Wow. Just got done rereading the entire thread. I am exhausted just from reading LOL
Absolutely incredible work Wayne. My head is spinning as I don't have a lot of experience in the electrical end of things, though I'm learning from trying to keep 20-25 year old machines running.
My HXL is down right now with a spindle drive problem. A friend of Hood's (waving hi to Hood! man it's been a while, I hope things are well with you!) is trying to help me trouble shoot it long distance. It's been difficult with my lack of expertise. I am wondering if I could just bypass all the original electronics with a retro-fit. The iron is in excellent condition, as are the axis drive motors, and the spindle motor itself. It's just the electronics that keep breaking down.
I absolutely loved the surgery you did on the pickup for the tool changer. You, sir, are a craftsman!
I'll be in the shop today and will get you a list of all the manuals I have, which is fairly comprehensive.
On a side note, I have a Wells Index CNC mill run by an oooold Sharnoa controller. Been keeping that going with minor tweaks here and there, too. A prime candidate for a retrofit. Again, the iron is in excellent condition.
Mark