Microrouter - to buy or not ?

Bert · Post by **Bert** » Tue 20 Mar , 2012 13:27 pm

Hi I am thinking of getting a micro router.
I have found one that has the external computer box with it.
Presumably all the drive boards and power supplies are in it.
The vendor is unable to demonstrate it working as it is in a second hand shop.
And does not know anything about it or model number.

If by chance it was all in working order, What would I need to do to get it to work.
I assume I would need to hook up a separate PC and monitor etc.

What programs would I need

Any help would be great

Bert

bradders · Post by **bradders** » Wed 21 Mar , 2012 8:36 am

You would need VR Milling ver 2 / 5 depending on its year of manufacture and electronics and a PC and monitor, again depending on its year of manufacture and electronics the PC would need a RS232 (Serial) Port or a USB port.

Bert · Post by **Bert** » Wed 21 Mar , 2012 9:19 am

Many thanks it does have a rs232 plug and some other smaller ones.

Is the software expensive to buy and would I need a dongle.

Just wondering if I could load a program on a separate p.c. take it to the machine and see if it works

Where on the machine would be the date of manufacture.

I do have an option to have one exactly the same but without the separate tower, so it would need a complete new drive and power system.

Not sure what would be the best way, chance my luck for a few more quid or know a conversion has to be done.

bradders · Post by **bradders** » Wed 21 Mar , 2012 9:27 am

The VR Milling software Ver 2 / 5 is £250.00. for a single user licence + P&P + VAT

Note !!!
VR Milling software Ver 2 will run on PC's with up to Windows XP operating systems
VR Milling software Ver 5 will run on PC's with up to Windows 7 operating systems

Bert · Post by **Bert** » Wed 21 Mar , 2012 9:42 am

Ok
So I need to find out what version / model number of the big white tower it has with is first
Is it marked on the outer casing

bradders · Post by **bradders** » Wed 21 Mar , 2012 9:47 am

The Serial No plate will be on the Black eletrical box

Bert · Post by **Bert** » Wed 21 Mar , 2012 10:43 am

Ok
Going to find it out what it is today
Does the software only operate the machine or is there any drawing package in it

Bert · Post by **Bert** » Wed 21 Mar , 2012 10:48 am

Cant say I have seen a black box just a large separate whit tower that has a massive oblong plug that goes to the machine

bradders · Post by **bradders** » Wed 21 Mar , 2012 11:07 am

No drawing packing in the software.

What do you mean when you say "White Tower ?"

Bert · Post by **Bert** » Wed 21 Mar , 2012 11:57 am

Hi yes sorry it is black
I have been playing with Mack3 for awhile
So the Denford software is what makes it work does it have a cam program built in so I could send drawing to it and let it work it out.

bradders · Post by **bradders** » Wed 21 Mar , 2012 15:09 pm

The VR Software runs the machine. You have to provide a .FNC file that is compatible with the Denford software

Martin · Post by **Martin** » Wed 21 Mar , 2012 16:47 pm

VRMilling version 5 does allow you to inport a dxf file & postprocces it to create a G & M code file.

Bert · Post by **Bert** » Wed 21 Mar , 2012 23:36 pm

Hi
It is
Software VR2.14
Model V3

So what should I need to do if I got it. what is a fnc file

Obviously I will need to be able to draw the item first somehow and then do something with the drawing presumably put it through a cam program.
Then send that to the machine program.

I take it I will need an extra PC,monitor, a key board and a mouse to put machine software in.

Could I get it to work with Mack3

Bert · Post by **Bert** » Fri 23 Mar , 2012 0:57 am

Oh the joys of the cnc word
How hard can it be.

I would have liked to have a machine that is simple to operate and program.

An all in one package would be great

Obviously I am on a tight budget as this is never going to be any more than a hobby machine to play with.
It would probably be more cost effective to get someone else to do the limited jobs for me but this would defeat the object of the exercise.

I would like to be able to draw some simple shapes from model aeroplanes plans and then use the machine to cut them.
I was hoping that by using the original drive software this would help when setting up the wood into the machine.

First problem is finding a good basic drawing program then the drawing needs to be converted into a code that the machine understands.

Post by **Denford Admin** » Fri 23 Mar , 2012 11:49 am

A bit of Googling should point you to free or cheap CAD CAM
Some names to look for are in this post:
viewtopic.php?f=60&t=3601
(Draftsight is good for 2D work)

Bert · Post by **Bert** » Fri 23 Mar , 2012 14:00 pm

This time I was to slow to purchase the machine
I will keep a look out now I know more

Bert · Post by **Bert** » Tue 10 Apr , 2012 20:13 pm

Hi I have managed to get a 2003 Microrouter. The one with the drivers and electronics in the back of the cabinet
Looks in virtually unused condition. very clean
Software version 2.19
It came with two leads one I think is a rs32 on both ends and one that looks like a monitor plug on one end and a rs32 on the other.

I have powered it up and the door lock works.

So what to do next.

I quite fancy a hassle free move forward to get into cutting some balsa wood.

If I was to buy the VR software would it be a simple job of just installing the program with out the need to muck about with ports pins and getting spindle to work.

Can I use Sketch-up for some basic drawings and import them into the VR Software

Post by **Denford Admin** » Wed 11 Apr , 2012 8:55 am

Software version 2.19

Did VR Milling v2 come with the machine ?

It came with two leads one I think is a rs32 on both ends and one that looks like a monitor plug on one end and a rs32 on the other.

Sounds like there is the original 25-25 way machine RS232 cable with a 9 to 25way adaptor (the 9 pin end will go to PC)

Can I use Sketch-up for some basic drawings and import them into the VR Software

If you bought/upgraded to v5 milling you'd be able to import 2D .dxf drawings. You'd need something else to create 3D toolpaths.
The machine should work straight off, just be sure to pick the correct machine (probably this: under Setup > Select Machines > Legacy machines > Router DENSTEP)

Bert · Post by **Bert** » Wed 11 Apr , 2012 14:55 pm

No actual software came with it is what is stamped on cabinet.

How much to up grade and does it involve wiring

How do you get a drawing in to v2

Post by **Denford Admin** » Wed 11 Apr , 2012 15:22 pm

I think v5 is £250+vat to buy although I'm not sure if the machine is slightly too old to work straight off - some parameters may need tweaking.
No wirng would be involved. Your cheaper but more time consuming option would be to get Mach and a breakout board with isolated spindle analogue. There have been various solutions used by other users:
Mach3 running unmodified Triac!!!
viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1108
Help with Triac VMC converting to Mach
viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1763
Novamill, first time in cnc (Mach conversion)
viewtopic.php?f=41&t=2263
PKS Digiplan with Mach3
viewtopic.php?f=47&t=929&start=0
viewtopic.php?t=2263
Baldor Nextstep Step and Direction pins - 96way connector
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2264
Baldor eurocard schematic and 96 way pinout:
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=2119

PS there is no dxf import in v2 milling.

Denford Software & Machines

Denford Software & Machines

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