Upgrading a 1992 32 MP control

[chipsahoy]

Hi Guys

I see a 1992 4020 for sale that looks mint.. Im wondering if the 32 Mp controls have any issues with upgrading to the latest -5 software and also can I put rigid tap on the machine.. Also what can I expect to pay to do all this.. Is this a good or bad idea.

Comments please

[DareBee]

IMO - Bad idea.
Use it as it is or retrofit a different control.
Cost will be about the same either way.
I would install a Fagor 8055 system if my control quit.

[chipsahoy]

Can you be more specific as to pricing?? How much for the control and all that is required to be purchased and also the rigid tap issue??

Thanks Chips

[DareBee]

No I can't really.
Around $10k for upgrade to an ancient Fadal control.

Hey - they work OK - (I use a -3 Fadal), But I wouldn't spend that kind of money to replace it if it quits.

The Fagor is maybe $15k

Call your dealers and ask.

[nervis1]

I did it.

You can upgrade the whole thing, 5k for the -5 control upgrade and about 2k for a new PC. Rigid tap will run you another 2k.

I used to have a 95 VMC15.

My posts about it are buried here somewhere.

It's a job you can do yourself if you can read a schematic and swap cards.

Being totally honest there is little difference between the -2 and -5, as in real, see it in the part difference.

Dave

[DareBee]

The biggest advantage is memory limitations.
I have something like 422kb (this is max on my machine).
A -5 is what? 1mb?

The reason I would use something like a the Fagor (there are other similar controls out there) is because I could do a lot of my jobs directly in the control using their picture conversational programing, don't need a computer, CAM or comm to the machine.

[chipsahoy]

Thanks guys for the respones..

Nice to hear from thr guys who makwe it all happen.. My next concern is what is better, the DC motors or the AC motors???

Also If you were to buy a certain year and model, what would it be being that I know i can upgrade the control etc.. Botttom line, what were the best yeat fadals Iam interested in a 4020 .. Also looking into a 4th and 5th axis..

You guys are awsome on the replies..

Chips !!!