Variable speed controller with modbus communication for AC motor

[mhickler]

I am creating a specialized lathe running four steppers on two cross slides.I have an AC motor turning the lathe spindle that is hooked up to a variable speed controller, specifically a GS2 from Automation Direct. According to the specifications, this unit has "RS-232/485 Modbus communications up to 38.4 Kbps." Can I somehow use this feature so I can controll the spindle speed (via the controller and AC motor) from Mach software?

[Peter Homann]

Hi,

Yes you can. If you set up the coms in Mach to suit your VFD, then write a macropump, it should work fine.

As I don't have a VFD, I haven't done it myself.

Cheers,

Peter.

[Chaoticone]

Yup, Peter is right. Also, might want to look at Brains for setting it up.

Brett