Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: Apollo ll on October 10, 2012, 02:47:45 AM
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Hello,
I have a bridgeport 3 axis cnc mill that has a bridgeport sx-15 controll on it. The machine is like new, and do not want gut the electronics.
I would like to run it with a desk top and mach 3 via a LPT1 port. Does any one know if this is possible?
Thanks,
Apollo ll
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Not familiar with that control. I would imagine it is servos so if that is the case then almost certainly they will be analogue input servo amplifiers. You can not run them from the parallel port unless you can get a device to convert the Step/Dir to analogue. There used to be such a device but it was a bit hit or miss whether it would work correctly with your hardware and it is no longer made.
Another alternative would be to use one of the external devices available that can control analogue amps from Mach.
They are
CSMIO/IP-A
Galil
DSPMC
Kflop with Kanalog
Hood
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Thank you for the fast response Hood. Yes you are right they are closed loop DC servos with encoder feedback.
I will research the devises you listed. If I do use one of devises do I have to by pass the old system?
Apollo ll
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Without actually knowing the machine its hard to say exactly what you would need to change but basically any signals that come from the control now would need to be hooked up to the new controller and then configured either in it or Mach.
Hood
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Thanks so much! I m looking at the controllers right now.
The machine is a 1993 Bridgeport Apollo ll mill. Have you ever heard of one?
Apollo ll
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No afraid not.
Hood
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Can you attach a pic or two, to do that use the additional options button on the reply page.
Hood
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Sorry, I tried to from my iPad. But it will not let post a pic. I will post some tomarrow when I get to my laptop.
Apollo ll
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no probs, was just curious. I am wondering if its a VMC or a knee mill.
Hood
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It is a big knee mill, about 5,500 lbs. I will try the pictures once more.
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I will try again
Apollo ll
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Here you go Hood. Have you ever seen any thing like this? I had a terrible time getting the pictures to post.
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Looks like its a version of a seies 2 Bridgeport.
Is it still a QC30 taper or is it a 40 on that?
Hood
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It is a BT 40 taper.
Hope to get it spinning this week with the origanal sx-15 controll.
When I powered it up the other day the hour meter said it only has 105 hours on it.
Apollo ll
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Thats much more sensible, I have often thought why the heck did they not upgrade the taper on a series 2 to a 40 instead of the 30 I have seen on most.
Sounds like its in great condition :)
Hood
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Yes it is in great shape. One day I hope to get it to run on Mach 3. Still not sure how though.
Apollo ll
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First thing I suppose is decide on which controller you will use if you wish tto keep the amplifiers that are currently on it. The other option woul be to get new drives that can accept Step/Dir but think I would go the first route if the amplifiers are in good condition.
Hood
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Thank you for sharing your wisdom! Im leaning towards the CSMI/IP-A. I will not decide for sure until I find out what the old sx-15 system is like. I definately want to run it on Mach 3 in the near future. I have downloaded a licensed version of mach, and it looks very user friendly once you get it set up properly. What are your thoughts about the CSMI/IP-A controller?
Apollo ll
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I like the look of the CSMIO stuff. They have really thought about their controllers with the 24v I/O the onboard analogue I/O (for Overrides etc) and the differentiial Step/Dir on the S and M models and Diff encoder inputs etc etc.
I have a S model I am testing out on my wee lathe, or will be once I get a chance to get the X motor mounted. That should have been finished but just taken delivery of a new Mill, and thats held things up and the workshop is in a mess. I am planning on using a CSMIO/IP-A on it.
Hood
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Thanks Hood!
Sounds like you are very busy to?
Apollo ll
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Yes been a busy week shifting machines but sadly not got any paying jobs done ;D
Hood
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That sure sounds familliar!
What kind is your new machine?
Apollo ll
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Well its just new to me, its 1987/89 vintage I think. Its a Chiron FZ12S
Hood
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Not sure what that is, Ill have to look it up.
Have you up graded it?
Pictures?
Apollo ll
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I put a few pictures up, it looks a lot tidier than the pics make it look. Its had the old control and motors stripped off so I will be putting Mach on it with AC servos that I already have.
Had to get rid of the Bridgeport CNC and one of my manual lathes to make room. Still have a Triumph manual lathe, the big Computurn CNC lathe, the wee Conect CNC I am presently doing and a Beaver NC5 mill.
Pics are in this thread http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,22495.0.html
Hood
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That looks like quite a project.
That will be nice when you get it finished.
Apollo ll
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Well just away down to check the machine over to make sure no damage happened in transport, column seemingly broke loose from its straps :( Then I have to get it inside somehow, thats going to be a struggle I think :D
Hood
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Well at first look it seemed bad but after further investigation it wasnt as bad as I had feared. The Y axis ballscrew has come off the end and some of the balls have come out, so thats the bad. The Y axis trucks were half off the rails but seems the balls stayed in and also looks like there is no damage other than sheared screws on the wipers and a few bent guards.
I also feared the Z had come off the end of the rails and ballscrew but seems the guard had stopped it just before the end so it seems to be ok. Guard is a wee bit buckled but nothing I cant sort.
So all in all a lot better than I had first thought and maybe will even be able to just reload the balls into the ball nut, just have to work out how I gain access to the ballscrew/nut to get it out. I am hoping I dont have to lift it off the rails as that would be a major PITA.
Hood
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Sounds like a project, but one that will be worth the work. How far does it travel in XYZ?
Do you have any experience with a Galil DMC 1000 4 axis controller? Will that work with Mach 3
Apollo ll
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Travels are X= 550mm Y=300mm Z= 280mm
I managed to get the ballscrew out and the balls reloaded but seem to be 4 missing so I will have to get some.
Dont have any experience with the Galils, did have one I picked up second hand but never used it so sold it on. You would have to check on the Galil section if that particular model would work but I think it does.
Hood
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That sounds like a nice machine. Look forward to hearing more about it in the future!
Everything I have read in the manual for my machine, and the DMC 1000 it looks like it will work. Hope so because I bought it. It came with the wiring and 4 axis drivers. If it won't work I'm sure I can sell it.
Apollo ll
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Hood HOW are you going to be able to walk away from the magic of that tool changer. I would have to drag up a chair and watch it work.
(;-) TP
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I think I am going to have to fit the cover that goes on it so I dont stand and watch it all day ;D
Hood
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HELLO...
My name is Leandro and Im got a Bridgeport Apollo Series II Milling Machine
my control is a SX15 but my disketts are damaged.. have you a copy to send me by email of the files of your disk.
Thank for help me
Leandro lmasutti@gmail.com