UPDATED v1.1

The configured UI is now a customized version of Probe Basic that is tailored to the typical AVID machine. Probe Basic provides a very clean interface and is better suited for tool length probing, spindle probes and other upgrades. Additionally, the installed version of LinuxCNC is now 2.9.2. There is also an option to add the connector for RS-485 spindle control and configurations for the Delta VFD that is included in the AVID plug and play spindle.

What is it?

This is a kit to move from Mach4 to LinuxCNC on AVID CNC machines running the CRP850 break out board for the ESS.

History

I spent a year customizing Mach4 for my needs and eventually got tired of the poor documentation, bad e-stop implementation, design flaws and software bugs. My research on a replacement led me to LinuxCNC.

LinuxCNC is vastly more capable and customizable than Mach4. It has a very large community surrounding it and is open source. I was able to re-create and improve on my customizations in significantly less time than it took in Mach4. The most difficult parts were building the custom firmware required to connect a Mesa 7I92TH to the CRP850 and creating a starting config for my machine.

The Kit

LinuxCNC has a pretty steep learning curve and this kit will greatly reduce the time required to get up and running. LinuxCNC is sensitive to latency and the PC has been configured to minimize latency and allow for future upgrades in development.

The kit includes:

• Mesa 7I92TH FPGA board with custom firmware
• Custom cables for connecting to the CRP850
• Custom mount for the 7I92TH
• Labeled power wiring
• Hardware installation documentation
• Fanless PC with BIOS configured for low latency
• LinuxCNC installed and configured for your machine (It may still require additional configuration depending on your machine)
• PC getting started documentation

The PC does not come with WiFi even though there may be antenna connections. WiFi adapters are known to often cause latency issues with LinuxCNC. There is one network port setup for a connection to your local network and a second port setup for the connection to the 7I92TH. There is an RS-485 port as well as 2 additional network ports for future use. The specs of the PC are:

• Intel J6426 or Intel J6413 depending on availability
• 8GB DDR4
• 500GB NVME storage
• 4x i225-V 2.5Gbps network ports
• 4x USB 2.0
• 2x USB 3.0
• 1x HDMI
• 1x DisplayPort
• 1x RS-485
• 1x RS-232

LinuxCNC is open source software and is freely available if you wish to install it yourself on your own hardware. Please see http://linuxcnc.org for more information

Configurations are available for the following machines (all are 3 axis machines with Nema 34 steppers and a 24000 RPM spindle based on versions 20.1 & 21.2 of AVID's electronics):

• PRO4824 - 8" Z
• PRO4824 - 12" Z
• PRO4824 - Extended Gantry - 8" Z
• PRO4824 - Extended Gantry - 12" Z
• PRO4848 - 8" Z
• PRO4848 - 12" Z
• PRO4848 - Extended Gantry - 8" Z
• PRO4848 - Extended Gantry - 12" Z
• PRO4896 - 8" Z
• PRO4896 - 12" Z
• PRO4896 - Extended Gantry - 8" Z
• PRO4896 - Extended Gantry - 12" Z
• PRO6060 - 8" Z
• PRO6060 - 12" Z
• PRO6060 - Extended Gantry - 8" Z
• PRO6060 - Extended Gantry - 12" Z
• PRO60120 - 8" Z
• PRO60120 - 12" Z
• PRO60120 - Extended Gantry - 8" Z
• PRO60120 - Extended Gantry - 12" Z

If your configuration is not in this list, contact me and I can probably help produce a new one for you.

There are example probing routines for the AVID Touch Probe included in the subroutine folder of the LinuxCNC config. They have not been fully tested and are provided as is with no guarantee. They should work but it is your responsibility to verify that they will work for you.

A word of caution.

This kit is intended for those who are familiar (you don't have to be an expert) with Linux or at least not afraid to learn more. It was created to make the transition to LinuxCNC easier but it is still your responsibility to learn what you need to know. There is documentation on LinuxCNC available here. There may be configuration changes required in order to make your machine fully functional. Support beyond the provided installation and getting started documentation is on a best effort basis only. The only warranty provided is that everything will arrive to you undamaged. Insurance against shipping damage is included in the cost of shipping. Each kit is tested for full functionality prior to shipping.

CNC machines can be dangerous. It is your responsibility to be safe while using any machine tool. It is also your responsibility to ensure you are compliant with any regulations that may apply to you.