Hi All,
I am working on a Takisawa DTX-1 Turret lathe and am using Mach3 for the retrofit. I have used Mach on 2 other machines, a small 9X24 lathe and a Bridgeport sized Gorton 1-22 knee mill, but have not needed extra IO.
On this machine there is an 8-position turret (see photo) that I need to get going. There are at least 9 inputs (8 tool positions and lock/unlock state) and at least 4 outputs (lock/unlock, motor on/off, motor brake on/off, and forward/reverse), just for the turret and things need to happen at specific times. For instance, the direction cannot change with the motor on, among other things...
I have talked with Peter Homann and he has graciously volunteered to write some custom software for his ModIO card, but I am considering using an Automation Direct PLC instead, mainly so all of the outputs are relay controlled and all of the logic is a nice robust 24V.
So, what I am looking for are some general guidelines on doing this. I have watched the videos on VB scripting and the modbus, and that all seems fairly straightforward. Here are specific questions:
1-Would one program all of the timing functions in VB, or would that be done in the PLC "ladder logic" and the VB would just do "something" via Modbus after the M6start?
2-Is Modbus a robust enough interface for a serious machine like this? With a 15 HP spindle and 2KW servo motors I want this thing under control at all times :-)
Thanks for any help or suggestions!
Dustin
www.protoplant.com