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General CNC Chat => Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) => Topic started by: jeep534 on March 01, 2008, 06:13:14 AM

Title: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: jeep534 on March 01, 2008, 06:13:14 AM
Well I finally took the cable cutters to the cabinets and pulled all of the non essentials out. after attending the mach conference last weekend I could not resist any longer  ;D

   The plan is to use the original servos and encoders and wire in all the original on board equipment; coolant , oilier, mist unit, adjustment for the vari drives (air driven) and probably have digital speed readout for all the pieces to keep everything in balance. I may find that the vari discs don't get moved much as I plan to run the machine on 220 single phase with a VFD.

   The machine did not run for me but I did get it to home and I jogged all 3 axis so the servos, encoders and spindle drive work. at this time I am planning to use Larkin 200 volt drives and CNC4Pc control boards BOB, MODIO and pendant.
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: jeep534 on June 21, 2008, 09:27:04 AM
New Pictures posted here   http://jeep534.smugmug.com/gallery/5099973_TQC2C#307649501_owpex
Photo's Current as of april 2008. I am currently working out of town. so it will be a while before I get it up and running. 
I have everything picked out. no small task I might add...... Hopefully some of the bugs will be worked out of the smooth stepper/cnc4pc combo before it comes time to turn this thing up

Cheers
archie =) =) =)
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: usfwalden on July 12, 2008, 12:51:26 PM
That's a clean looking machine.  24V relays?  I'm going to do the dspmc/ip very soon.  Since it can handle up to something like 40V I think I can hook it up to my 24V and skip my M logic and power boards and go straight from it to the terminal strips to send 24v signals to the relays instead of oupputting 8 bits to logic board.  That would probably be convenient for you too if the dspmc/ip turns out to be a good control.
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: jeep534 on December 21, 2008, 08:24:33 AM
That's a clean looking machine.  24V relays?  I'm going to do the dspmc/ip very soon.  Since it can handle up to something like 40V I think I can hook it up to my 24V and skip my M logic and power boards and go straight from it to the terminal strips to send 24v signals to the relays instead of oupputting 8 bits to logic board.  That would probably be convenient for you too if the dspmc/ip turns out to be a good control.

Thank You for the Positive comments. I have finally Gotten back to putting this thing together. I just posted 4 photo's they and others are posted here. http://jeep534.smugmug.com/gallery/5099973_TQC2C#440400987_V26QR  now that the cards are mounted. I am starting on the power supplies. I will try to keep things posted up to date.

archie =) =)  =)   
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: usfwalden on December 21, 2008, 10:01:36 AM
Excellent.  Ya, mine machine has been sitting mostly unused for a while now too (though there have been a couple things I have thrown on it--one important and one just nice).  I've been collecting some nice tooling as I can.  I have enough to do most things now.  I picked up a jacobs precision keyless chuck so now I can drill, an iscar facemill so I can face large things quickly, t06 and t08 iscar multimaster toolholders with chamfer tools and ingersol chipsurfer 45degree helix tools.  That aught to get me through most any general machining operations in any material very nicely.  What I really need to find for it now is some paying work.

The power supplies in your pictures sure looked pretty, you are reusing them right?
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: jeep534 on December 21, 2008, 09:27:52 PM
I am using parts and pieces of two different mill power supplies. I believe I am going to need 6 different power supplies. 2 each 5 volt and 12 volt Isolated from each other 24 volts and the drive power supply. I am starting with the drive power supply I believe It will end up about 110 volts or so if I remember correctly (the original Bridgeport power supply was 124 volts)

so is yours up and running ? if so what have you made...... I have a back log of projects waiting.

archie =) =) =)
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: usfwalden on December 21, 2008, 09:35:48 PM
Ya, I haven't installed the 4th axis but the machine is up and running.   All I've done on it is some test cuts on a big piece of steel to get my head square and my face mill set up, then machine a step deck on a flat six block, and machine a carburetor spacer.
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: jeep534 on December 22, 2008, 04:05:18 AM
well I figured you would at least be making a few Christmas presents with it :)  do you have pictures of your mill posted anywhere

archie =) =) =)
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: usfwalden on December 22, 2008, 09:27:13 AM
It's the excello spindle wizard thread.  http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,3990.0.html

The pictures are hosted on my own webserver but there isn't a photo album so you have to pour through the thread to see them.
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: jeep534 on April 07, 2012, 02:45:44 PM
there has been much water under the bridge since the last update   a lot of out of town work and a divorce and all the aftermath of that anyway it is time to get back on this project will be asking questions and posting more pictures of where it is today I have pieced together the powersupply and mouted circuit cards re routed the cables from the servos and encoders. i have big plans for this machine and mach3.
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: jeep534 on January 27, 2013, 07:49:15 PM
Well  9 months later
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: jeep534 on January 27, 2013, 07:52:35 PM
more pictures
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: jeep534 on February 06, 2013, 04:57:50 PM
I am having trouble posting pictures. anyway I have been working on a big piece of aluminum to mount the viper 200f drives to and I will need to figure out the low voltage  power supplies the high voltage one is up and running

archie =) =) =)
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: Chaoticone on February 06, 2013, 06:30:23 PM
Looking good Archie!  The pictures are too big, thats why your having trouble posting them.

Brett
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: jeep534 on February 07, 2013, 09:55:56 AM
trying to upload photos again
Title: viper control power supply
Post by: jeep534 on February 14, 2013, 11:04:11 PM
I cannibalized some parts out of the old Bridgeport stuff  to supply the 12 volt control voltage to the vipers today .

archie =) =) =)
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: jeep534 on February 15, 2013, 07:52:07 AM
Next step is to get  220 power to the mill.  One leg will supply power to this little transformer (control  voltage for the viper) and both legs will supply  220  power to the high voltage power supply
there will be another power supply for the breakout board and one to run the relays for the air solenoids ect. slowly working through this.

archie =) =) =)   
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: bevins on February 18, 2013, 08:36:25 AM
I am watching this one. I have a R2E4 series 1 cnc boss 9 coming in 1stof March. Have to decide what I will do.
I am not big on the financial side so I have to do it as less expensive as possible.

The Larken Automation Viper stuff is looking real nice about now. I am a bit worried if I have to change the encoders or not.

Good job on your machine.
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: jeep534 on February 18, 2013, 09:14:47 AM
ther is another one out there running the stock encoders and I am going to run the stock encoders. the motors are powertron and encoders are BEI.

archie =) =) =)
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: bevins on February 18, 2013, 09:20:08 AM
Thanks for the reply Archie.

So to make a quick synopsis with equipment:

3 Larken Viper 200 drivers
1 breakout board
Power supply.

Would that about do it?
I noticed you were looking for a 5vdc power supply. What was that for?
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: jeep534 on February 18, 2013, 11:30:13 AM
computer, keyboard, preferably smooth  stepper if i were to do it today I would use CNC4PC c32 breakout board. and torridal transformer power supplies.

arachie =) =) =)
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: bevins on February 18, 2013, 01:58:41 PM
Isn't going with mach3 and step and direction a step back? You are not going to get feedback into the controller for error protection.

Just curious.
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: jeep534 on February 18, 2013, 02:12:36 PM
hmmmmm I am not understanding your question. does the mill you are getting run currently or are you going to have to retrofit it so it will work.
archie =) =) =)
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: bevins on February 18, 2013, 02:17:32 PM
The Machine does run with drip feeding large files.

If your machine once setup with Mach3, can it do error correction re: gets off by a bit, does it auto correct. this can only be done if the controller knows where it is at via encoders.
What I am wondering is, does Mach3 know where it actually is. I didn't think so because the drivers are not sending mach3 position so it cannot compensate.

Am I wrong here?
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: jeep534 on February 18, 2013, 02:55:33 PM
yes sort of,  the loop is closed at the drives. and I hope you can run your machine as is. I was only able to get mine to home a couple of times before it quit all together. as far as retrofit to mach3 I suspect that the retrofitted machine will be head and shoulders above the existing machine.  the weak point of those machines is the electronics.  the electronics have aged where the steel has not assuming the lubricators are working. in addition the retrofit allows the use of a 4th axis  which the original did not.  as well as the use of touch probes,cameras, ect.

archie =) =) =)

P.S. I sent you an email to what is listed in your profile
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: jeep534 on February 18, 2013, 09:41:32 PM
the way this system works is when the vipers are not able to keep the servos up with the encoders then it sends an error message back to mach that error amount is  set within the drive. all of this "error is in a  order of magnitude. also if you are not pushing the machine very hard then you will not see any errors being kicked back to mach. this issue has been beat to death. steppers do not have any feedback of any kind and work very well within their limitations. the loop on the servo machines are closed at the drive ( unless you are using something like a gallil card) when I get my mill up and running I am going to strap a small block chevy block to the table and push the rapids into fault then back it down 20 percent and lock them down there. not the most scientific way to do things but that is my story and I am sticking to it.

archie =) =) =)
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: bevins on February 18, 2013, 09:54:52 PM
I am not debating, I am just trying to figure out because I have someone telling me that I am going backwards, replacing with step and dir controls.
They are saying you are better off taking your chances and leaving drives and controller and drip feeding, then again, they are trying to sell me their card controller.

Not sure, what I am going to do.




Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: jeep534 on February 18, 2013, 10:19:05 PM
I am curious now..... who are they and what card controller are you talking about.  if you are not comfortable discussing it here you could email me directly.
archie =) =) =)
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: jeep534 on February 18, 2013, 11:00:44 PM
food for thought boss 5 machines are stepper machines.... and a few of those have been retrofitted with Hilbilly's break out board and wiring diagram. the later boss 9 machines like ours either work or everything but the servos and encoders  have to be replaced.  i am confused as to what you are being told.   The weak link in these machines are the electronics.    Run the machine as long as you can with the existing electronics.  When it comes time that it won't do what you want or need it to then work it from there.  Addressing the issue of step and direction being inferior I say prove it.  These are 25 or so year old machines  and they are being used in garages and home shops.   If you are making parts for money then it is on to the next level of machine with tool changers and flood coolant. at least for me anyway. 

Happy Hunting
archie =) =) =)

 
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: bevins on February 18, 2013, 11:10:12 PM
What they are saying is There is no true feedback or error correction. If windows decides to do
something else because it is not a true multitasking OS, then it will lose steps. Now, I have two CNC routers that work with
wood and stepper motors and Mach3. I don't really have a problem with them. Wood is a different story than metal machine going crazy.

I know there is alot of people doing Mach3 larken upgrades to their machines.
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: jeep534 on February 18, 2013, 11:39:19 PM
the FEAR thing again. you must do this or it MIGHT damage your engine.   this battle has already been won. but i guess it is rearing it's ugly head again.  as long as the computer is running dedicated to the machine and you are already comfortable with mach3 I am curious as to why you would even consider a different machine controller.
archie =) =) =)
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: bevins on February 19, 2013, 12:31:13 AM
I think you are right. I am not going to go down that road I dont think. I\t would cost me twice the money despite them saying it is cheaper..

I will start ordering parts, starting with the VFD, then look into the Larken stuff. So 2 March I will get the machine and start gutting it.

Are the existing drives and controller worth anything? I see some on ebay, very expensive.
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: bevins on April 03, 2013, 01:46:46 PM
Any forward steps? Did you get your encoder to viper squared up? Does the viper accept single ended 5wire encoder connections? thats what the BP has, the bei encoders.
Title: Re: Archie's first cnc machine Bridgeport R2E4 Boss 9 to Mach 3
Post by: jeep534 on March 20, 2018, 10:42:59 PM
bump
getting back on this project
archie