R2E3 Retrofit ideas (opinions wanted)

[legendboy]

Hey guys I would like to bounce my retrofit hardware ideas off you guys before I start spending money

I thought it would be interesting to learn to use the old control but now I want to just retrofit with a modern type control with the possibility of conversational type programing

Here is what I am thinking:

2x Granite VSD-XE-160 drives (dual axis mode)
2x VSD-E/XE installation kit
1x SPS-600-126 Power Supply
http://www.granitedevices.fi/index.p...vo-drive-vsd-e

1x 12vdc switching ps scavanged from equipment
Reusing my powertron servos
AMT103 encoders
http://search.digikey.com/us/en/prod...1308-ND/827016

For a control i am giving USBCNC CPU5A4E a serious look.
From a cost standpoint it is at the upper end for this project, likely around $600CAD shipped.

http://www.edingcnc.com/index.php?pa...productenid=55

A simple microatx pc setup and likely a touchscreen lcd monitor.

I think* i can have this project running for around $2k but I suppose there are always unforseens. This being my first retrofit, i am counting on it.


My goal for this project is to have a really nice cnc mill with a really nice, clear, concise, logical modern control. Reliability is at the top of the priority list

Anyways I would appreciate any feedback on these components as I am ready to start purchasing the components

[dougputt]

Why not Mach 3 as a operating control....? It is very popular and works awesome.
Let me know how you make out on the Retrofit I have a R2E3 as well that I may convert to Ajax cnc


Doug

[legendboy]

Thanks for the reply,

I wanted to try something different then the masses. I have already purchased usbcnc and have spent some time with it. It seems awesome.

I am struggling a bit with Granite drive configuration but I will update soon

I saw your other thread, i will be selling all my boss8 control stuff soon

[dougputt]

Yes let me know when you go to sell the parts, might be interested in the lot of them, if price is right.

Real interested to see your project when you're done.

[ccoleman]

Here's a couple of posts about the beginnings of my R2E3 retrofit.
Stuff » rednecktech
I put a dugong on one axis and 2 different types of geckos on the others. Anyhow, the photos of the encoder mounting may be of help. And I would recommend Mach3, but that's my $.02.
Chris

[dougputt]

Yes, I've used Mach 3 on my old Boss 5 it's the Cat's meow.

Nice work on the mill btw.

[legendboy]

Originally Posted by ccoleman Here's a couple of posts about the beginnings of my R2E3 retrofit. Stuff » rednecktech I put a dugong on one axis and 2 different types of geckos on the others. Anyhow, the photos of the encoder mounting may be of help. And I would recommend Mach3, but that's my $.02. Chris

I have read your website a 6 weeks or so ago. What brand of servos on your machine? Mine look quite a bit different on the encoder end. The head on my mill is also black.

How are those encoders working for you? I was actually warned against using those by a few different people.

When I had a look at my BEI's I found they have been retrofitted with IR LED by NC Servo at some point (nc servo sticker inside the encoder cover) I have not replaced them as yet, probably won't unless they prove problematic.

I didn't think Geckos had enough jam to run these 140v servos anywhere near their max performance, how are they working out on your machine? What sort of feeds are rapids are you able to get out of them?

[ccoleman]

Unfortunately, I don't have any time on this machine so I can't provide any insight into those encoders in the long-term, but I can say they were super-easy to mount and setup and seem to work just great so far. The servos on mine are labelled CSR Contraves and are rated something like 19V/1000RPM peak amp of 50 something.

I put the dugong on the x and out of the box it ran much smoother than the geckos. Funny thing is, I haven't built a power supply yet and am currently running on an old 36V/12A supply I had laying around. With that power supply I'm able to get rapids of 60IPM out of all axis, which surprised me... a lot actually. I don't know what speeds these machines were capable of in their stock configuration, but for my needs, even 60IPM is acceptable and I assume when I get around to building a power supply, speeds will more than double.

[legendboy]

Originally Posted by ccoleman Unfortunately, I don't have any time on this machine so I can't provide any insight into those encoders in the long-term, but I can say they were super-easy to mount and setup and seem to work just great so far. The servos on mine are labelled CSR Contraves and are rated something like 19V/1000RPM peak amp of 50 something. I put the dugong on the x and out of the box it ran much smoother than the geckos. Funny thing is, I haven't built a power supply yet and am currently running on an old 36V/12A supply I had laying around. With that power supply I'm able to get rapids of 60IPM out of all axis, which surprised me... a lot actually. I don't know what speeds these machines were capable of in their stock configuration, but for my needs, even 60IPM is acceptable and I assume when I get around to building a power supply, speeds will more than double.

ah yep i have the other servos, CMC and powertrons.

These machines came from the factory with 250ipm rapids and 100ipm max feed in x & y