Fadal 4th axis questions

[carbidecraters]

Does someone have a picture of a 4th axis card? We have a handfull of smaller Fadals that are prewired but I dont know which one has the 4th axis card (or which slot it could be in). Also with a VH65 you can call out your x,y,z,a while your milling right? Some say Fadals with vh65's arent a true 4th axis so maybe I am not hearing them right. I know these questions must sound silly to those that have experience with the 4th axis but I am a newbie when it comes to any axis over 3 on a Fadal. All of our machines are 93-95...does that mean we need a DC 4th axis?

[DareBee]

93 and 94 will be DC, the 95, I believe could be either, although I a have only seen AC 95's

Some say Fadals with vh65's arent a true 4th axis

I believe this is BS.

Yes I can do simult XYZA (although I don't know where you would).

AFAIK the VH65 is DC and a VH165 would be AC.

this is also a "must know" http://www.compumachine.com/Support/...otary_Axes.pdf

[Neal]

The '95 machines will be mostly DC servos as the AC servos started in very late '95 and 1996. As for the rotary, it can be either an indexer with an external control box connected to the 1050 M-function board or a true 4th axis with a 1010 controller card in slot 13 and all the related hardware such as amplifier and cables and plugs.

Neal

[carbidecraters]

Hmm We have a M code card in one machine that is wired to a plug on the bottom of the cabinet. This must have been how the old owner used a 4th axis rotary. You should still be able to use it as a true 4th with a M card right?

[DareBee]

You should still be able to use it as a true 4th with a M card right?

As per Neal you will need a 1010 card for true 4th.
I didn't know they made a factory index type setup (doesn't really mean much ). You would think it would cost the same money to manufacture an index only as it would to make a full 4th. Maybe back in the 80s(?) the processor couldn't handle 4 axis code and these are leftovers.

[billystein]

the index board is for a haas type programmable control. you make a program in the control for the rotation positions and the board sends the M20code or whatever , to make it index.
the 4th axis board is the one that you need to control a servo driven rotary device.
I have the fadal 5c rotary. it is very small but it is full 4th. I recently purchased a 9" trunion. it has motors on it (fadal I hope). but I need to get the 5th axis board and wiring. maybe another $3-4 k. then I will be rocking.
it should look good on the equipment list anyway.


billy