Hi machintek and others,

I am an Anilam service tech (please don't hold that against me) but I am about to work on my first EZTrac. My customer has run out of memory among other problems and I am to install the following in his EZTrac DX Series 1:

mother board upgrade kit

disk on module

trak software version 6.00-5.78


I have enjoyed reading the postings in this forum and I wanted to ask if you can let me know what obstacles I may encounter doing this... To skip some stuff I am DOS literate and I build alot of computers so I don't feel uncomfortable with the mobo upgrade. I am however weary of the configurations that will be nessesary after performing these installs...

Please Help!! Thanks Guys!!

Hexus:)

Is DOM preloaded by EMI? If so it is all plug and pray. But I would have also replaced the logic power supply. It probably has a lot of hours on it and you don't know how long it will function. Example. If the fan quits on it, the voltage may get wacky, and all sorts of funny stuff may happen. This may result in another service call. I would rather keep a return call to a minimum. Makes me look better.
Transfer his programs for him.
I suggest you retrieve the SYS.BEZ file if you can because it may have the original pitch error values (if it was recent enough. Older software versions did not have pitch error comp). Backlash I would check center and ends and reset anyway.
Be thorough. Listen to the head, make recommendations of what PM can be done.

George

Great!! Thanks machintek for the reply!! I am not aware if the DOM is preloaded. I assume it is not since the software is separate. Is there a list of diagnostic parameters available for this machine? Are all the parms in the sys.bez file? What directory are the progs stored and what is their file extension?

Thanks again!!!

Hex:)

If the DOM is not loaded, you will need the DOS 6.20 disk set. You will have to set up the CMOS as well (if not set up). Load up DOS first. Then load the machine software. It will load everything you need EXCEPT the machine parameters specific to that machine (sys.bez). Programs are in the PGMFILES directory for the conversational, and TXTFILES for the G & M code programs.

George

Thanks again machintek!!! I feel comfortable moving forward now thanks to your help. I'm curious as well if there is a tech support dept. of Bridgeport/Hardinge that I can call when on-site if I get hung up on something?

Hex:)

I am aware of the fact that Hardinge does employ some Jurassic service techs (like me but not me). One in particular just moved from Atlanta to Orlando. But I do not know if such people are available for consultation through Hardinge. Most people tell me that they find Hardinge very frustrating in regards to Bridgeport support.

George

I have DOS 6.1 zipped up if needed. Advise.
peace

DOS 6.1 >click< (http://www3.telus.net/cgi-shared/filemgr.cgi/public_html)

Ahhh I see I may be on my own if I run into trouble... ty vm machintek

Sure 9 1/2!!! I would like to have dos61 since you mentioned it. I may need it lol.

thanx guys,

Hex:)

I think my posted link above is incorrect and I am unable to edit it.
So here is, I hope, the proper link.

sorry guys.

Click here (http://www3.telus.net/public/olloyd/)

Thanks 9 1/2 for the link!!! Isnt DOS just fun!

Machintek!!

The DOM was preloaded with DOS 6.2 and EZTRAK Contol Software 6.00-5.78

The mainboard upgrade kit was actually a whole new computer consisting of an ISA Cardbus and a Single Board Computer.

I have a question though. The control software is only operating in 2-axis. Is there a way to activate the the third axis or is there separate software for 2 and 3 axes?

The install was a breeze. I couldn't have done it without the help from here.

THANKS VERY MUCH!!!

Hexus

To have a three axis machine, the machine software will need to be reinstalled.
There are different batch files as to how it loads for the different versions of the controls and the 2 and 3 axis (more than 1) configurations.

George

Thanks Machintek its a 3 axis cantalever style Z. I'll select the right batch file.

Is there a written procedure for the tuning the sig gain, balance ,diff gain etc on the drive cards in accordance with the tuning section of the software?


Hex

No, I do not have anything specific to tuning. I do go to DOS, go to a file I am trying to remember, cursor down to tuner and using that display I tweek the offset and gain so it is the same for each axis in both directions. But since this is a very old 1st generation Z axis drive, I would do a mechanical inspection. Typically I find the nose piece cracked or busted out and loose. Just a heads up. I usually advise the customer to scrap it and replace it with the 2nd generation type from ELROD. Be careful though because your BMDC may not support another encoder input. The elrod style will have a linear encoder for 2 axis op and a rotary on the motor for 3 axis op.

GTW

Machintek thanks again!!! If I remeber from some of your postings the file is PFM.exe Is there a sig gain test for tweaking feedrates to something specific like 10% of rapid or do you just jog the axes while in tuning and wing it? Is there a parameter for the control to ignore feedback so you can set the analog balance or tune out the drift?


:confused:

thanks!!

Hexus:)

ps. what is your policy for members of the forum soliciting there services here? ty ag

There was a G&M code program that came with the original software called folleror.txt that did 45 degree moves so you could tweak the drives. I would have to look at my personal notes at the office to see what I have hidden away. most important to have following error the same for X and Y and and the the command is balanced for + and - moves.

George