off of the old and connect to the new board. No need to rewire your inputs.

You'll need to wire up the box for 110v etc and hook in your spindle if you have one...and/or want that.

The motor wires are the only question. It would be nice if SB included pigtail Wago connectors for you to just plug the old stuff into...hint...hint...Otherwise you have to pull the board off the front of the RBK drivers and wire each in yourself.

I can do it in under and hour from unboxing to running. It might take you a little longer. It isn't hard & they should give you the documentation to do it.

-B

[Brian Harnett]

I upgraded mine a while back to the rbk from a 2003 prt controller it was as simple as Brady said, what happened to the old one?

[wmwmacs]

Hi Brian,

It's kind of a long story, but what happened was that a nicked wire caused a short. My attempts to make repairs included numerous emails to tech support, taking the controller to electronic repair stores, and even hiring an electrical engineer. All came up with the same conclusion, it should work, but doesn't. After two months of trying, I have decided to replace it.