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General Mach Discussion / Re: Limits/Homing Wiring For Two Machines Using One Controller

« on: September 29, 2013, 03:09:25 AM »

Thanks Fastest1 I thnk that as long as I know where axis 4 starts then this will be ok. If it can start at same figure each time then thats OK Thanks again

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General Mach Discussion / Limits/Homing Wiring For Two Machines Using One Controller

« on: September 27, 2013, 07:40:58 AM »

I am new to CNC and would like some help/information

I have two machines – a gantry type router [existing machine] and a milling machine  [new machine] that I am converting to CNC.
The existing machine uses a Gecko 540 and has a combined home switch/limit switch on X Y and Z. Three in total – all NC . Axis A is slaved to axis Y. All works fine

I have copied this profile to control for new machine and will adjust soft limits, disconnect the A and Y slaving etc, before connection. I intend to use the spare axis [A] as a rotary axis for gear cutting on the new machine [I’m a clockmaker] but as I’d like to use the Gecko 540 to be interchangeable for both machines I’m wondering of the best way of achieving this from a limits/homing wiring point of view

[1] For the router, connections are made to points 1,2 and 3 of the Gecko to control the limit/homing switches for Axes X,Y,Z and A. [there is a four pin plug from the controller enclosure – Points 1,2 and 3 and -vdc] It occurs to me that I will need to use terminal 4 on the Gecko  for the new machine to control the separate axis A. [Five pin plug from the controller enclosure [4 axes and –vdc] Presumably, when connecting back the existing machine [which only uses points 1,2 and 3] I will have the plugs incompatible with each other and the limits/homing will not work correctly?

[2] Having looked at the forum, some say that a limit/homing switch on the 4th axis is unnecessary. I’d like advice from gear cutters what is the recommended set up. Pros and Cons. Also, without a homing/limit switch on the 4th axis, what is the situation when you press the “home all axes button”

I would appreciate any help that anyone can offer - thanks