Convert 8025T to PC Based Controller

[Stinger.220]

OK - just joined the Zone.
Have a hobby lathe - with a few issues.
Hardinge AHC with an AccuSlide Conversion - Fagor 8025T -bad keypad.
I have searched for new keypad - about $1,000.00 - and that doesn't fix the over burnt CRT, or really fit my budget.
Currently everything on the lathe seems to work, except the F1 and F2 keys. Of course those are the keys that operate pretty much everything.
I am thinking of converting to a PC based controller - but don;t know what it will take.
So I am looking for someone that has run this path before - and blazed a trail for me to follow.

Fagor 8025T
Glentek Drives - GA369-1LPHV
QMC Motors - Model 2921 and 2922
Vector VFD Spindle Drive

Questions -
Can I use the Glentek drives with a breakout board ?
Do I need to convert to digital drives ?
These motors have tachometers - from what I can tell. will they work with any of the newer stuff ?
Is there a breakout board - or drive inteface that is recommended over others?

Sorry for asking all the questions, I have been trying to do research - but can't really find anything but more questions.

Thanks,

Stinger

[JP Hardinge]

Hi Stinger- you have a PM.

[chevy4x41967]

Retrofit Info...
In my opinion, you'll be making a mistake trying to retrofit that machine. The FAGOR controller you have will do anything you would ever want and more. I have had one of these machines at the shop I used to work at and loved that controller after I got used to it. It was the first actual CNC I ever ran and I was doing all kinds of stuff with it and the management of our company was so amazed. Before they let me run it, it was a $40,000 paper weight. Made my company lots of money with a machine just like that...

[JP Hardinge]

Granted- the Fagor 8025 is a good control but heading for the dinosaur pile as parts are dwindling away for that old design rapidly.

[Ringtech]

Give Brad at Dynamic Machine a call he services these machines and may have a keypad available, the screens are becoming rare and it difficult to get new screens, I always wanted to try to figure out how to replace the screen with a small LCD

[rasta]

hi; I have recently purchased a few of the glentek Ga 369 drives, but they came with no
paperwork, in the Glentek site there is no mention to such drives (to old) , can someone please point me where to get these manuals?.
thanks in advance
Mariano

[TAProwler]

Fill out this form on the Glentek site:
Application Assistant Form
R/Todd

[rasta]

thank you for your answer, I have sent the info to Glentek
regards
mariano

[rasta]

hi;
there is nothing in the Glentek site about the Ga 369 drives, I contacted them about 1 week ago but no reply yet , any ideas?
regards
Mariano

[TAProwler]

Lots of phone #s and email addresses here:

Contacts

R/Todd

[TAProwler]

So, getting back to the OP's thread, what's the status?

STINGER, What have you discovered about a PC based conversion?

I have an F8025M on a CNC router and it currently works great. But, I too worry about the day that I may need a part for this controller.

I've been watching eBay, etc. for a newer controller that maybe has been removed from a dead machine and is for sale. I've seen a F8035 control for sale before, but can't find it (anymore) now. That might be a better solution, rather than trying to do a PC based conversion.

Just wondering what you've found out and how you're progressing.
Thanks.
R/ Todd

[CNCTech25]

Originally Posted by TAProwler I have an F8025M on a CNC router and it currently works great. But, I too worry about the day that I may need a part for this controller. R/ Todd

I think thats exactly what every 8025 user is feeling right now granted they know of the support ending for this device with Fagor. The second a part needs to be replaced, any 8025 user can be instantly screwed and faced with a huge financial dilemma of an upgrade/repair.

I get worried about when I will need a part for 8025 and Fagor no longer has stocked parts. I dont trust the used units from ebay etc because they are usually half broken.