I purchased a 1992 Vmc 20 in late April I just got it powered up Saturday before last. Everyting seems to be working very well. I was going to have Fadal come and service it kind of see what I need to watch for in maintance. This machine has about 6 drive belts I was told that I should have it converted to single drive. I ask why? no good answere followed. Is it even a option to change? The machine was well cared for in a shop that never as I know of hesiitated at spending money for what ever their machines needed. All mills were Fadals and regual scheduled Fadal service by dealer serviceman. This machine had a card go bad 3 yr ago and they replace whole system.
What do you all think?
R.

What kind of rs232 do I need for hook up to download?
Do you run format 1 or 2 ? Format 1 was active when I powered up.

Correction,
Logos wanted to know if he should use rs-232 0r modem?
R

The posidrivebelt came out around 95 I think, there is an upgrade kit available, supposed to be more reliable and less vibration. My machine had it from the start so I can't compare for you.

Off the top of my head I would not expect some huge improvement. Maybe when your current belts are worn out consider the switch.


Can't answer the RS 232 question....refer to the manuals online available from Fadals site. There is a whole section on DNC that should answer your question.

Most people use Format 2. Its a bit more Fanuc compatible i believe. May need to comfirm this. Anyhow I dont mess around with format 1 much.

As far as the six belt system goes, if it ain't broke don't fix it. For the RS-232, it does not matter if the control is in Format 1 or Format 2. There is NO difference in the operation of the RS-232 between Formats.

Neal

Unless somthing is really seriously messed up, don't waste your money on a service call for maintainance. Check your backlash, keep your fluids filled, and you should mostly be OK. The manuals we got with our '97 are fairly extensive compared with some other manufacturers, and should keep you going mechanical wise for some time.

Stick with Format 2(fanuc style), Format 1 will just slow your cycle times down since it returns to the home 0,0,0 position every time to change a tool, the tool change is slow enough, you don't need to travel extra inches at a disgustingly low rapid rate to change a tool.