Topics

1

General Mach Discussion / formula for slotted disc

« on: September 26, 2012, 09:32:42 AM »

Hi Guys,
I currently have a slotted disc with a opto sensor to measure the rpm of a spindle on a mill.
As of now the rpm is measureing correctly, however It reads rpm up to 2340 . How do i calculate what size disc and slot I would need to measure up to 5000 rpm. I currently am using a 4 inch disk with a .375 slot. What are the limiting factors, formula for calculating the range of the rpm being sensored with respect to disc diameter and slot width. Would I be giving up the low range to accomplish a higher sensored rpm.

Thanks Joe

2

General Mach Discussion / Index problems

« on: August 05, 2012, 06:22:30 PM »

Hi guys ,
My problem is my index is showing the rpm eradically. I call for s800 and it gives me anything from 150 to almost 1000 it stays somewhat steady at 350 .
I am using pokeys 56e for the input on 7 for index
The sensor is a Pmdx 170 slotted optical sensor
I have a 1100 ohm sensor from v+ to true . I check at input 7 with a multimeter and I am getting 5 volts when it pulses and zero when interrupted . Index debounce
 is at zero . My slotted disc is 4 inch and my slot is .375 . I have my spindle ratio at 1 and my speed is set at 200 to 4000 rpm . I hope i gave enough info , thanks

3

PoKeys / Help with pokeys56e and matrix keyboard

« on: July 07, 2012, 04:36:00 PM »

Hi guys I have the mach3 lockdown version , pokeys56e, the beta version of pokeys driver . I am trying to hook up the 48 matrix keyboard to Mach 3 . I  am as far as seeing the plugin in Mach 3 . But whe I go to add a new pokeys device my matrix keyboard is not listed in the drop down menu , nothing is listed . Do I need the current development Mach 3 or is lockdown fine to use. Also note I have not activated the pokeys device with a password yet . I thought that was only for pulsing . Please help , thanks

4

General Mach Discussion / Spindle and Limit switch

« on: April 03, 2011, 02:38:04 PM »

Hey guys,
Its been about a year since I worked on my Bridgeport boss 6 retrofit.
My problem is when I start the spindle using MDI, my z++ limit trips .
-My z++ limit and z home is shared by a optical sensor via pin 12 and normally closed.
-My z--, x++,x--,y++, and y-- is in series via pin 11 and is normally closed using mechanical switches.
- I do not have and x or y home switch yet.
When I home the z it homes correctly.
When I exceed the z++ limit it trips correctly

however, like I said when I start the spinlde via mdi through mach3 (T1S1000m3;) the z++ limit trips
I know its the z++ limit because when I deactivate the z++ in the inputs page, the spindle runs and does not trip a limit.

I do use a vfd in my machine.

Has anybody have had this issue, thanks Joe

I plan to finally post pictures of my design shortley thanks to all those who have helped me (hood).

5

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / BRIDGEPORT SERIES II CNC MILL W/ BOSS 6 CONTROL RETROFIT

« on: January 12, 2010, 09:30:30 PM »

Hello,
I am new to this so please excuse my ignorance, I am a newb.  I work in a production shop that currently uses 6 bridgeport boss 6 mills none are which are cnc, just nc. There is a series 2 boss 6 that is not working just used to maintance the other boss 5 for parts or boards.  The boss 5's run great for the high volume of work that we do for powdered metal parts which we just drill holes here do a little milling there. The only complaint is on a weekly basis an axis might go and we will have to stop production to repair the axis.  So reading this forum for about 2 weeks now i am interested to convert the series 2 boss 6 into cnc.  After retrofitted I will run the machine in production myself to learn all the pros and cons. If it goes great I plan to convert the other boss 5's in the same manner.

I would like out of all this:
- A more reliable machine
- Finer positioning and smoother motion
- Upgradeable to 4 axis's (rotary table)
- More speed in the rapids, but the same performance as the Boss control will do just fine
- A way to adjust the spindle speed via G-code instead of manually
- Control of coolant, by a M9
- Limits and home microswitches to cut the motor
- Smaller footprint

I plan to use:
- Mach 3 Mill
-Geckodrives (G540 or 3 G203V)
-BOB from CNC4PC (C11 G)
-PC (w/ Touch Screen LCD), if the touch screen lcd proves to be overkill it will be eliminated for the boss 5's
-The original Iron from the mill, along with the table, stock stepper motors, and spindle motor

Lastly I will get a power supply and fuses after I find the major parts for control of motors and misc devices

Am I in the right direction as far as parts go or does anybody else recomend trying something different?

I understand that the G540 is 4 axis and also a BOB, but can it control also coolant and a vfd for the spindle?

Is there a way to rigid tap (G84)?

I will also continue to read the forum to help better educate myself

Any guidance in this project, would be great.

Thanks for reading My post,
                                        Joe