V2XT Headache

[M99 Dan]

Hi everyone. I have a question about a '97 V2XT. I am running it on a rotary phase converter and I am putting in about 208v. It powers up, boots up and homes out the Z. When it gets to be the Y's turn, it starts off, the servo gets the message from the home switch, slows down for the single rotation of the encoder but just keep going to the limit switch. I have pulled the servo, limit switch and drive board and tried them on a similar V2XT and they all work perfectly. If anyone has a suggestion, it would be greatly appreciated.

Dan

[machintek]

Swap X and Y motors. If the problem follows the motor, the problem would be that the control is not seeing the marker pulse. Probable cause is a bad encoder.

George

[M99 Dan]

Thanks George

I swapped the motors and the problem disappeared. I think that this is just weird. Oh well, it works. . .to a point. When I started the spindle, the machine alarmed out with a PM AXIS DRIVE FAULT. Any thoughts on this?

Dan

[machintek]

Either the brake did not release and you tripped a overload, or you are on a phase converter.

George

[M99 Dan]

The brake release works well and yes, it is on a phase converter. It's rated for a 3hp motor with a maximum output of 12 amp at 208 volts. Is this not enough power?

I was also wondering if anyone has had any luck making Windows 7 talk to the DX32 controller. I am trying to link it with a usb to parallel connector.

Dan

[machintek]

I have attached a few phase converters to V2XTs but I rewire the machine so the artificial leg goes only to the spindle motor. That way the machine does not die when the spindle motor starts up and that artificial leg voltage drops like a stone.
Why the parallel port? These machines use serial port communications. Win7 can be used. Communications on the PC side is dependent on the software used.

George

[M99 Dan]

Thanks again for the help George

What is the best way to do the rewire?

Sorry 'bout the parallel slip. I meant serial. I have limited knowledge on this front and it shows up glaringly at times. So what software is recommended?


Dan

[machintek]

Make sure all transformers and power supplies run off the two good legs. The artificial leg should only go to the spindle forward/reverse contactors. I will not be more specific than that due to liability.
I use DOS based communication software (for the last 30 years). I carry a old laptop running WIN 95 for that purpose. I recently purchased on EBAY a dual core dell with 2 GB of memory BUT IT HAD A COMM PORT! I needed that because some newer dedicated software to communicate with auto doors uses XP and a COMM port. The USB to serial adapters do not work for me and I have tried a bunch. This day and age it is hard to find a laptop with a comm port. Hence the purchase.
Most modern CAM software includes a communication package. Do not know if it can be extracted and used as a stand alone piece of software. Maybe check the CAM section of this web site. Be prepared that it may need a true COMM port and thus a desktop.

George

[M99 Dan]

George,

Thanks for the nudge in the right direction. It's time to call in the electrician and get it done right.

I'll check the other posts on CAM stuff.

Thanks
Dan