Newbie- Mach 3 conversion from ez trak bpm2

[Wiztoo]

OK I've noticed some of you have done this, and my question is exactly what does this conversion involve. I've been machining for 20 years and have no interest in learning yet another conversational program when I have mastercam sitting there.

[ktb100]

Hi Wiztoo,

Mach 3 is not a conversational control. It is G code based. Wizards are available if you want conversational but your MasterCam has a post for Mach 3. You should give it a shot. It's really good stuff.

Kirk

[lavrgs]

Mach3 is a PC based software controller. If you are currently controlling your machine with a PC it should be pretty easy to convert over...BUT if if you are using a controller like a Dynapath (for example) you would need to change over a few other components. For example you would need a breakout board to communicate.
If you tell us a bit more about what you're starting with it would be easier to assess what you would need to do.

For me Mach3 is great, but I didn't have years of experience with all the bells and whistles available on a cnc machine. With a pc based machine you may have some limitations in regards to some of the handy knobs to change axes and the increment of the moves. All this is available in Mach3 but to get it on a front panel you would need some extra hardware to increase the i/o of the pc.

HTH

Bill

[Wiztoo]

I"m trying to research how I can upgrade my old eztrak. The machine is in fine condition with the exception of the interface (missing keys and a bad monitor). It is running DC servos instead of steppers. I would like to use a PC based controler on this machine. Mach3 has been repeatedly sugested. I am having trouble finding a basic schematic of what the new configuration would look like. I already have a functioning unit and controllers for the servos. I would think that all I would need would be an interface between the pc and the servo controlers. I know they make boards for this purpose for stepper machines. Do they make something for servos?? I am also wondering how hard it would be to put a VFD on the spindle motor and control it from the control. Is this workable?? I've been running CNCs for almost 20 years. I've had to learn half a dozen different conversational type programs and I dont really want to learn another. I've got mastercam and can program just as quickly with it

[ktb100]

The main thing to investigate is your servo and spindle drivers. This will dictate which board(s) you need. Industry Controls (Mach Industrial) has boards that will interface to Step and Direction and Analog (+/-10V) to the servo drivers. The spindle control or VFD can be controlled a few different ways as well. All can be done with ease. I have electrical schematics and connection diagrams broke down for very simple step by step installation. It is easy to use what you have if it still works. Almost completed operator panels too. Should be done in 2 weeks.

Best Regards,
Kirk

[lavrgs]

I used a Campbell Design Combo Breakout board to get the machine to talk to the PC. It works well and the documentation is available prior to purchase. While I really like the board this is not a flat-out recommendation because there may be other boards that do an equally great job.
Depending on how your servo drive are are working you may want to consider Geckos G320 or G320X. My encoders didn't like the G320X but work fine with the G320. This may require a new power supply as the Geckos only take up to 80V to drive the motors.
I removed all the electronics on a Tree J325 and sold them (non-working) for about what the new parts cost. I added a 15" monitor, and a Control Techniques VFD (only because I found one cheap)

[dreammstr6]

Wiztoo if you do decide to scrap the original eztrak controls i would be interested in buying the bmdc card if it is good. i have 2 of these machines and a spare would be nice.

[Wiztoo]

Ok so went digging and am still frustrated. The servos are Cleveland Motion Control Brushed 140 VDC 18.75 in @3100 rpm. No info avail from manufacture. Servo amps are Advanced Motion Controls. again no match from manufacturer. They appear to be analog but if im counting pins right the +10v and -10v on the amplifier aren't hooked up to anything. Ground is but not the ones marked +10v and -10v. Scratching my head at this point. Thank you all for your input and if you have more useful info please keep it coming. Haven't worked it out yet but I'm at least looking in better places. would pics help? maybe i should bring in my camera. hmmm.
Thanks again

[dreammstr6]

if your machine is a ez-trak sx or dx series 1 i have the manuals for this machine including the manual on the servo amps.

[ktb100]

Wiztoo. A pic would be awesome but if dreammsrt6 has the manuals, That is a home run. With that, you can do what ever you want.

Please do not get frustrated at all. It is an easy win and if you have too much trouble. Feel free to give me a call and I will help anyway I can. 626.336.2350

Cheers,
Kirk

[ErnieD]

dreammstr6,

PM sent.

ErnieD

[lavrgs]

Perhaps a call to the servo motor manufacturer would be a quick way to get info on their "legacy" productsDC Brush Servo Motors - They still make brushed DC motors. Getting those manuals would be a score!!! Collecting information will be the hardest part of the conversion and the more the better.