Messages

1

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach ? to control Starturn 5

« on: December 05, 2006, 02:09:26 PM »

Hi Graham,

So, there is more than one output possibility. I need only three 0-7 and a pulse, making four lines. Is that possible? Are the outputs parallel or is it a one wire serial? I am getting confused.

Max

2

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach ? to control Starturn 5

« on: December 05, 2006, 12:12:45 PM »

Hi Graham,

Thanks for that.
But, how do you tell the PLC that it is the start of a program for it to set tool one?

Is it possible to send one pulse for tool 1, two pulses for tool 2 and so on? By, say, calling for one or more than one "change tool" pulses within a defined time window and then the PLC would definitely know which tool to select.

Max

3

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach ? to control Starturn 5

« on: December 05, 2006, 10:32:47 AM »

Hi Chaoticone,

Thanks for your thorough reply. And yes, PLCs are incredibly reliable and only fail due to faulty components which is extremely rare. not like computers (which go wrong minute by minute when on Windows!)

What I can't understand is how you identify the correct tool in the first place. If Mach assumes tool 1 and you were on, say, tool 5 from the last programme, how do you get back to tool one?

Max

4

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach ? to control Starturn 5

« on: December 05, 2006, 05:23:22 AM »

Hi John and Hood,

Thank you for your input.
I am not happy with the one pulse solution, as if there is a power glitch or when the system is powered up, there is no feedback or handshake to tell Mach where the tools are. This could lead to some interesting adrenalin rush bending and mangeling. Would it be possible for Mach to output one pule for tool 1 and two pulses for tool 2 etc. The toolpost logic could then send a pulse back to Mach to verify.

Even further, could the transmission be an eight bit serial word both ways to ensure no mistakes?

regards,

Max

5

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach ? to control Starturn 5

« on: December 04, 2006, 03:33:29 PM »

Hi Chaoticone,
Thanks for that. Here are some pictures and circuits. The actuating motor is 24V and there are three IR sensors outputting grey code 0-7 for the tool positions. I guess I need a PLC or similar to interface.

The spindle motor is 150V max 4A. Suitable driver KWBWS-15.
Stepper motors are 2,5A 4 wire

By the way, I have just purchased this machine and have not had it working because there is very little information available from the manufacturer, but they are eager to help. I am working out my options. Original control or Mach 4.

regards,

Max

6

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach ? to control Starturn 5

« on: December 04, 2006, 01:47:42 PM »

How do I post images?

7

General Mach Discussion / Mach ? to control Starturn 5

« on: December 04, 2006, 12:01:18 PM »

Is it anyway possible to control the 8 way toolpost with Mach 4 on a Denford Starturn 5 Lathe or do you still have to stop the lathe and do it yourself as mentioned in the manual?