Adding a 4th

[Shizzlemah]

I've got a -5 system (1996?) and I'm trying to see what it will take to add a 4th axis.

I thought that you had to get another axis card and then buy the rotary eprom for it - and I recall those eproms were really expensive, like $2500.

The new axis card (1010-6) is listed as working with X,Y,Z,A,B,S.

So if I get a 1010-6, then I can just connect it to an amp and the rotary table, no need to add an eprom? I assume there will be no probs running
a 1010-6 with a -5 system, right?

[nervis1]

You need the a axis eproms, -5 axis card, and the wire kit with the dummy plug, and servo card. There is a complete kit they sell for about 5k. The -6 cards will work with a -5 system fine.

You also need the rotary table itself.

[Shizzlemah]

will a -6 card still need the A-axis eprom? fadal lists a -5 eprom for A & B but doesn't list eproms for the -6

basically does the $1200 axis card still requires a $2500 eprom ?

I can figure out the rest of the hookup, just wondering if it will be a $1200 card or perhaps a $3700 card after adding the prom

[nervis1]

It will work, the -6 card and A axis eproms, you need the card and the eproms. They are seperate items. The -6 denotes the card version, it will work fine with -5 eproms.

You'd save money by byuing the 4th axis kit.

You need the 4th axis wire harness, relays, air brake solenoid, lines, all kinds of stuff. Plus the servo card, seperate from the a axis board.

Cost will be over 10k after the kit and table. I think the 5c indexer is the cheapest table they sell and it's over 5k. If you want to get a tailstock matched to the table at the time of purchase too, add another 1k.

If you call the factory or CNCpros they will list for you all the stuff you need.

You did not say in your original post... is your machine already prewired for a 4th?

[Shizzlemah]

The machine isn't wired for a 4th, this will be a start from scratch.

My local Fadal rep is worthless. Unless they have to make a service call they are horrible about quoting add-ons. I added on a spindle probe, thankfully the fadal and renishaw docs were excellent. Can't imagine why the service clowns wouldn't have wanted to make that big markup for a simple install...

Anyway - Need to add an indexer and just looking at options.
$6 to add on an indxer from haas, $7k from hardinge. $11-12k from Fadal for a full 4th.

Meaning I can buy the indexer pkg today (leaning towards Hardinge), run parts tomorrow, then whenver needed, throw another $5k (axis card,prom,amp,cables,etc) to make it a full 4th.

With the hardinge, I can command the indexer using the serial port, so I can index anywhere and at any feedrate. (probably can do the same with the haas) Just can't do coordinated A & XYZ.
Simultaneous yes, coordinated no.

[SCHEMATICS LTD.]

have you tried kmac parts 1-248- 852- 8572 ? they will be alot cheaper and better warranty