Messages

21

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: Acroloc with Fanuc 6MB to Mach3

« on: May 08, 2014, 02:05:33 PM »

Thanks for your input. I like the fact that I can customize the controllers functions internally as with the Kflop. I don't like the fact that you can't do that with the CS-LAB but if you use a PLC then most of that will be done in the PLC. But now add the extra cost. With the Vital system you have to purchase the $300 activation per controller to write script for use internally. The thing I like about the PoKeys is the only wire I need to run from the back cabinet to the front operator panel is a long USB. Hopefully Mach4 will be out soon and all the update rates will be fast enough to use more external devices like the PoKeys. For the money the 55 I/O on the PoKeys is awesome.

22

CS-Lab / CSMIO I/O both Sink and Source

« on: May 08, 2014, 12:07:44 PM »

I believe the I/O can be used in both Sink and Source depending on how you wire. In the example (see attached pic) it shows both a NPN and PNP proximity switch being used. It's all about how you hook up the output. I believe the same could be done with a limit switch as well. You either hook the switch into the + or - side of the input. That is why each input has both connections. Hood correct me if I'm wrong.

23

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Acroloc with Fanuc 6MB to Mach3

« on: May 08, 2014, 10:14:28 AM »

The project:
Acroloc  Machine with 12 tool ATC and Fanuc 6MB.  I have been playing with Mach3 and have purchased a PoKeys 56U and have made some prototype operator panels and have tested using the PoKeys.
The Yellow cap analog DC Fanuc servos are in good working order so I want to keep those. The Fanuc still runs but 16K of memory is a killer and max feeds are slow when doing engraving. So I’m trying to decide on the following.

KFLOP with KANALOG  Analog servo plenty of I/O  Not a lot of posts so how good is support?
                                                           Or
Vital Systems DSPMC   Analog servo but would also need from CNC4PC  ( M27, M28 & M29) for I/O   Lots of posts and good support?
                                                           Or
CS-Labs CSMIO-A    Analog servo plenty of I/O  Lots of posts but from overseas so how is support?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Attached Pics  are the machine as it is now..

24

General Mach Discussion / Re: G81 Canned cycle problem

« on: April 27, 2014, 06:45:59 PM »

I may have a fix so give it a try.

In MachScreen edit the Single Block button
STANDARD CODE  to 1600  It will show up as user defined 1600 an change standard code to 34
EXECUTE CODE   Code("M999") Make sure you save when you close the window.

Then save the screen set and start Mach3
Write a Macro and save as m999.m1s  that has this code
DoButton(4)

That's it. Give it a try and let me know if it works. In my simulation the code won't execute and turn on or off single block until it reaches the end of the current moving axis move witch I believe is what will fix the problem. Keep in mind it will not switch single block as soon as you press the button and that is good so you don't have to beet on it. It will change states at the end of the current axis move.

Acrodoc

25

General Mach Discussion / Relative Position DROs

« on: April 27, 2014, 04:36:28 PM »

I'm a newbie to posting so I hope I didn't post this twice.
For anyone who may be interested I have created a Relative DRO that you can set any axis to 0 yet it doe's not affect any other DRO. It is generally used as a Position Display you can zero out if you are cutting your fixture or some other Jog or MDI type move that doe's not affect you Work Offsets. Just to keep track of a temporary zero point.
 
Acrodoc

 
 
 

26

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: New people welcome !! Come in here and introduce your self!

« on: April 25, 2014, 08:37:47 PM »

Hi All,
My Name is Chris (Acrodoc) I have spent over 35 years as a CNC service tech, I have done 25 or so retrofits with Fanuc and Mitshubishi controls. I just stumbled upon Mach3 about a month ago and am very impressed with it's capabilities. I purchased a Break out board for the LPT port and a PoKeys56u. I have the tool Umbrella style tool change Macro written and working using VBscript. I have made a prototype operator panel with the Handle, Feed Rapid and Spindle Over rides plus axis select and increment select for the MPG.  I am working on new screens for Mach3 and under the Monitor keys for other functions. Ya I am like a kid with a new toy. I am starting to use Brains as well but the learning curve due to the difference from what I am used to. Wow I am so impressed with the capabilities of the stuff you can get from online vendors for such a good price. I hope to get one of my old 12 tool milling machines converted from a Fanuc 6MB to Mach in the not to distance future.

Acrodoc