Bells and Whistles

[Riverside192]

I've decided to upgrade my V2XT Bridgeport and my question is do I need all the extras to run it? Ajax lists the kit at $2504. but then says you need to spend $3979. to do a complete job. Being a little strapped for cash can I run the V2XT with just the minimum kit? Will it operate as well as the old control without buying all the Bells and whistles. Also could I add the extras later when I get a little more flush with cash. Thanks D.

[Roadrunner]

Are you having problems with the existing control? How about just upgrading some of the componants? Does the machine have a BMDC or a FMDC?

[Riverside192]

The original computer is toast and the FMDC is suspect. I replaced the computer and upgraded the software but its been very tempermental since. I figured if I want to use the mill on a day to day basis I want something I don't have to mess with.

[Roadrunner]

The FMDC is repairable, but it can be costly.
How is the new system being tempermental?
What are the specifics of the motherboard? Speed, etc.

[Russ Shugg]

Even with the basic Ajax setup, you will be more than happy. Centroid and Ajax are essentially the same system, just Ajaxs is sold in kit form and you can use your own motors. I had (2) Centroids on Bridge ports upgraded from Boss 5 and had ZERO down time in 3 years of use. The Intercon software included is very easy to use and
will make prototype runs of 1 or 2 easy to program quickly. I wish I had never let them go. Installing the kit will give you insight into repair and maintaining the machine long term as well. You'll like the setup alot.

[Riverside192]

I checked into getting the FMDC repaired and it was way too much money to spend on an old out of date piece of hardware. Plus I'm tired of jacking around with a control I can't get parts for.Has anyone put in just the basic kit without all the extras? I would like to hear more about it. I'm not an electronics guru but I do have a working knowledge of electrical controls. Lets hear some comments from those that have been there.All comments and insights are appreciated. Thanks D.

[Roadrunner]

Is it certain that the fmdc is the problem? You still haven't given me the symptoms. If you put in too fast motherboard, this will cause problems. This could be a simple fix.
There are sources out there for parts and upgrade kits if needed.

[Riverside192]

Well its an aeeon 450 Mother board running EMI upgraded software that is supposed to be able to talk to the FMDC but so far I haven't been able to get it to run. The LED lights on the FMDC show that it is not loading. I keep coming up with a communication error on the screen.

[TR MFG]

While not a Bridgeport, we did the retofit on a mill and got the mill control pendant, 100 step hand wheel, and the new encoders and premade cables for them. We reused our servos, powers supplies and contacts. We didn't get any of the software options. The system is great and is used daily. We had some problems with the computer we used, but after some help from a "unix guy" we haven't had any problems scince we added the new computer. Could probly get by without the handwheel, I wouldn't want to, but the pendant is a must have. The handwheel saves time when setting up parts.

[cybeeria]

Riverside192,

I was pretty much in the same boat with my old Hurco. The controls were flaky and although I could get plenty of parts for them they were expensive and still the same old system and the machine was rooted in 1985 technology. The Hurco BX upgrade was nearly $4000 and would only get me up to the mid 1990's or so-still old tech. I decided I was waaaay better off to just bite the bullet and upgrade to current level electronics. After looking at dozens of possiblities I chose the Ajax system. I could do a bunch of work myself (ie save $$$) and reuse some of my good parts (more savings). I elected not to go with the pendant and the handwheel. I think that the pendant would be very usefull later but I chose to save the $$$ for now. I ended up having to buy new encoders and cabling but saved more by just getting the parts and making the cables myself. Worked great! The nice thing about the Ajax setup is that you can always add/upgrade later when you have spare money. I bought a hardened, stainless steel, "everything proof" keyboard from e-bay brand new for less than $25 including shipping (it weighs 10 lbs!) and I can move it around on an extension cable and get about 80% of the fuctionality of the pendant for 4% of the money. Good enough for now.

The total cost of the upgrade was less than $3000 including the computer and has brought my machine up to current level performance.

Hope this helps.

Bill