BTC-1 retro fit using DSPMC/IP controller.

[TOTALLYRC]

Mike

I want through your entire post and am impressed with the amount of work you did. Seems like a "never giving up" guy.

Well, I came to your post when I was searching for more info on the DSPMC analog controller. I just got a Milltronics CNC Knee mill with blown out controller. The 160vDC motors came with 500ppr TTL encoder along with VFD from Saftronics. I just collected all the manuals possible for the existing encoder, VFD and the Mill itself. After taking out the NOT needed components I was debating on the controller side. In my previous machines I have used Rutex 2020 drives. this time I want a high speed machining capability. The new drives are analog with torque and velocity mode.

After reading the DSPMC manual and your post looks like I am going to use this motion controller, unless you have any other suggestions . I have my motors, power supply for motors and 24vdc for controller, TTl encoder, VFD, a nice computer and a touch screen. It there any thing else I would need other than cables etc. I will post the pics of my project soon and keep in touch.
Thanks
Onkar

Hi Onkar,
Welcome to my world.
I highly recommend the DSPMC as it does a good job driving my Mill. I am making progress, however slow, on my lathe conversion.

The only other controller I have used is the pport and there is almost no comparison.

It sounds like you have everything that you need to make it happen.
Make sure to use proper fusing/circuit breakers to be safe. Mine needs the addition of a little more protection to be done properly.

As I said in earlier in my plog, it was a no brainer if you are using anaolog servo amps.
I had very seriously considered the CNC brain but I would still be waiting to make parts. Looks like I made the right choice.
Can't wait to see how yours goes.

Keep in touch.

Mike

[robins]

Mike,

When you get a chance, could you list the part numbers of the breakout boards you have used from Vital Systems? There are 3 in total, right?

Which PLC did you end up getting (p/n)? What do you hook the PLC to (the DSPMC or computer)?

Thanks
Robin S.

PS. Good luck with the tool changer.

[TOTALLYRC]

Mike,

When you get a chance, could you list the part numbers of the breakout boards you have used from Vital Systems? There are 3 in total, right?

Which PLC did you end up getting (p/n)? What do you hook the PLC to (the DSPMC or computer)?

Thanks
Robin S.

PS. Good luck with the tool changer.

My battery died in the middle of a nice long reply, let's try it again.

1.3 7711 for analog I/O and encoders, and 2 7535p for I/O.
2.Click PLC from automation direct. C0-00DR-D
3.Additional Input module. I think it was C0-16ND3
4. The PLC uses the serial port on the computer to communicate with Mach3 via Modbus.
Make sure to get the programing cable. It works for both programing and for normal use.

Let me know if you need any more help.
Tell Rufi I sent you.

Mike.

[TOTALLYRC]

Well it has been several months since the last update and it maybe a few more before it happens again but I thought I would give a quick update while I have a few minutes.

Probing is now avaiable for the DSPMC and I am using a probe from Wildhorse Innovations. SO far so good. I will be implementing some macros to do corner finding and vise placement and such.

The machine continues to run well and performs with no real problems. The few minor things are Mach3 related and they are the same as PPort people have.

The tool changer is slated to be done this winter, if I get the time. Since the mill works, I have been working on getting my Monarch CK12 up and running along with my Tsugami conversion.
I am also working on getting my surface grinder up and running, not to mention getting the shop finally organized enough to sell off all my extra equipment now that the rest of the machines are coming together.

The next real project to be done to the mill is the addition of an auxiliary control panel for the pots to control the feed, spindle speed, and rapid overrides along with a few more pushbuttons. I will be making a ten position addon box to house them. This way I will have ten switches on each side.

Then it is on to the powered knee for tool length compensation.

More to come, Mike

[TOTALLYRC]

Well I have been busy.
It is time for an update.
I just received a V2 controller from Rufi.
It has 2 internal headers that allow for 2 more DB25 connectors to be brought outside. This increases the I/O to 96!!!!!!!!!!!

I am removing the click plc and just putting in 2 more I/O boards.
The plc will most likely go onto my lathe or possibly the router when it gets upgraded to Mach3. I have decided to have all the machines run the same CNC control software.

Mike.