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PRT 4g Upgrade

  

 

PRT 4g Control Board Available

Upgrade Existing PRTstandard Tools to Higher Performance!

ShopBot has always believed that it is important to try to make the enhancements and improvements in our newer tools available as upgrades or retrofits for existing tools. We are pleased to announce the availability of an upgrade Control Board for existing PRTstandard CNC tools that combines the high speed Control Card from our PRS CNCs with the highly regarded Geckodrive stepper drivers. This drop-in replacement board for your PRT Control Board will let you continue to use the ShopBot Software features while offering significant performance advances including higher step resolution and increased speeds.
 

The ShopBot Control System Upgrade for PRT Tools (PRT Version 4g) is a drop-in replacement Control Board for existing ShopBot PRT CNC Tools. It will bring faster cutting and faster positioning to your tool at the same time providing 2.5 times greater resolution and improved smoothness. You'll get an immediate performance boost with little time or trouble and at a very reasonable cost. You'll also still have all the familiar ShopBot Software capabilities you've become comfortable with as well as complete file compatibility ... except that all your projects will now run faster.

  • While your actual speeds will depend on cutting factors, condition of your tool, and the weight of accessories on your gantries, we expect you will be able to achieve realistic cutting speeds of 4-6 inches/sec and jog speeds of 8-12 inches/sec with this Version 4g Control Board. Best cutting speeds will come with a spindle.
     

  • Because the Geckodrive stepper drivers micro-step at 10:1, rather than the 4:1 of the current PRT drivers, you will get higher resolution motion and can expect improved smoothness in cutting.
     

  • The PRT Version 4g Upgrade mounts in your original Control Box using all the existing connections for power, input/ouput, and motors. The update should take only a few minutes. (See Upgrade Instructions)
     

  • On this upgrade Control Board, an additional 4 inputs and 4 outputs are added for a total of 8 inputs and 8 outputs. The outputs are all optically-isolated. The inputs are pulled high and filtered.
     

  • The board is provided with 4 Geckodrive 202 stepper drivers. These easily snap into (and out of) connectors on the board. The board also has a connector for an optional fifth driver for tools with a second Z axis or indexer. Connections for the additional axis are the same as on current PRT Version 3 Control Boards and it can be set to operate as any of ShopBot’s 5 movement channels.
     

  • The Upgrade Board uses the same Control Card as our PRS tools. Pulse rates of about 30K steps/sec are available with a standard USB interface.
     

  • Note that outputs from this board are limited to 2A/phase—just right for your existing PRT motors.
     

  • Yes, an older PR tool can also be upgraded with this Version 4g Upgrade (purchase the full box [#15314] so that you will have an appropriate power supply). You will also need to re-wire your motor wire connectors to the standard 4-wire PRT connection.

Computer Requirements -- You need a PC with an available USB port that is running Windows XP-pro. At minimum: Pentium 800 MHz, 512M RAM, Graphics display 1024x768 for shop, 1400 x 1500 for design. [Only works with the Sb3 (Windows) version of the software; does not run with the old DOS version.]

Pricing

After you replace your current PRT Control Board, return the old PRT Control Board to ShopBot and receive a rebate of $250. We are able to provide a rebate for your old Control Board because we can re-use components of it. You've already purchased a ShopBot software license and Control Card.  (See Developers Page if you are interested in a full description of the conceptual organization of our Control Systems and other available components.)

 

Full Price**

Price after Return of old Board

(#15304) PRT 4g Control Board (w/4 Geckodrives)*

$1,045

$795

(#15314) PRT 4g Control Board (w/4 Geckodrives, in PC Case w/48v Power Supply)*

$1,295

$1,045

Additonal Geckodrives (when ordered with Board)

$100.00

 

ShopBotters who took delivery on PRTstandard CNCs in the last 3 months can upgrade for $395.

    

*If you already have #202 Geckodrives from another product, all the above systems and deals are available without the 4 drives. Deduct $400.

** Shipping and handling charges not included.