OMAX 5 to 9
Axis Conversion Kit
The OMAX 5 to 9
axis conversion kit is used to convert older OMAX machines with the "5
axis"
USB communication card to the newer "9 axis" card.
Why is this
useful?
OMAX
will be dropping support for 32 bit versions of Windows shortly, to
concentrate on Windows 10 64 bit (or newer) support only.
This may happen in 2018, or possibly 2019.
Computers with 32 bit operating systems are becoming increasingly
difficult to find, making future computer replacements for computers
difficult.
Unfortunately, the older 5 axis cards are not compatible with 64 bit
windows, due to the chip sets used on them. This means,
that as the software is moved over to 64 bit, it will no longer be
possible to communicate with these older cards.
The solution, is to use the OMAX 5 to 9 axis conversion kit to convert
your older hardware to be compatible with the newer Windows and OMAX
software.
How do I
know if I need this kit?
If
you have an older OMAX branded machine, then it
is likely you will eventually need to make this upgrade.
You can verify this by looking for the black plastic USB box that looks
similar to this:
If you have such a box, then the upgrade is
recommended in order to future proof your machine.
If you have a MAXIEM, GlobalMAX, or
ProtoMAX machine, then you do not
need this kit, as your machine is already 64 bit
compatible. If you have an older MAXIEM, though, that
is not already running Windows 10 64 bit, then eventually you may still
want to upgrade your computer to 64 bit Windows 10. This may be
some time into the future, and does not require this special kit.
What does
the kit contain?
The
kit contains a 9 axis card, along with necessary electronics to adapt
its signals to the connectors used by the older 5 axis cards.
How hard is
it to do the replacement?
While
the exact details may vary depending on individual machine, the general
process is to unplug the old 5-axis device, and plug in the new 9-axis
device. Additional wiring may also be required, so the
difficulty may vary depending on the machine to be upgraded. You
may wish to solicit the help of an OMAX Technician. For full
instructions and additional information, or to schedule a technician
for assistance, contact Tech Support (techsupport@omax.com).
What else
should I consider when getting this kit?
In
order to take advantage of 64 bit, and for other reasons such as to
upgrade your older computer that may be end of life to a newer and
faster machine, it is recommended to consider also getting a
pre-configured 64 bit computer from OMAX. This can result in
faster performance (less waiting for the computer), as well as more
memory available for long tool paths (useful if you work with giant
tool paths such as large nests.) If you are not running
into memory issues today, then the extra memory is of little benefit,
but the fresher newer computer may still be good to reduce compile
times and the like.
Of course, the new 64 bit computer will be compatible with our
planned 64 bit only software upgrades of the future, so if your
existing computer is 32 bit, it will need replacing when the OMAX
software starts to require 64 bit support. If your existing
computer is in good shape, then you might just want to hang onto it,
and take advantage of better computers of the future when it comes time
that 64 bit is required.
Where do I get the
kit?
Kits
are available on the
OMAX
Marketplace.
For all other setups, contact Technical Support for assistance.
Where can I
find more help and information?
