is it safe to upgrade the software and hardware? <Answered>

[aazafran]

I own this lathe and i was wondering if i can upgrade the software. It runs on Linux but id like to install windows and cnc12 control.

Im new to this control.

1-. Im gonna lose some "features" (if they are actually incluided) once i upgrade to CNC12.

2-. Im gonna have to pay for something once the new cnc12 software is installed?

3-. Can i install the new Operating system in the SANDISK drive (see the attached pictures).


Thank you in advance for your replys!

[cncsnw]

Regarding question 3: You probably cannot install Windows and run CNC12 on that computer. Typically you would need a newer, faster computer with more memory.

You cannot use your existing CPU10 control board with CNC12.

I am guessing here, since you did not post a Report or a picture of the control cabinet interior, but it is most likely that you have a DC3IO servo drive and PLC unit.

While you could theoretically use an existing DC3IO drive/PLC unit with CNC12, if you were to purchase an MPU11 control board with the LegacyAdd interface board, that would make the upgrade unnecessarily complicated and slightly feature-limited.

The cleanest upgrade path is to replace the CPU10 board and the DC3IO unit with a new Allin1DC unit, which combines the motion control, DC servo drive and PLC I/O functions on one board, with the same mounting footprint as the DC3IO.

Once you have a new computer running Windows and with CNC12 installed, and you have an Allin1DC unit installed, then your first two questions become relevant:

You will need to purchase a Lathe Pro license, either for $549 outright, or for $299 as a "legacy upgrade" with return of the CPU10 board to Centroid.
Once you do that, you will continue to have all features that you had licensed / unlocked / enabled on the old control unit.

[aazafran]

Thank you very much for your response, now i have it all clear.

Cheers!

[cnckeith]

i moved this post out of the Acorn forum.

upgrade paths for very old Centroid systems exist and require new cnc hardware.

share more information about your lathe if you would like some guidance on your options.