Messages

1

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: Shizuoka AN-S Retrofit

« on: September 02, 2011, 05:17:03 PM »

Thanks Jim!! That's exactly what I needed!

Brendon

2

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: Shizuoka AN-S Retrofit

« on: August 22, 2011, 11:53:50 AM »

Now as far as the controller for the changer.....not sure.   I think it must be controlled from this cabinet (1 of 3.)  My totally uninformed estimation is that it must be controlled by the main AB controller (on left hanging on the door.)  The only reason I say that is there are only two other components in the cabinet.  The one on the left appears to be the breakout board (if that is the right term on an old machine like this) and the one on the right appears to be a power supply for the AB.

Jim, any documentation you have on any of this stuff would be greatly appreciated!

Now back to square one, where I am, I think I'm going to order the DG2S-16035 from cnc drive which has apparently replaced the Dugong.  The geckos have huge appeal since their headquarters is only 45 miles from be, but I think I'm going to really want the higher volts/amps in the future. 

Thanks Guys,

Brendon

3

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: Shizuoka AN-S Retrofit

« on: August 22, 2011, 11:35:09 AM »

Here are some pics of the tool changer.....

4

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: Shizuoka AN-S Retrofit

« on: July 31, 2011, 03:05:46 PM »

Hi Jim,

Thanks for the reply.  Would like to see some pics of your Shiz!  I'm very interested to hear what you think of the performance of those Gecko Drives on  larger machines like these.  Does the 80V limit affect your performance?  I've been trying to decide between the Geckos and the Dugongs.  I was thinking about running the Dugongs at 110 volt, to simplify the power supply.  I figure if the motors are good for 90V, they are probably good for 110V.  What do you think?

I was trying to figure out the devices needed to reuse the old analog drives, but it looks like I can put together an entirely new system with the geckos or dugongs for less then the price of the analog interface setup.  Am I missing something? 

Wish I could share some brilliance about the tool changer, but that's way more advanced than I am at this point.  If I can just get 3 axis running under mach control, I'll be thrilled!

Thanks,
Brendon

5

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Shizuoka AN-S Retrofit

« on: July 21, 2011, 01:31:34 PM »

Hi Group,

First off, thank you to all of you who post on this forum.  I would never have considered this project if I hadn't spent the last few months reading all these great threads about what you guys do.  

My friend Jon and I just bought an early '80's vintage Shizuoka knee mill with an AB 8400MP controller.  The CNC stuff was apparently fit up by an outfit called Hasbach.  The controller still runs and the x,y,and z all run smooth.  While the old AB might still be serviceable,  I want to convert to Mach immediately.  

I think the original DC Servos will be good enough to get us going, the only problem is I can't tell what they are.  Whoever painted the machine last destroyed any traces of motor id tags.  Here is what I know about them.....They have 4 brushes, they measure 5.0" O.D. , 14.85" long with cover on, 10.40" long with cover off.  The motor power wires appear to be 18 or 20 gauge.  They have been retrofitted with accu-coder digital encoders made in 1993.  They are currently running up to 90volts from the AB system.  Does anyone recognize these servos??

Thanks!
Brendon