Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: enytned1 on September 26, 2008, 05:02:20 PM
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I would like to convert an AXYZ Automation Inc. CNC router to run on Mach3. I know the machine has a step motor so I think it is possible but am not sure as to the steps I need to take. If anyone has converted one of these machines I would love to hear from you.
The reason why I'm converting is for a client that needs a more user friendly control software than the TOOLPATH control software supplied with the machine. The machine is manufactured in Canada.
Thanks
Alex
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What you need to do is find out what controls the axis motors (you mention a "step" motor, but you don't say what it is one) and what controls the spindle motor.
Mach 3 puts out step/dir pulses on two wires to each axis. These normally control driver cards e.g. Gecko, which convert the step and direction pulses into on/off signals for each phase of the motor. If this machine already uses stepper motors for the axis, then (providing they are CMOS/TTL compatible, you can probably control the driver cards directly from a computer output.
The spindle is different, in that Mach 3 can output two different signals - one is step/dir as above - but acting on the spindle controller, the other method is a PWM (pulse wave modulation) waveform which can be converted into a speed signal voltage to drive an inverter or similar, and the reversing is taken care of by outputs on the spare outputs wires (one wire is "on" for forward, one wire is "on" for reverse)
What you do not mention is what computer the client will be using, and what outputs it has. Probably the best way to go these days is with a cheap laptop, and a Smooth Stepper output board, which plugs into a USB port - and provides all the outputs/inputs for the various mach 3 functions.
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Step motors are Vexta HS/HT # ELO548
Controller is AMC004C
Spindle is HSD with EMOP spindle control
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I know this thread is 2 years old, but does anyone have any info on this?
I want to do the same thing.
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Can you post info or links on the machine, controller, drives, etc ?
RICH
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Hey Rich,
I am new to this. So I'll do my best to give you any info. And thanks you for any help you may have.
The hardware is AXYZ automation. I am not sure what brand of table it is. I have not found any manufacturer data on it or serial tag or plate. I will post a pic of the table below if that helps.
The controller board says AMC0001A. I believe the machine is late 90's. The pendant control works. And I can run the last like 10 files stored in it.
The motors are step motors. But I am unsure if any one of them in particular would help you in determining any info on what to do or where to go.
It uses a porter cable router. of which it came with three.
I paid $250 for this thing, so if I have to put a little money into it, I can do that. It was in production use a few days prior to the shop closing down.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k7WNo7AKfO4/TGVen8v9oRI/AAAAAAAAAA4/9u_OS10JduM/s800/IMAG0181.jpg)
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Sniper,
Suggest you contact the vendor and get some info on the controller. I looked at their site and didn't get a hit for the model you posted.
If you can't get any info then you will need to open up the controller and take some pictures of the internals.
Unless someone is familar with it, you need to do some leg work to find out what you have and post it here so folks can take a look and give you
some guidance.
Till then I can't be of much help without guessing,
RICH
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Just a little follow up.
AXYZ in atlanta helped me out with some info on my machine.
Here is what she gave me so far.
it's a model 6010 form 1995.
it has a persky 5.5 hp spindle
an invertor
runs toolpath software
Question is that a generic or brand specific software?
She is going to help me out what the cable diagram if she can get the info. If not there is a cable available to purchase.
I suppose once I get it up and running, I suppopse I will have to use the toolpath software to operate the controller. I don't know if it would be worth upgrading to other software, controls, and what ever else is involoved in upgrading the whole system.
once step at a time.
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Don't know nothing about the toolpath software and it may be AXYZ company specific and you need to use it along with their controller.
I don't know.......
You need to find out if their controller / drives are step and direction and get specifics as to the pin outs or wiring required to use them with a different controlling program such as Mach.
May as well ask for schematics of the pendant also.
Wish Ya Luck,
RICH
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Hi all,
I see this post started a couple of years ago, but i thought i would weigh in with a little of what i know.
The AXYZ AMC controller has been replaced in the last couple of years with a new 7 segment, pc based controller that will easily run any nc program you want to. they have some details about it on their web site.
upgrading older machines to this controller is being done, but it might be pricier than the Mach. They can probably any mechanical work as well.
Hope this helps
Dean
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Just a little update.
I finally have got a little time to fool with my router. Here is what I have come up with for anyone in the future looking for similar info. And it's nothing out of this world, but being a newb it's like a huge breakthrough.
I was taking things apart trying to dissect whatever I could to understand what I had. The biggest thing I found out was that the drivers are Intelligent motion systems IM-483 step drivers. Once I had that, I went about getting the schematics and pdf's for them. All of which can be found on their website. At first I contacted them and was told that they no longer service the processor that I identified, but after another e-mail to them I was pointed in the right direction. For anyone needing that information in the future, here ya go.
http://www.imshome.com/downloads/manuals/im483.pdf
In order to just work my way through to try and get it up and running, I am not using a BOB or interface of any sort at the moment. But I am working on that now. Just for a better and protected installation.
Anyway, the long and short of it is this. This was EXTREMELY easy to do. I basically disconneted the AXYZ processor and wired my parellel port to the drivers like any other driver. I grabbed a 25 pin parellel port end and soldered all my little connections on there. Then moving to the drivers I completely left the P2 (left side) bank alone and left it wired as it was. The P1 bank on the right of each driver. I pulled out the 4 wires from the AXYZ board and I merely re-wired pins 2-3 as shown in the pdf. Bam, that was simple. I then went and followed the Mach3 PDF for set up and tuning and so far so good. I was not sure if there were any limit switches on the mahine at first, but upon closer inspection there are proximity sensors on it and I will tie in to those for proper installment. Should be fairly straight forward.
Again, I know that would have been super easy for most of you veteran guys out there, but this was like speaking chinese to me. So I am really happy to have gotten it to this point. Now I need to purchase a full version of MACH, a BOB, and some CAD/CAM software and learn how to use this machine.
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My name is Eduardo, I read about the conversion of the forum AXYZ Mach3.
I live in Sao Paulo Brazil and I have two and sometimes AXYZ Millennium
I have problems.
One had to replace the inverter frequency by a Vacon brand,
was good, but operates independently.
I put an on / off switch and a potentiometer to adjust the rotation of the spindle.
Now I need to replace the flash memory card. When I turn on the machine she does not read
the memory.
The price of the card in AXYZ Burlignton in Canada, $ 580 .... and FEDEX
and fees here in Brazil ... $ 1,400 total ... too expensive
I think it's just a common memory and that maybe I could adapt
a pen drive or similar, but not tried anything yet.
Another problem I had was the communication interface of the PC to the machine,
but I use the entry rs 485 machine, using a common drive,
built nearby, RS232 to RS485 converter.
A former representative of AXYZ here in Brazil is selling many machines
China and ofecere switch control of the axes with the Chinese electronics
asking $ 2300 and maybe I do it because AXYZ prices seem high.
In theory I see no difficulty turning the motors with other controllers
but I'm researching best to make sure.