fadal controllers

[nervis1]

Can someone explain the difference between the 88hs , 88, and 32 mp controller?

I just bought a '95 vmc 15 with the 32 mp controller. I want to know how much memory is on it, is there a hard drive standard, dnc capable etc.

I've searched the web but can't find any stats on these older controllers.


Any advice on the machine will be appreciated as well.

Thanks
Dave

[Scott_bob]

nervis1,

been to Fadals website?
http://www.fadalengineering.com/ie/manuals/manuals1.asp

I can ansewer your questions about the difference between the 88 and the 88hs. Very little. Neither have the additional PC that comes with the 32MP (inside the pendant). If your's is '95 it prolly has a 486 vintage PC right? Running windows 95...
Your MP32 should have a hard drive, can u boot that up when you switch to the PC mode?
You should be able to use dosshell to see the hard drive size...
On the CNC side of the mode switch you can get the memory available on the:
PA[enter]
then follow all the prompts, I think you should see memory there.

I've got a lot of advice, you can read about some of it here...
http://www.cnczone.com/showthread.php?threadid=2294

I personally would not be happy with the control for long, but I suppose it depends on what you need the CNC for...

Best Regards,
Scott_bob

[nervis1]

I get it next week so I haven't had a chance to play with it yet. Just want to know what I bought. I can't seem to find info and stats on the 95 mp32 controller. Your comments are appreciated though.

It's going in my garage to replace a home spun servo converted mill drill so I'm sure it will be an improvement.

I read your post. I understand they arnet a high quality mill but I can't afford 200k on a new Mazak just yet.

Any comments on how to optimize the fadal, set up etc would be nice, you seem to have a lot of experience with them and probably know a few tips and tricks eh?

[Scott_bob]

Tips on using a Fadal, IMO:

Don't use format 1 (Fadal format)
Use format 2 (Fanuc format)

Reason:
Better behavior. For instance, in format 1 the machine will always want to start from it's home position, no matter what... Not in format 2...
If you have other CNC's, chances are they'll want to see Fanuc formating.
Don't even get used to using G92 X0 Y0
Just start right off using G54 or E1 thru G59 or E6.
Rarely do people need more than 6 coordinate systems...
I assume you have a CAM system, if you don't, get one. You'll be much better off doing this rather than trying to make usefull use of the shop floor programming stuff on a Fadal control...
Besides, when the CNC is running is when you can be programming offline...

Also, learn the difference between G8 (no feed ramps) and
G9 (feed ramps on). Use G8 for point to point and 3D contouring programs where you don't want the control to slow down after every block of code like G9 will give you.

But G9 is much more accurate than G8 (on a Fadal).
Note: It should not be but it is...

Modify the behavior of your Fadals feed ramping time by:
G51 R0+0.5
G51 R0-0.5
Use both of these for X, Y and Z axis. The machine will be quicker...
This is the key to higher feed motion on a Fadal.
With G9 and the modified G51 you get automatic feed reduction on inside corners, a good control slows when it needs to, a Fadal slows after every block, but it needs to...

It may sound and look stupid, and it is but on a Fadal this is the only way to get more accurate results at higher feeds...

Let me know how things are going for you,

Scott_bob