Messages

61

General Mach Discussion / Re: Vertical mill Mach 3 retrofit using existing steppers/drivers, advice?

« on: January 26, 2009, 06:38:36 PM »

I've got schematics but they are size "E" drawings just huge.  May be able to scan...

As far as what they looked like, long and round? Looks very similiar to this machine...

http://magnumprecisionmachines.com/usedpgs/used_ycm40_supermaxb.html#

62

General Mach Discussion / Re: Vertical mill Mach 3 retrofit using existing steppers/drivers, advice?

« on: January 26, 2009, 06:19:59 PM »

So a PC w/ monitor, a copy of Mach 3, and a smooth stepper board and I can be cutting.  If a DRO is needed when in manual I could use the encoder interface that rogersmachine.net sells.  This encoder interface would also allow Mach3 to stop when a missed step is detected.

I just looked thru the paperwork and the linear encoders are TTL level signals.  Also noticed the schematics and drawings all refer to Servo drives and servo amp cards not steppers.

Now I'm wondering what it has, the owner specifically told me it has steppers.  It's a Supermax YCM-40 if that makes a difference.  The schematics show five wires going to each axis motor if that helps.  I won't be able to look at the machine again until this weekend to get part numbers off them.

63

General Mach Discussion / Vertical mill Mach 3 retrofit using existing steppers/drivers, advice?

« on: January 26, 2009, 03:39:32 PM »

Hey everyone, new to the site and to milling machines.  Recently picked up a Supermax vertical mill with Crusader M (anilam) controls on it and uses stepper motors with glass scales.

Would like to convert the machine over to Mach 3 running on a PC.  Probably replace the control panel with a touch screen.  Someone tell me how far off this sounds:

I will need a PC, a touch screen, a parallel port breakout card (only one or two?) or should I go with the new USB driven ones?  How does the feedback from the glass scales get to the PC? thru the breakout board?

So the PC will send the signals needed thru the breakout card directly to the existing stepper driver boards?  Or is another device needed (like the smooth stepper board)?

Trying to learn as much as I can to come up to speed ....

Thanks!