Mach3 machine, some questions.

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12 Oct 2024 13:45 #311862 by timo
Hello,

I am hesitant to start, so I ask some questions instead. (some might feel rhetorical)

My Mach 3 machine works basically. Two things I am not happy with. a) missing hand wheel for jogging b) the rotary table c-axis that is mounted can only be moved, using a-axis. (did not find a way to change a-axis to c-axis.)
If I convert it to Linux I can fix those two things.
It is a x-y-z mill with open loop stepper system. A rotary table is fittet (could be a or c) 

Questions:
  • Leave the running Mach3 alone?
  • If I go for it:
    • Just rip it all apart and start from scratch? Or leave it "Frankenstein" with parallelport?
    • The old (still working) stepper drivers did not come with documentation and they use a ribbon cable for the signals. (so I do not really know what input pin is for what) Just throw them in the trash and use new DM860H drivers? (they are fairly cheap)
    • The old machine has a big toroidal transformer with one PCB (I think that is the rectifier). The wires are labled 60V. Keep it or replace it with a new switching power supply?
Greetings Timo

 

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12 Oct 2024 14:15 #311867 by tommylight

Leave the running Mach3 alone?

Oh hell no ! :)
Boot the PC from a USB with LinuxCNC, make a quick config while in LIVE mode, test the machine, edit the config and test some more, etc.
You do not need to install it for testing.

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12 Oct 2024 15:28 #311877 by timo
Replied by timo on topic Mach3 machine, some questions.
That is settled then :-), the machine will get a Linux.

For installation I will just use a fresh SSD and install it properly, no point in messing with the live boot. The latency test is soso on the machine, but I think will do. ( I

What about the other questions?

As fate has it the driver for the y-axis released the magic smoke just when I tried to home the bloody thing. :-) not the first driver that dies, (not sure why they do this)

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12 Oct 2024 19:41 #311895 by rodw
Replied by rodw on topic Mach3 machine, some questions.
Your toroid power supply is worth keeping. Assuming its 60v AC you can use a AC rated stepper drive. The Lam Technologies DS1076A is one such drive and arguably the best out there,. www.lamtechnologies.com/Product.aspx?lng=EN&idp=DS1076A
In fhe docs, there is an example of using a MPG with a parallel port. Some Mesa cards have dedicated MPG inputs, some need you to give up ome inputs to activate, but you can add additional I/O via a daughter card.

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13 Oct 2024 08:09 #311939 by timo
Replied by timo on topic Mach3 machine, some questions.
I started ripping the electric apart yesterday. (damaged driver and Tommy tipped it)
  • I do not really have any documentation for the brake out board and I wasted too much time with that thing already (fed up with it).
  • One of the old stepper drivers is toast, considering how much the replacement costs it is not worth trying to investigate the pinout of a ribbon cable.
  • Mesa 6i25 with a 7i76 plug and go kit is the way out. (in hindsight probably would have choosen one of the alternatives with network cable connection )
Plan for now:
  • strip entire electric
  • probably set the system up on the workbench to get the control running without mechanics.
  • give the machine a (very) rough clean up. (if some motivation kicks in)
  • See if I should replace the electric cabinet.

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