I have an older Chinese 3040. The build quality is surprisingly robust. But because it was a knockoff that used pirated software, I only got it to work on two jobs. I’d like to resurrect it. Will the SLB run it? What about the SLB EXT? What else would I need to get it to work - a probe? It’s got a 4th axis attachment too, but I don’t absolutely need that to work (it would be nice, but not necessary). Anything else? Thanks for all your help!
Because I’m a new user, I can only attach 1 pic per post, so bear with me. I have to upload pics 1 at a time, 10 minutes apart.
The SLB-EXT is for closed loop steppers and is highly unlikely to be compatible with your equipment. The SLB might be compatible but somebody else needs to provide more input.
@AlexLTDLX This a bit offside, but what CAD/CAM software did you use for those two projects? If this the one that you intend to keep using?
As @Jens said, it’s unlikely that those are closed-loop steppers so you do not want the SLB-EXT. You should confirm the the motors are open loop before deciding on the controller.
Whatever controllers you choose, you will need appropriate cabling from it to your motors.
gwilki - It was years ago; it was whatever pirated junk that thing came with. At the time I didn’t know it was pirated. It was very difficult to get it to work, so I stopped using it. These days I use Fusion 360.
I do not believe they are closed loop steppers; it would be nice if there was an easy to find comparison matrix of the 2 controllers on sienci’s shopping site. What’s different between the two besides closed loop? I don’t know. Can I run the EXT in open loop? After all, having a closed loop capable controller for only a few bucks more would be an advantage for the future. But once again, can’t find any info on that. How do I determine the pinout on the SLB for the motors? Is that documented somewhere?
I’ve been using mostly manual mills and lathes for R&D, but am now moving closer to a marketable product and want to start CNCing parts for evaluation; and my remote resources for that are not viable. I won’t say anymore because it will lead to a political rant (i.e. tariffs).
Making cables is not a problem; but sienci doesn’t specify if the motor to board header connectors (or indeed, any header connectors) come with the board in their list of what’s included. The photo shows some populated and some not. Is that what comes with the order? Again, I don’t know.
If you know and are willing to share the answers to any of these questions, I’d greatly appreciate it. Thanks for all your help.
PS - Sorry for the delayed response, since I’m new the forum wouldn’t let me reply for 24 hours.
No, there are no onboard drivers
The board header connectors are specified in the on-line documentation someplace. I don’t know offhand where.
@AlexLTDLX As @Jens said, the SLB-EXT cannot control open loop steppers. The SLB can control open loop stepper for X,Y and Z and a closed loop for A.
As far as wiring goes, you may want to start with the SLB tech manual. You can find it here
You should direct any specifica questions to Sienci tech support.
Jens - Thanks for the answer on the EXT. I found the connector specs, and can order them from several sources. But I can’t find whether they come with the SLB or not.
The manual is missing some important wiring info. I’ve already read it.
For the other questions, I guess I have to try to get a hold of someone at the company. They don’t make it easy. Thanks for your help.
If you are referring to the connectors - I doubt it. IIRC, when I received a replacement SLB-EXT, it did not include connectors.
Please note that Sienci is on holidays til Jan 5 so there will likely be a delay to any inquiries.
@AlexLTDLX You’ve seen this, too, yes?
gwilki - No, I haven’t actually seen that one. Thanks for posting it.
Either way, I went ahead and ordered an SLB yesterday. In the notes I asked them to include the connectors for the motors. I remember reading somewhere in their docs that you can do that (but it was for a different connector).
EDIT: As I was typing this, they called me back (I called them yesterday, and we’ve played phone tag). At the very bottom of the SLB page, they mention to do exactly what I did - since it’s all the way at the bottom, I didn’t scroll down far enough. So it appears that everything should be sent out.
The connectors are not a huge deal, but it’s one less thing to have to source. I’m glad they called me back and I was able to answer the second time.
Thanks; if I have time (and/or get really stuck), maybe I’ll make a post or a video about installing this thing on this router.
Thanks again.
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Sienci likes open source so you will probably find all the nitty gritty details on GitHub. Schematics are not my thing so I’m not sure what programs can open the SchDoc file format but that should be easy enough to find out.
Oops! I didn’t read your last post all the way through so maybe you don’t need more info. 