Plasmacam DHC2, Question about motor type on Z-axis

[AlexPLC]

Hello to all the gurus out there,

I have a Plasmacam DCH2 that I am upgrading the controls on. With regard to the motors, I have purchased servo motor controllers for the X and Y servo motors, but for the Z I am not sure what type of motor is this. I see the connector has 4 wires. Is this a stepper motor? Any recommendations on what I can use to control this motor?

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Alex

Z_motor_pic_1.JPG

Z_motor_pic_2.JPG

4_pin_connector.JPG

Nameplate.JPG

[robertspark]

stepper motor, measure the bolt spacing it will probably be a NEMA 23 size.



If you measure the length you can get an idea of its power rating range if you have a search for similar ones on line.

[AlexPLC]

wow! I just measured this and with amazing accuracy found that it is a NEMA 23 just as you said. I am just getting into this CNC stuff, but I really appreciate the quick respond and detailed information. Thanks!

[AlexPLC]

another question, do you have any recommendations on a stepper motor driver? I stumbled on the Gecko G210X -->
https://www.geckodrive.com/g201x-digita ... drive.html

it appears to have all the correct specs and can drive a motor up to NEMA 42.

Thanks again,
Alex

[EZZ1970]

Hey AlexPLC,

New to this forum and new to the CNC world in general...

I just purchased an 18 year old plasmaCam 48x48 CNC table and software. Supposenly the main board is fried and needs a replacement, trying to work with PlasmaCam to get a new board, $2000USD. The kicker is when I buy the new board that new board will not be compatible with the old software version, so, long story, they are recommending an upgrade from the old DHC to a new DHC2 for about $7000USD+.

I guess i wasn't really expecting to do a full upgrade, is there anyway I can use all the motors etc... with a PC and another software flavour such as Mach4 or Hypertherm Software?

Has anyone done this conversion with success that can coach me along.

Thank you to all for taking the time to read and help me out..

Rob

[weldguy]

I have read this story so many times. I think that for a little more money than just the Pcam software which won't get you running anyway, and for a lot less effort than trying to get Mach or something to work on it with a new controller, this retrofit from C&CNC will likely be your best bet https://www.candcnc.com/store-home/the-pz-cam-retro/

[rdj357]

The C&CNC will be the cheaper way to go. The DHC to DHC2 upgrade would be the better choice as far as operation and value once completed.

[EZZ1970]

Hi and thank you all for your help and support, any chance someone would have an old board kicking around?

[tinspark]

Hi and thank you all for your help and support, any chance someone would have an old board kicking around?

Unfortunately at this point you have a boat anchor the way that it sits. I have seen this way too often as well. You will only have the CandCNC option or the full plasmacam option. and one more option besides inventing the wheel with this thing which would end us as the CandCNC option, but not likely as good in the long run, with a lot of headache, which at this point you no doubt already have!!
another option is to buy the gotorch at $3995 with no machine control height control, designedge, (which is a gamechanger imo) control software , and swap parts. Gotorch is also made by plasmacam. I purchase this thing some years ago and started adding software as I went along, which isn't cheap and then I converted it to a 4x4 later. https://www.gotorch.com/order-low-cost-cnc.html.
It as awesome when they are working properly.

[adbuch]

dhc2 upgrade.jpg

[tinspark]

dhc2 upgrade.jpg

Good info David. Yes that is a better value!
I went the other route with no regrets..