Version of Carbide Motion for Kickstarter Nomad?

Software Carbide Motion
1

Hi –
I have an old Kickstarter Nomad:
SN 00163
Model 883.1

I am setting it up to run on a new computer. I’m running Windows 11 (I could run Linux, if that helps).

What version of Carbide Motion should I download? I remember a long time ago I think my Nomad ran GRBL 0.9g. I don’t know if that’s still true.

Thanks and sorry if this is a dumb question,
Todd

2

Do you remember what version of CM you were running before? Older versions of CM are available here:

https://carbide3d.com/downloads

I think that for GRBL 0.9 you would need V 368.

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3

Thanks!
I don’t remember the version of CM I was running. I found a note that I was running v359 in 2016, but I know I updated at least once.

Does anything weird or bad happen if I try Carbide Motion V5, Build 582?
Or will that definitely not work?

Thanks!
Todd

4

If you try to connect build 582 to a machine running Grbl 0.9, Carbide Motion will bring up an error message that versions prior to 1.1 are not supported.

CM3 does not make a version check which catches that it is connecting to 1.1, and odd things will eventually happen if it is connected to a version of Grbl other than 0.9

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5

Understood, thank you!

Last question:
Assuming I have GRBL 0.9 – is it possible to, and/or is there any reason to update the GRBL version on this old machine?

Thanks again,
Todd

6

Updating is nice, but our recommendation now is to buy a new controller — we have them on a hidden page in our shop — check in at support@carbide3d.com for the specifics (we’ll also want your serial number so we can look up the calibration).

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7

Will, so the new controller is a drop-in replacement for the one in the Classic? I ask because my Classic Plus (DIY wider belts, replaced spindle shaft, added energy chains) is on its way from storage in California and I’ve been anticipating updating GRBL to 1.1 also. Is the McGillicutty incorporated in the new controller or is it still an auxiliary board (not knowing what the hidden page shows… :slight_smile: )

Thanks,

Randy

8

That is a question for the folks at support — they’ll be able to look up records/check w/ someone who has experience w/ the machines/electronics in question.

9

OK, thanks, Will. I’ll wait until the Classic Plus arrives because I don’t even know its S/N at this point (it’s been 8 years…)

Randy

10

Hi Randy,

Please send a email over to support with a good contact number.

support@carbide3d.com

Thank you

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11

Todd, I apologize for hijacking your thread! .:hushed:

12

As amends for the hijack :slight_smile: , I will add this. Brandon at Carbide Support (thank you for the call, Brandon!) told me that the early Nomad 883’s with the Arduino Uno and Carbide Motion stepper motor shield:

P1100597
P11005971920×1440 297 KB

P1100600
P11006001920×1440 311 KB

and the internal power supply, can’t have the current integrated Carbide Motion board swapped in,

I’ll point out that the photos are of my somewhat-modified “Classic Plus”, notably the heatsink and cabling…

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13

Hi all –
For anyone else finding this thread, I installed version 368 (2017) of Carbide Motion, and it works just fine:
image

Related to updating the electronics – I’ve been looking for an excuse to get a new CNC.
Honestly, I have been happy with the Kickstarter Nomad and have used it for machining everything from titanium to teflon. It’s been a champ for 10 years with only minor maintenance. I do wish it had more spinde power (and was stiffer) but when I look up the best desktop unit to get now, the answer is… A newer Nomad :slight_smile:

I’ll let you know how that goes!

3 Likes
14

Thank you for closing the loop, Todd, and I’m happy for your positive conclusion. My own 1st-gen 883 is on its way from storage in California so your experience is beneficial to me too.

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