Control System Differences

[thewoodcrafter]

Is there any difference between the PRT and the PRS Alpha control system besides the 7.2 geared steppers?
Will a PRT Alpha perform as fast as a PRS Alpha?
If I upgrade to 7.2 steppers what can I expect?

[Brady Watson]

1) Besides the motor, driver and 30T pinions - not really.
2) No. The PRS has 2X the torque and resolution of a PRT Alpha.
3) A CNC that pulls like a freight train and gives you nice clean cuts in nearly everything.

-B

[thewoodcrafter]

So the drivers are different too.
What are they?
The stepper upgrade from ShopBot are only the motors Right?
If I upgrade the steppers could I cut 3/4" melamine in 1 pass at 4 - 6 IPS?
Now I cut in 2 passes at that speed.

[Brady Watson]

The motors and drivers are different. They are a matched set.

No. The upgrade includes 3 motors and 3 drivers, unless you pay more for the Z axis to be upgraded as well.

Theoretically, yes - IF - You have a spindle, a very good vacuum hold-down system and a compression spiral bit.

-B

[thewoodcrafter]

Well I called today to order the 7.2 motor upgrade and was shocked. All I heard was One Thousand Forty something EACH.
That would push it over $3400 for the 3 motors.
I think I'll have to hold off on that one.
I think a second Z would be a better investment for me.

[erniek]

I thought there was a motor upgrade availabe for the prt alpha for $1500. $750 after the old motors are returned. Why is yours so much more?

[frank]

Hi Roger,

I pulled your folder and it looks like you have a PRT standard. The upgrade is only for alphas. I'll give you a call.

[frank]

Hi Ernest,

The $1500.00 is still in effect, but there is no longer a rebate for the old motors and drivers.

[paul_z]

I finnaaallllyyyyy got time to install the 7.2:1 motors on my PRT Alpha. What control software are people using with the 7.2:1 upgrade?

Paul Z

[Brady Watson]

v3.5.5 - There should be a config file in there for a PRT Alpha w/ 7.2 motors.

-B

[paul_z]

Looks like my choices (from the downloads page)are 3.5.3 or 3.5.6

Paul Z

[Brady Watson]

Go with 3.5.6

-B

[thewoodcrafter]

Anybody know what 3.5.6 will do for me over 3.5.5?

And Paul, you will really like the speed and power increase. My upgrade went smooth.

[paul_z]

Thanks guys,

It took me several hours to make the change due mainly to physical limitations. (I had a heart valve replaced a couple of weeks ago.) The change was actually quite simple and could have been done in a couple of hours under other circumstances.

I ran a test case that used to leave some "marks" on curves. The marks are gone! I'm looking forward to some serious botting.

Paul Z