My kids are on a robotics team that uses an Omio X8-2200L-USB. Right now, they're using Mach 3 and aren't really happy with it. Would something like the OpenBuilds Black Box work for this machine?
From the specs it appears to have its own drivers so all you really may need is just an Arduino to replace the main board inside the control box. As far as the BlackBox goes, it should work but may not provide the full amperage the steppers can handle.
Also I noticed the power supply is 40V. The BlackBox needs 24V. So if you went the Blackbox route, then a 24V power supply would be needed. Technically, the Blackbox could work because it has its own drivers so you would just need to hook up all your limit switches and motors to it. I would try Rick's Arduino idea first.
Anything that works with Mach 3/4 or LinuxCNC is expecting a step/dir stream- ie. It’s a driver breakout, not a control. The PC is the control. This is great for high speed ultra-smooth stepgen, but isn’t always the easiest to get along with. An Arduino Uno with grbl flashed onto it would make this into a basic high power BlackBox (sans the protected I/O), as Rick says. Just bear in mind there’ll usually be a reduction in stepgen frequency, and therefore step rates. If you don’t need extremely high speed operation, that’s not a big deal.
Thanks for the replies. I ended up designing a PCB shield for the Arduino and flashed it with GRBL. It's working much better than the original board. No more jogging in the wrong direction!
