Possible to control a Vari-Drive w/ Mach3?

[Lasershop]

Like the title says.. Is it possible to control a Vari-Drive (V2XT) with Mach3 using the spindle increase/decrease icons? I dont see where the +- icons are mapped in the port/pin setup.

[Sparky_NY]

Originally Posted by Lasershop Like the title says.. Is it possible to control a Vari-Drive (V2XT) with Mach3 using the spindle increase/decrease icons? I dont see where the +- icons are mapped in the port/pin setup.

Although there is not a direct function in mach for +- speed control like the original, it would be very easy to add. That is what is nice about mach, it is very easy to customize functions one may desire. You can reassign those +- buttons to a user defined function (contol a output pin) A even better approach would be to use a VFD to control the spindle. Mach will run a VFD very nicely and has that function built in. The VFD also gives you dynamic braking. I get 1000-5500 rpm without touching the head and 100-700 in backgear without touching the beltdrive.

[TOTALLYRC]

Download Machscreen and then open up your screen and see what the buttons are assigned to.
Worst case if they are assigned to something weird, you can just remove the factory buttons and make you own, then assign them to what ever you need them to do.
You will also have to set it up so that when you program an S-word in the G-code it changes the spindle speed.

I guess the first question is how do you have the varispeed hooked into Mach3?

[Lasershop]

Originally Posted by TOTALLYRC Download Machscreen and then open up your screen and see what the buttons are assigned to. Worst case if they are assigned to something weird, you can just remove the factory buttons and make you own, then assign them to what ever you need them to do. You will also have to set it up so that when you program an S-word in the G-code it changes the spindle speed. I guess the first question is how do you have the varispeed hooked into Mach3?

When the V2XT was stock it was never designed for software to control spindle speed. The air solenoids controled the vari-drive on the panel just above the spindle. You increase/decreace manually with the button. I have it working that way and I do have it going through my Mach Motion breakout board assigned to pins. I was unaware about Machscreen. Ill check that out. Thanks. Still have a ways to go on this conversion. I never wanted to be an expert on every single frikin' wire and what they do but you just have no choice do you...

I dont think, or at least I have not run accross it yet that the V2XT spindle has a tach that Mach can monitor the RPM. I dont think so but Im no where near done with the wiring yet. Anybody know this for fact?

RonO

[TOTALLYRC]

Hi Laser shop.
If there are just to solenoids, one for faster and one for slower it would be not big deal at all to set it up in Mach. I would right a brain to make sure you don't try to move the varispeed unless the spindle is running.
You are correct, when doing a conversion/retrofit you start a first name basis with every wire in the machine.

Mike

[Lasershop]

Originally Posted by TOTALLYRC Hi Laser shop. If there are just to solenoids, one for faster and one for slower it would be not big deal at all to set it up in Mach. I would right a brain to make sure you don't try to move the varispeed unless the spindle is running. You are correct, when doing a conversion/retrofit you start a first name basis with every wire in the machine. Mike

Thanks Mike. Curious, What is "totally Rc about you. I have a couple myself. "Lasershop" RC based web threads go back years with custom made cars,trucks and buggys. I started helibadd.com a few months ago.

[TOTALLYRC]

Originally Posted by Lasershop Thanks Mike. Curious, What is "totally Rc about you. I have a couple myself. "Lasershop" RC based web threads go back years with custom made cars,trucks and buggys. I started helibadd.com a few months ago.

When I joined CNC zone I was running a couple of hobby shops with the family. While I still enjoy the airplanes and touring car when I can, the stores are long gone.

I also make some parts for RC cars and will be bridgeing out into airplanes, hopefully by summer.
Mike

[Lasershop]

Originally Posted by TOTALLYRC When I joined CNC zone I was running a couple of hobby shops with the family. While I still enjoy the airplanes and touring car when I can, the stores are long gone. I also make some parts for RC cars and will be bridgeing out into airplanes, hopefully by summer. Mike

Many moons ago, early nineties, I built and owned "Supertracks Slot Car raceway" in Fremont,CA. It was the largest slot car tracks on the entire west coast. I dont miss the retail part though.

[TOTALLYRC]

Originally Posted by Lasershop Many moons ago, early nineties, I built and owned "Supertracks Slot Car raceway" in Fremont,CA. It was the largest slot car tracks on the entire west coast. I dont miss the retail part though.

I actually miss the retail part. Meeting for the most part nice people and making them happy.

But not enough to get back into it.
I have moved on, have a great job and this maching hobby keeps me close to home so the missus is happy.



Mike