I have some old Cyberware laser scanning rigs, circa 1995/6 they are controlled by a 486 pc with a controller card with LM628 chips and a mycrodyne network card. it controls 2 axis one for parker daedel turntable and one for linear slide, both using electro craft e542 motors. The system still works perfectly but I feel it is time to move to USB. I control the cards at the moment with a piece of software I wrote in VB6. I am now writing a new software in Xcode/cocoa. the controller PC runs a software called server_c and my software talks to that.

there is no complex automation here, I just type things like move 200 and it moves 200mm or rotate 45 and it rotates 45 degrees. I have written macros that turn and stop for a specified time etc etc.

I like the system I have so don't need to stray too far from what I have already ie. power supply motors etc.

I am looking for someone that can advise me on what equipment to buy.

 

My suggestion would be a Galil motion controller with your choice of USB or Ethernet. They are easy to set up and program and come with good documentation.

You could even get one with drives built in, if you wish.

http://www.galilmc.com/products/dmc-41x3.php
Bill Sturm