PLC Documentation for Centroid Software?

[Pophamrt1]

What documentation is provided or available for Ajax's PLC language/programming for their Centroid softare?

I noticed there isn't any documentation for PLC programming in the Operating or Installation Manuals on Ajax's site. Did I miss it or is it something only supplied with the retrofit kits? I have a lathe retrofit with that will need programming for the (1) tool changer, (2) tailstock, (3) collet closer, (4) bar feed, (5) spindle, etc. Without the ability to tweak the PLC the project won't fly.

I realize that Ajax provides canned PLC routines that can be modified, which sounds great for getting you close. But without the abilithy to understand how difficult the PLC programming part of the project will be, it's hard to make a comittment.

Is there a manual or documentation for the PLC available to get a feel for its user friendliness? Also, what have other's experciences been using the PLC language for toolchangers?

[holbieone]

try here
http://ajaxcnc.com/downloads.htm
and here
http://www.ajaxcnc.com/ajaxbb/viewforum.php?f=20

[Pophamrt1]

Yes, thanks, I'm familiar with the Ajax website and forum.

Unfortunately, there's only one or two posts discussing programming PLC logic. There must be some manual, guide, something available to those of us considering having to do some fairly complex programming with the PLC. There's plenty of other documenation downloadable there, but a gaping hole for PLC info.

Are people buying CNC10 retrofit kits that will need custom PLC programming without ever even looking at the programming difficulty, or if its even doable? If so, please... it's either so solid and simple that its a non-issue, or its the achilles of the package and they don't want you figuring it out until after you purchase. Is there some reason there's no readily available PLC guide, manual or examples?

Aside from directions to their website, any first-hand experiences out there? Specifically, anyone find the PLC programming friendly and relatively straightforward to someone with basic programming skills? Anyone abandon the retrofit project or have to hire a professional programmer to figure it out? Is the PLC programming documenation non-existent because its being reserved for resellers to charge for as an accessory?

I'm impressed by Ajax's retrofit kits and operating software, but need to find out a bit more about the PLC side of the project before deciding to retrofit a production lathe.

[holbieone]

they should be on your cd

[holbieone]

try these

[Pophamrt1]

Thank you so much. That's exactly what I was looking for. Wow, pretty powerful language. Also pretty complex. Very helpful to have the manuals.

Anyone have an example of a PLC program to control tool changes on a lathe? Also still interested in others' experience with getting final code to work at a production level.

[holbieone]

this is all i heve