Need Help!- Upgrading an EZTrac DX Series 1

[Hexus]

Hi machintek and others,

I am an Anilam service tech (please don't hold that against me) but I am about to work on my first EZTrac. My customer has run out of memory among other problems and I am to install the following in his EZTrac DX Series 1:

mother board upgrade kit

disk on module

trak software version 6.00-5.78


I have enjoyed reading the postings in this forum and I wanted to ask if you can let me know what obstacles I may encounter doing this... To skip some stuff I am DOS literate and I build alot of computers so I don't feel uncomfortable with the mobo upgrade. I am however weary of the configurations that will be nessesary after performing these installs...

Please Help!! Thanks Guys!!

Hexus

[machintek]

Is DOM preloaded by EMI? If so it is all plug and pray. But I would have also replaced the logic power supply. It probably has a lot of hours on it and you don't know how long it will function. Example. If the fan quits on it, the voltage may get wacky, and all sorts of funny stuff may happen. This may result in another service call. I would rather keep a return call to a minimum. Makes me look better.
Transfer his programs for him.
I suggest you retrieve the SYS.BEZ file if you can because it may have the original pitch error values (if it was recent enough. Older software versions did not have pitch error comp). Backlash I would check center and ends and reset anyway.
Be thorough. Listen to the head, make recommendations of what PM can be done.

George

[Hexus]

Great!! Thanks machintek for the reply!! I am not aware if the DOM is preloaded. I assume it is not since the software is separate. Is there a list of diagnostic parameters available for this machine? Are all the parms in the sys.bez file? What directory are the progs stored and what is their file extension?

Thanks again!!!

Hex

[machintek]

If the DOM is not loaded, you will need the DOS 6.20 disk set. You will have to set up the CMOS as well (if not set up). Load up DOS first. Then load the machine software. It will load everything you need EXCEPT the machine parameters specific to that machine (sys.bez). Programs are in the PGMFILES directory for the conversational, and TXTFILES for the G & M code programs.

George

[Hexus]

Thanks again machintek!!! I feel comfortable moving forward now thanks to your help. I'm curious as well if there is a tech support dept. of Bridgeport/Hardinge that I can call when on-site if I get hung up on something?

Hex

[machintek]

I am aware of the fact that Hardinge does employ some Jurassic service techs (like me but not me). One in particular just moved from Atlanta to Orlando. But I do not know if such people are available for consultation through Hardinge. Most people tell me that they find Hardinge very frustrating in regards to Bridgeport support.

George

[9 1/2]

I have DOS 6.1 zipped up if needed. Advise.
peace

[9 1/2]

DOS 6.1 >click<

[Hexus]

Ahhh I see I may be on my own if I run into trouble... ty vm machintek

Sure 9 1/2!!! I would like to have dos61 since you mentioned it. I may need it lol.

thanx guys,

Hex

[9 1/2]

I think my posted link above is incorrect and I am unable to edit it.
So here is, I hope, the proper link.

sorry guys.

Click here

[Hexus]

Thanks 9 1/2 for the link!!! Isnt DOS just fun!

Machintek!!

The DOM was preloaded with DOS 6.2 and EZTRAK Contol Software 6.00-5.78

The mainboard upgrade kit was actually a whole new computer consisting of an ISA Cardbus and a Single Board Computer.

I have a question though. The control software is only operating in 2-axis. Is there a way to activate the the third axis or is there separate software for 2 and 3 axes?

The install was a breeze. I couldn't have done it without the help from here.

THANKS VERY MUCH!!!

Hexus

[machintek]

To have a three axis machine, the machine software will need to be reinstalled.
There are different batch files as to how it loads for the different versions of the controls and the 2 and 3 axis (more than 1) configurations.

George