Hello All:

I'm now the happy owner of a Bridgeport Series I BOSS 5 (I think. It has a tape drive input, so I don't know if that means it's really BOSS 4 or less. The machine is dated 1980.) in pristine condition, I'm trying to interface it to my PC so I can start porting Linux EMC2 to it but I'm lacking some documentation. I can't seem to find a so source of manuals anymore. I can see that people USED to sell manuals, but they seem to be gone.

At a minimum I need a manual describing the external CPC RS-232 connector. It would be really nice if I can find a schematic for the controller/amps/power supplies etc. I'd hate to have to spend forever with my logic analyzer backward engineering this thing. Anyway, s source of manuals would be nice if anyone knows of a current vendor.

Andrew

Hey Andrew I to am the proud owner of a new to me Bridgeport series I. I just picked it up last weekend, it is a "fixer upper", the machine seems ok manually but the electronic are suspect. I can get power to the pendent but am unable to jog the xyz axis or turn the spindle on. I know poor me but with the machine I got a set of schematics and service manual. I can copy them and send you a copy if you like. You wouldn't have a operators manual would you? I have no idea how to run this thing if I ever get it running.


Scott

scottstudaker@yahoo.com

Hey Scott:

I just did my first muff dive up the skirt of my machine. and found a PDP-11 system. I'm an Electrical Engineer, and would be more than happy to help you out. I sure could use a copy of your manuals, unfortunately I cant offer you a ops manual. But if you have skype we can vid chat and get our machines running.

Andrew

Hey Andrew, Muff dive? skirt? I know muffs are what we wear on our ears in the winter to keep warm but i have yet to find a skirt on my machine. Just kidding, I do not have skyp (not sure what that is):withstupi but I can copy these prints for you or scan them i'm not sure which would be easiest. quick question for you, on your machine in the driver board cabinet on the ers board is your K-10 plug hooked up? Mine is hanging and I am not sure if it supposed to be hooked up because it is to short to reach that board.


Thanks Scott

Hi Scott:

My connector is hanging as well. I understand this is the mode to allow for external RS-232 comms from the CPC (Circular Plastic Connector) on the front of the electronics cabinet. I think the J-10 connector is the interface to a current based signal interface used by the tape reader.

If you scan in the docs, that would be great. If you have a laptop or a desktop near your machine that would be great. Because skype would allow us to chat via camera and it would help me diagnose your problems if I can see what's going on.

Sure is hot down here in AZ, how's things in Canada?

Andrew

K-10 connector in ERS board = 20 milli amp current loop communication using pins 1 through 5 on local round amp connector.
K-10 out of ERS = RS232 communication using pins 5 through 8. Pin 5 is shield connected on only one end.

George