I have recently converted my CNC mill to Mach 3 and want to do the same to my lathe.  I have a prolight turning center and need some advice on how to switch the control function from the stock system to mach 3 through the Comuter.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Fire away JD,
      Give us all the info you can about your current set up. Any documentation, links, etc.

Brett

PCI Card
Type: CNC Controller Cards
Manufacturer: Intelitek
SpectraLIGHT / proLIGHT Controller Cards

The PCI card communicate with a Light Machines Corporation box (Serial Number: 124 06AB 0666). It is unclear to me what model number the box is or any specification it has. But the lathe it self is a proLIGHT Turning Center 3000. I hope this helps. Thanks!

That doesn't help me much. I did a Google search and came up with this link.

http://www.intelitek.com/products/product.asp?cid=1&pid=2&did=4

It doesn't give enough info though. About the only thing useful I found is that it uses stepper motors. I have no doubt that Mach can control it. We are just going to need more info. to be able to help you much unless someone has first hand experience with this machine. You may want to peel the cabinet open and take some pictures. Wiring diagrams of the way it is wired now would help.

Brett

I've taken a group of pictures of the controller box. That is where most of the circuit are. The Lathe it self is just motors and belts. Where can I email these pictures to you?

Thanks!

Hey JD,
   You can post them here on the forum. If you don't know how, watch the welcome tutuor, first or second thread in General Mach Discussion. Size them to no wider that 600 pixels. Also might want to post them in General Mach Discussion. If you have any problems, let me know.

Brett

Hi, I'm a co-worker of JD. Here are the pictures. I hope they help, let me know what else I can provide to make it easier. Thanks!

-Than

Hey TSN,
    The control box looks good. Is that a DB 25 connector that goes to the PC? It looks like it to me. Is that the only cable you have going to the PC? Do you have a wiring diagram for the box?

Brett

Yes that is a DB 25 and it's the only connection going to the PC. I have been looking everywhere for a wiring diagram but I still can't find it. If I'm luck I'll have it for you soon. Thanks!

-Than

Good, If it comes down to it, you can take a meter and find the pinout for the DB 25 connector. It may be that it would be very simple. I hope  worst case would be having to solder an end on the cable. Do you know if the program you are running it with now puts out step and direction signals?


Brett