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I just built an opto isolated relay board with dual relays and installed it in my driver box. This is of course to control the spindle and flood coolant pump.
I haven't seen it mentioned here (maybe I missed it) but the way I achieved spindle control (on/off) was to install a jumper on the back of the speed pot to keep the switch closed. The speed pot still works.
The X2 plugs directly into a receptacle on the driver box and when the program calls for spindle on/off the relay board turns all power to the X2 on or off.
Simple and seems to work great so far.
The same for the flood coolant pump. I add some dwells for both in any programs now too.
Let me know if you see any problem with this method of spindle control.
That sounds like it will work, but you have an x2. Why settle for on/off, when you can add the CNC4pc C6 card and an independant power supply and have TRUE spindle speed CNC control.
http://www.cnc4pc.com/Store/osc/prod...products_id=58
Of course, if you are using the G540, you already HAVE everything you need for true spindle speed control.
CR.
Is it good for the motor control to get switched on right away at the full speed setting? I think the control is designed to require you to cycle the speed pot when power is switched on or off. I don't know if this is for the benefit of the drive or if it's a safcety feature for the operator.
Yeah, I was a little concerned about that too so I checked it out first. With the switch jumpered and the pot set to full speed, when plugged in it still has somewhat of a "soft" start. In other words, it doesn't just slam to full speed suddenly.Originally Posted by sansbury
I think the pot switch is most likely a safety feature, the main on/off toggle below the pot still works.
Can you spell that one out using short sentences. I'm not completely dense but thought the G540 spindle control wouldn't do direct control but had to via an interface? If there is no spindle rpm feed back (as on an X2) how are specific speeds calculated / observed / set?
The G540 can output a variable analog voltage from 0 to 10 volts DC. You can wire this voltage to replace the pot, between P1 and P2 (IIRC) and then Mach will control the spindle speed.
http://geckodrive.com/upload/G540%20REV3%20MANUAL.pdf
The analog output is the same as the CNC4P3 boards. This is for the C3 with an X3, but works the same:
http://cnc4pc.com/Tech_Docs/Sieg_X3.pdf
CR.
Last edited by Crevice Reamer; 12-12-2008 at 08:56 AM.
Don't confuse the actual spindle speed control with a tach to read the RPM. The X2 doesn't have a tach, (one could be added) but you still control the speed with the pot. You estimate the speed in mach by trial and error--Just the way it's done with the manual pot.If there is no spindle rpm feed back (as on an X2) how are specific speeds calculated / observed / set?
CR.
Thanks for that info CR, my drivers are Keling 4030's with a C10 BOB. I mostly mill aluminum and keep the pot set to full speed. If I'm going to be milling steel, I change the gear lever to low gear. Maybe I'm missing something, what's the need to vary the speed ?
Whatever works for you. VSS is just a more sophisticated CNC setup. Setting the EXACT spindle speed for a specific tool diameter or material can prolong tool life and give a better final finish. It REALLY comes in handy with an Auto Tool Changer.
CR.
Okay, thanks for the explanation, Still (always) learning.
Thats where I was getting confused - sort of makes a nonsense setting spindle rpm to say 1000rpm if it actually is 1500 and keeps breaking bits!
I can see a tacho being fitted or possibly an encoder to give feedback? Anyone have an idea of how slow the std DC motor actually goes - rpm wise?
I'm thinking threading possibilities although a stepper might be more practical!
By adjusting the trim pots on the speed control board, you can slow the X2 spindle to about 50 RPM.
You need reverse for tapping. The X2 motor is fully reversable, but you would have to add a simple switch to make this possible.
CR.
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