Messages

1

General Mach Discussion / Re: Help! How best to configure Mitsubishi MR-E-20A (and 40A)-QZ

« on: April 20, 2019, 08:36:47 AM »

If you connect with a wire CN1 EMG input (pin8) to SG input (pin13) then the drive side Etsop is permanently deactivated.

Correct, but I would recommend finding a way to integrate a switch into that configuration as a means to stop movement.  On my Shop Sabre, no signals existed to monitor or halt the system in the event of a crash (e.g. if one drive alarmed, the others just kept running and would cause damage).
Also note that when I originally went to wire my controller card to the drives, I found the drive ground wires were all wired in series, and someone also wired an outlet using the ground wire for neutral.  This created a ground loop and sent the mitsubishi's into an epileptic seizure.

2

PoKeys / Re: Driver Connection

« on: July 10, 2017, 01:55:50 PM »

rodm717, thank you for pointing out the lack of information on the PoKeys - drivers wiring. We will work on preparing clear instructions and examples on how this is done properly.

How's that coming along?  I am just beginning to draw the diagram for wiring my PoKeys57CNC, and a guide would be great right about now.
I do have one (for now) specific question.  I have an existing spindle (constant speed, need only on/off) that I need to supply 3v to, to turn it on and off through the software (obviously).  I do not need to control it's speed or direction.  It uses an external SSR that I only want to feed with 3 volts.  Nothing fancy, and nothing more.

3

PoKeys / Re: Pokeys57cnc Spindle Questions

« on: July 10, 2017, 01:29:48 PM »

Just want to make the topic answered for future reference.

From Technical support:

The OC outputs are part of the 'Pulse engine' and you will find them under 'PoKeys PE' device in Mach4 IO mapping (read more here: http://blog.poscope.com/pokeys57cnc-pinout-explained/).

Hope this help in the future!

Thanks all!

Laurent

Thank you!

4

Mach4 General Discussion / Advice wanted on canned cycle, scripting, etc.

« on: June 16, 2017, 02:35:11 PM »

Hi,
Let me preface by saying; I'm not looking for someone to do my homework (I enjoy the learning process).  I'm looking for advice on which method(s) to use to achieve my desired results.

I am (still) quite new to this, and looking for some advice.  I am looking to run a tapping cycle, in a straight line, on a rail (pre-punched holes).  I have a set pattern in groups of three holes, as such; .625, .625, .500 (inches).  What that is, is a standard "rack unit" spacing for rack mounted computers and such.  The rails, however, come in different lengths, and can be any number of "rack units" from 12 to 52.  Also, the rails may have holes in just one row, or may also have them in two rows, and those rows may have different spacing between them (variable depending on spec).  Additionally, there will be the ability to place rails side by side.

What I am trying to do is create a friendly screen, where a user can input the number of rack units, [one side or two], and the number of rails per run.  Now, baby steps is probably the best way for me to get going, so here's a question (or two):
What is the best way for me to have the three spaces (.625, .625, .500) in to a repeating cycle for a certain number of times.  This will need to happen in a manner that can be used by my next question
What method(s) should I use for getting data (number of "rack units") from a screen text box and have it repeat that "rack unit" for [txtBox value] times.

I know this might be hard to understand, as it was hard to try to word it correctly.  I am hoping that someone will at least understand it well enough to start a conversation with me (and the group).  Through brainstorming, we can solve anything.

Regards,
Patrick

5

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Router Table Retrofit - Advice request

« on: April 10, 2017, 06:46:56 PM »

Hello,
I hope I've done my homework correctly... (have a few remaining questions, and looking for someone to look over my proposed build).

My machine, a 4x8' router table was modified many years ago with a dc motor and a tapping head (self reversing Procunier #1E).  It has 2 Horizontal, and 2 vertical axis.  It was intended to have the two vertical axis (Z, W) drive synchronously in what would be a basic Line-At-Angle (except the hole spacing changes throughout the line).
Obviously, doing this with an old school DC motor becomes a difficult task because of speed and feed rates.  So, I was handed the machine and told to fix it.  This quest brings me to you.  I have done, in my mind, a good amount of research, and would like opinions on my results.  Here are my parameters;

1)The existing drives (Mitsubishi servo's) are wired for SD operation, and do function with Mach3 (which I will use for testing only, before going with Mach4 Hobby.
2)The new motors (we will call them spindles) will need to run between 400-1000 RPM, and provide no less than 18-20 inch pounds of torque at speed.
3)These spindles must be able to maintain relatively matched speeds, as they will be driving (10-32 and 12-24 SAE taps).

After doing my research, here is what I have come up with;

Software
Mach3 or 4 (demo mode, but will license for Mach4 Hobby)

Controller
https://www.poscope.com/product/pokeys57cnc/

https://www.poscope.com/product/cablepack-pokeys57cnc/


Motor
https://www.teknic.com/model-info/CPM-SDSK-3432S-RLS/

https://www.teknic.com/accessories/#product_783

https://www.teknic.com/products/servo-motor-dc-power-supply/#ipc-5-info
https://www.teknic.com/accessories/#product_328]https://www.teknic.com/accessories/#product_787
[url]https://www.teknic.com/accessories/#product_328
https://www.teknic.com/model-info/CPM-SDSK-3432S-RLN/

Tapping
https://www.maritool.com/Tool-Holders-Floating-Tap-Holders/c23_27/p65/ER16-Floating-Tap-Tool-Holder/product_info.html
  This allows for 5/16 deviation to compensate for any difference in vertical lift vs. tap rotational speed.

Question;
If anyone is familiar with any of the above, I would appreciate and feedback you have.
Anyone that feels compelled to chime in, feel free, please.
Will I need BoB's?

Other places I found information;
http://www.cnccookbook.com/CCCNCTappingFeedsSpeedsTechniques.html
http://blog.cnccookbook.com/2011/12/24/motion-control-boards-take-mach3-from-hobby-class-to-industrial-grade-part-2/

thank you for taking the time to read this, and thatnk you also (in advance) for any input you may have.
P.S. be gentle... this is my first time.

6

General Mach Discussion / Re: Help! How best to configure Mitsubishi MR-E-20A (and 40A)-QZ

« on: March 28, 2017, 08:21:14 AM »

Craig, thank you for the reply.  I had apparently been under the misconception that step and direction were two separate signals.  As I managed to successfully make a cable and connect Mach3 to one of the drives, the drive went the opposite direction than what was being called out.  I assume (scary thought, assuming) that pins 23 and 25 are reversed in my cable (now to find my pin extractor).

I can probably get ahold of the drive software, but I'm not sure what, other than parameters, I would need to alter, if at all.  I can access parameters from the display, and the drives have been working fine with regard to the most common settings.

As for the choice between Mach3 and Mach4, the good people at Mach Support were not sure they would, so Mach3 was purely for beta testing.

The original software that came with the machine, WinCNC, has it's own internal controller card (which is where the 5v comes from).  And yes, the limits are wired directly in to the card.

So, all of that being said, my task list moves to the next 2 items;
1) Should I leave the servos as they are with respect to open collector, or should I move to differential mode?  That may be a question for the servo guys, and maybe the correct answer is to leave well enough alone.
2) I need to find spindle motors, within my small budget, that will drive between 400-1000 rpm, and have a minimum of 20 inch pounds of torque at those speeds.  The speeds will most likely be set it and forget it in most cases, and the need for the range (400-1000) is mostly because I'm not sure what will work best.  The existing spindle (just a 90v dc gearmotor) spins at 360, and I'm sure the other axis' could handle ramping up.  The existing spindle motor is going to be replaced by two spindles (already have two vertical axis', but one is empty), and will need to spin at the same speed.  The vertical axis' will drive the spindles, equipped with form taps, down and up in to existing holes.  X and Y will only move when Z and W are  up, out of the part.

Once I have the new drives nailed down, I can begin looking for a controller card, BoB, etc. to move in to the Mach4 software.

I thank you again for your assistance Craig, and hope to hear from you and others with suggestions on my project.

7

General Mach Discussion / Help! How best to configure Mitsubishi MR-E-20A (and 40A)-QZ

« on: March 27, 2017, 02:06:33 PM »

Good day to you.  First time posting.  Please forgive me if this is the wrong area, but I did see similar questions to mine here.  I currently have what used to be a CNC router (4x8' table), manufactured by Shop Sabre, using WinCNC software and in internal controller card.  The machine has 4 Mitsubishi servo drives/motors, MR-E-20A (and 40A)-QZ.  I can not find a reference to the QZ.  The closest I've come is this link http://dl.mitsubishielectric.com/dl/fa/document/manual/servo/sh030031/sh030031b.pdf.

When WinCNC connected these drives, they did so using 5v from the controller card, versus the 24v requirement in the referenced manual.  They also only used pins 1,2,8, 23, and 25.  Pins 1 and 2 are soldered to one wire (+5v).  Pin 8 is E-Stop input.  Pins 23 and 25 are PP and NP respectively.

In talking to Mach Support, they are not sure the drives will function with the software.  They have recommended I install the Mach3 version, hook up a drive, and try it out.  Now I am, by no means, an engineer on this stuff.  I've been around it for a long time, and I could probably muddle my way though it and hopefully not burn out a drive, but in an effort to do this the smart way, I thought I would ask here if anyone either has experience with these drives, or knows enough about this to decipher the manual, couple that with your knowledge of Mack3, and help me get the signals worked out.

Thank you, in advance, for any help you can offer me.

Patrick