Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: Galtbe on August 22, 2012, 11:24:31 AM

Title: Denford Microrouter V3 conversion to Mach3
Post by: Galtbe on August 22, 2012, 11:24:31 AM
I have recently purchased a 2001 Denford Microrouter V3 with the electronics mounted in a separate black box.  Details on the controller are V2.1 b6.

I would like to convert this router to run Mach3 and have seen one post on the forum, but the author failed to purchase the machine in time, so the advice on the conversion was not posted.  Any advice would be greatfully received.  From looking at the electronics, I would guess that the plug in controller board would need to be removed, so that a PC parallel breakout board and an isolated spindle driver can be connected to the exposed PCB mount connectors.  Unfortunately the Denford documentation does not provide any information on these connectors. 

I have tried to attach a couple of pictures showing the electronics in the black box and a close up of the Denford Controller.

Many thanks

Graham

Title: Re: Denford Microrouter V3 conversion to Mach3
Post by: DICKEYBIRD on August 22, 2012, 02:10:27 PM
I did what you're wanting to do on my Denford Micromill although my machine and its controller were older than yours.  I think all the Baldor type controllers with the removable serial input top card are very similar and can be connected up the same.

Remove the top card with the LED & serial cable and under that should be a 3 row 96 pin header.  Hook up the step/dir/gnd wires from your B.O.B. to the pins shown below and it should work.  I used Futaba/Hitec R/C servo connectors to plug onto the pins but I think anything lying around with .100" spacing will work.

It works great for me but DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK AND DON'T BLAME ME IF IT DOESN'T WORK!  I'd suggest you go to the Denford site and look around before going ahead with it.  Great bunch'a fellers there.  http://www.denfordata.com/bb/
Title: Re: Denford Microrouter V3 conversion to Mach3
Post by: angel tech on August 23, 2012, 12:09:59 PM
that's more or less it, you can use servo leads for the connections or buy a 96way header.
Title: Re: Denford Microrouter V3 conversion to Mach3
Post by: angel tech on August 23, 2012, 12:11:53 PM
you'll also need a 0-10v isolated analogue signal to drive the sprint spindle drive. DIYCNC do an SP4DC which does the job well.
Title: Re: Denford Microrouter V3 conversion to Mach3
Post by: Galtbe on August 29, 2012, 09:28:43 AM
Many thanks for the advice.
I have now ordered a breakout board and spindle driver from DIYCNC, along with a few components from Farnell Electronics to access the 96pin header.
I will keep this thread posted on how I get on.

Graham
Title: Re: Denford Microrouter V3 conversion to Mach3
Post by: large519 on January 09, 2014, 04:57:15 AM
Graham,

How did you get on with this conversion?