Same problem ??????

[bherr]

Over the past several months I've been having the problem with the spindle shutting down during cycle run. I have the Contraves motor controller and the Heidenhain TNC 155b controller. Here's what I've done so far:

1. rebuilt the spindle motor
2. upgraded to a 15 HP rotary phase converter as I had a 5 HP
3. upgraded my electrical service to 200 amp
4. installed #8-3 w/ ground from phase converter to CNC

When I upgraded the electrical service the electric line man said that the power fluctuation in my area was pretty bad and I'm thinking this maybe my problem as I understand the Contraves is very sensitive to power changes. anyone out there had this problem in the past and how did you correct it? I'm planning on calling the electric company after Labor day to see what they can do.

thanks
ben

[NC Cams]

A friend had this problem. The power company didn't want to do anything because they are responsible for providing residential power, not 3 phase power.

HOwever, he had a trick in the form of a recording voltmeter that logged voltage levels over long periods. He then got hold of the specs that the Public Utilities Commission in his state spec'd for allowable voltage fluctuation.

The power company balked until he pulled out the recorded voltage levels that were recorded using a/the voltmeter PUC of his state mandated. At that point the power company could not argue and simply came out, added another transformer to the section of grid he was on and problem solved.

You can P&M all you want about your psuedo 3 phase and the power company won't care. They only have to supply single phase - you're creating 3 phase and not in a way that the power company will recognize as valid.

Show them that the power that they ARE supplying is bogus and you'll be in a different bargaining position.

[John3]

I picked up a recording voltmeter with PC capture software at Radio Shack a year or two ago. You might want to try that if you're going to go the documentation route.

I think it was reasonably priced, somewhere over $50 but less than $100.

John

[bherr]

Thanks for the heads up guys. when I first called the electric company about upgrading the service I spoke with one of their engineers and he said that if I continued to have the problem after upgrading to call back and they would monitor the output of the transformer and replace it if it wasn't working properly.

Ben

[NC Cams]

Two things:

1. Although any recording voltmeter will tell you if/that you have a problem, the power company will only recognize the meter model that they use/certify as being a true and accurate representation of the voltage.

2. I'm sort of pessimistic by nature and have had my share of appeasments thrown at me to allay my fears. The power company engineer will say what the party line is - no more, no less. Yes, they'll deal with poor power issues BUT BUT, three phase power is NOT a or their "problem" in a single phase power grid. Wanna bet that 3 phase power from a converter that YOU supplied will not qualify you for a new transformer???

Now, complain about flickering house lights, flickering TV sets and repeated restart attempts by refridgerators or induction motors in AC's or other "residential" power issues and you have a real problem.

Add a high power demand (look at your meter and you have a peak demand indicator type, high current demands are indicators of the above) and you have even more of an agrument. Poor power could be costing you more than you think.

Forewarned is forearmed.