Which DSP controller ???

[Phill Barnes]

Hi Guys.
I am building a laser cutter and I am sitting on the fence of which DSP controller to buy. I welcome and would appreciate any thoughts about my shorlist in order.

1. rdc6442g




2. awc608 lite


Both controllers seem to boast similar features mostly.
I have read that the rdc6442 is more stable than the awc608 and you can adjust the speed and power of the current layer on the fly.
The awc608 have Z axis buttons on the front instead in a menu and a bigger display but puts the udisc usb on the panel where it could easily be broken.
I wish to work with the macro from Corel but not sure if the two different dsp's are as user friendly as each other.

Please help
Phill

[Phill Barnes]

Come on guys. This is supposed to be a community. Surely someone has an opinion on these controllers!!

[Kev Williams]

As for me, whatever type is running my Triumph works fine, but I have no idea what brand or type it is, and I have no experience with any other controller. I'm thinking this is true for most of us?

Sheldrake would likely have an opinion, when he gets to reading this...

[Greg Holt]

Come on guys. This is supposed to be a community. Surely someone has an opinion on these controllers!!

OK my opinion is go with the Ruida. I have both and that is my preference.

If going with the Anywells product, look at the AWC708, as it is the later model and better than the 608.

[Phill Barnes]

Thanks Kev and Greg. Actually made a typo on the anywells controller. The pic is of the awc708c lite. I haven't seen any machines coming from china with this controller except those from sinjoe who distributes the anywells product. I am and have been for some time leaning towards the Ruida rdc6442g based on its distribution into new machines and the info i have been able to obtain. There are a few glittery functions on the awc708c like big screen, live trace, blower delay but i have not been able to see many operation videos and sinjoe side stepped my questions when i contacted them. That being said, if you have an opinion good or bad for either controller, please share it.

Regards
Phill

[Jeff Bromagem]

I would be interested about these controllers also, for a retrofit into an older Epilog Summit Laser that seems to have some controller problems.
Phill, are you aware that Lightobject.com sells the AWC708 that appears to be private labeled as their X7 unit? They also have a couple other controllers.
Have you decided on the controller yet?
Let us know how it's going.
Jeff

[Phill Barnes]

Hi Jeff
I am aware of the x7 aka awc708 controller and they are now doing one for the ruida 6442g controller. I ended up going for the ruida 6442g controller because it seems to be the most common commercially used on the market. Thought there must be something in that. I would like to try the awc708c at a later date but I'm fairly sure i will find little difference except for bigger screen and layer info not displayed on front screen. There just wasn't enough info or videos out there on the awc controller. As it turns out, I am very happy with my ruida controller. The Chinglish has been a bit of a struggle but I'm through most of that. sll I need now is a chiller and I'll be cutting and keeping my preorder customers happy.

I will post some pics and videos later when i can get near the computer as i cant see an option to add them from my phone.

Phill

[Phill Barnes]

Hi Jeff
You can view my Facebook page for pics and videos.
https://www.facebook.com/Tassie-Cnc-...90458527656502

[Timothy Kamp]

I'm also here to second (or third) the vote for the AWC608/AWC708 for anyone else who's still looking. I've actually built a diy CNC laser using an AWC608 as the base controller for it and the machine is still working today. However, I also own 3 machines with the AWC708 (sold by Lightobject.com as the X7 DSP) and will be retrofitting a 4th in the next few weeks. I liked the 608 and love the 708, especially the options of being able to adjust parameters layer by layer and being able to load via Wifi (with a wifi adapter).

[Phill Barnes]

Thanks Timothy. Unfortunately for Anywells, there are very few videos on the awc708c controller and very little information in the videos that do exist. I contacted Sinjoe laser and asked for some videos specific to my questions but was refused. That helped me make up my mind. Perhaps you might consider sharing some videos with one showing a multi layer job on the controller screen so we can see what info is available to the user during job run. If you can do this, please let me know the link.

Regards
Phill

[Timothy Kamp]

I debated doing this but want to make sure I set up a gopro and a tripod for my video camera and do a proper review rather than just a shaky potato film.

Does this forum welcome thorough reviews? I think i finally have the experience to do a good one. I really like my machines and the service I get from LightObject, but I think I can be unbiased and show you the things I love and hate about it.

When I started buying machines I wished there were more product videos and reviews so if there is interest, I will review some of my purchases and post some text, pics and video.

[Jeff Bromagem]

Thanks Phill and Timothy!
Timothy, did you use the X Y axis kits that lightobject sells for your machines, or did you build your own?
I was wondering how well they are built and the tolerances that they will hold, especially on the 1800 x 1200 size.
Does the power drop off at the farthest beam distance? Can the 1800x1200 cut parts at one corner and fit to parts in the other corner? A close up of the rail system and bearings would be great!
I would be very interested in your video review also.
Thanks.

[Timothy Kamp]

Mini update here. More to follow some other time when I'm not so crazy.
Dual LightObject.com 1800x1200 machine setup
20160316_224237.jpg
Cutting bed fits a 4x6' piece of plywood easily
20160316_221253.jpg
X-axis bearing
20160316_221402.jpg
20160316_221338.jpg
Y-axis roller bearing
20160316_221434.jpg
20160316_221459.jpg

Controller screen and laser tube ammeter
20160316_221530.jpg
List of files on the machine prior to file selection
20160316_221736.jpg

More pics in next post

[Timothy Kamp]

After file selection, all parameters can be changed as well as the ability to select by individual layer
20160316_221747.jpg
Layer selected
20160316_221543.jpg
Individual layer parameter adjustments
20160316_221600.jpg
Main menu controls
20160316_221635.jpg

Just wanted to update this with a few screenshots to show how the AWC708 X7 controller from Lightobject actually works. When I do a full machine review I'll include more photos. Meanwhile, this just arrived this week at our new shop - our latest LightObject 2500x1400 150w machine.
20160317_000447.jpg

[Bill George]

I have always had good luck with ordering from Marco at Lightobject in fact I was going to build my own machine and found it cheaper to just buy.