Error Codes Boss 6.1

[creep_pea]

My machine won't let me do anything

All was running fine last time I used it, went to start it up this morning it powered up fine but on the display the RUN, GOTO, TOOL, N, F, S and T light where on plus a number on the display (0407). So I switched it off and tried again same thing happened but this time a different number was displayed (70007) and the N light when out. I can't move anything with the control and the spindle wouldn't start but I switched the reset switch in the control cabinate and this alowed me to start the spindle but still no axis movement or reponce from the control.

Been looking at the maintance manual but I can't find anything to do with error codes, the error light isn't on but it may not be working.

Thanks

Chris

[machintek]

Any time I have seen a 70007 on the display, I wound up having a LSI-11 issue. Pull it out, clean the edge connector with a soft eraser, put it back in, make sure logic supply is good. Make sure after you power up that you use the reset toggle switch behind the plexiglass. Do a google search for Digital Equipment Corporation and LSI-11 and see what comes up. Maybe some user groups. DEC called it a KD11L module.
Good luck.

George

[creep_pea]

Thanks alot George don't know what we would without you.

Is there a list of what the errors mean anywhere? Thought they might be in the service manual but I don't seam to be able to find them.

Reading the manual it recomends cleaning the logic boards with isopropyl alcohol (or soapy water on boards without switches/trimmers) is this still recomened or am I best just cleaning the edge connector and leaving the rest untouced, thing have a habit of breaking when I start messing!

Cheers

Chris

[creep_pea]

Oh yeah before I forget there is no LSI-11 on this machine it uses a LSI/2 instead.

Cheers

Chris

[creep_pea]

Cleaned all the logic boards up this morning but still no go, getting 0407 displayed on the screen again.

I checked the power supplies all seamed reasonable, the +5v was a bit high (5.14v) so I've tweeked that back down to 5v.

Cheers

Chris

[machintek]

There is no error list for this machine. I have searched for years for something definite on paper. Yes, I remember that this is a BOSS 6.1 but I thought that you would have better luck in a google search with the LSI-11 and go from there. The reason why all those LEDs are lit is that the LSI is haulted. The only other error that is definite is when the ERR LED is lit. This means the ERS board is defective. In that case the LSI is running but cannot load the BOSS software from the ERS. Then again I believe you have an RRS.

George

[creep_pea]

Thanks again George

You would think Bridgeport would have made a list of the errors, on well.

Yeah I do have a RRS board.

Checked a few more power supplies as described in the troubleshooting section of the service manual, found the DC control voltage to be a bit low on terminals 74,76 (56 VDC supply) got 52.5v should be 53-59v and the same from the bridge rectifier BR1 terminals 75,39 (got 52.5v should be 53-59v).
Also the -12UR,GRD is low got +17v should be +21.0 to +28.5 but the regulated -12R,GND is absolutely spot on.

I take it that it is not possible to run the test programs as described in the troublshooting section while the LSI is haulted.

Cheers

Chris

[creep_pea]

George I'm not sure but I think I might have found a meaning for the number displayed have a look at this, I maybe well wrong but it seams to make sence.
http://www.jfc.org.uk/documents/scan...=pdp11%2Flsi11

[machintek]

There is a section in the maintenance manual on ODT. Typically used with a dumb terminal plugged into the local port. If I can extrapolate that the last digit is valid then there exits an error 7 which is a combination of the above errors. Still means a bad LSI.

The 54 V supply is for current regulation using the saturable core reactors and the ACC board. Does not affect the logics.

Hint: There is a small terminal strip on the logic power supply close to the top and near the logic boards. There are 6 very thin wires on it that are of interest. 3 are blue and three are lavender(?). Set DMM to DC volts and go to the two different colors alongside each other. This should be at 5VDC. Very close, but not below. These wires come right off the logic boards are are a LOT more accurate method of setting the logic supply. Now go out one wire in each direction (middle blue wire and middle lavender wire). This is 12 VDC. The two outside wires are -12VDC. I hope this helps.

George

[creep_pea]

Thanks again George

I'm starting to think its maybe time to move to PC control and scrap all the logic boards, been reading about pluging the PC into the machine through the K8 socket off the ZDI board and carry on using the original steppers and drivers. Jderou and HillBilly have done this at very low cost which sounds good to me and they comment on how much easier it is to use (which is beliveable).

I'll recheck the voltages, clean the LSI board and contactors and give it one last try.

Cheers

Chris

[creep_pea]

Sound like I'm going to be buying a unwanted used board off Hood after his retrofit, so is there anything I need to check before I put it in, don't want to cause it go pop. Will just setting the voltages right be ok or is there anything else worth checking?

Can I clean the socket which the LSI plugs into with contact cleaner or if not any recomendations?

Thanks again

Chris

[machintek]

Inspect the socket but unless you see a chip in there or bent pins, it should be OK.
As long as power supply is OK, there should be no problem. Remember to plug it in oriented correctly.

George