Boxford VMC 260

[Flying Scot]

Has anyone converted a Boxford VMC 260 to run with different software?

I have a Boxford VMC 260 which has Parker Digiplan SD3 stepper drivers controlled with a Bradford Instruments serial controller. I have tried the software which came with the machine (V4.23) but it will not run properly.

Would be gratefull if anyone has any experience with these machines can help.

Arthur

[pdl]

try usinga realy old computer 486

Pete

[michael-au]

Jus wondering if there is any chance of geting the V4.23 software for the 260vmc
I have tried Boxford UK and they show no interest in helping
Thank you
Michael

[pdl]

Hi

i refitted my 260 with a campbell board and i now use Mach3

the campbell board website is www.campbelldesigns.com and the software from www.artofcnc.ca


hope this helps

Pete

[michael-au]

Thank you for your reply Pete.
Did you just use the breakout board and rewire the steppers into it?
And if possible do you have any pics of the board in the machine, ifso you can send them to me at mfisher@bigpond.net.au.
Thank you for your help
Michael

[gordonb]

I have a VMC260, circa 1992, using Boxford software. Updates of the software are available from the Boxford web site as downloads - but you will need your own licence file. I've run mine a little with code generated from Mastercam, then imported to the Boxford as tho' it were Fanuc code.....needs some edits + I have some unresolved accuracy issues...Anyone with similar experience??

[pdl]

Hi

i am now running MACH3 with my boxford 260vmc.
one thing to look at with the accuracy is there might be play in the drive belts or the nuts on the ball screws mat be loose.

hope this helps

Pete

[gordonb]

Hi

Thanks for the input - I have made preliminary checks on the axis backlash - shows maybe .04mm on X, .12mm on Y (less at extremities).
If I mill test concentric circles (.1 deep with a 2mm ball nose), starting at 5mm dia and increasing in 5mm steps - the first few are poorish, larger ones are better (no backlash correction). Eyeballing the error on the small circles, my guess is that the error is bigger than the backlash---which makes me wonder how good the microprocessor board is in interpreting the G02's. I fancy giving Mach 3 a try - anyone got the pinouts for the Bradford instruments microprocessor board ? ......or is backlash more likely to be the issue?
NB 1. Simply entering the measured values in to the backlash parameters seems to make matters worse not better!
2. If I run my home code on a college VMC190 results are good - a newer machine with current software - but suggests problems aren't simply with my code. (My mill is the VMC 260 with Lenze drive, Digiplan SD3 stepper drives)


Later.....Generated some circular cuts, using only straight lines (G01's).....result....much improved accuracy. Looks as tho' my mills internal processor struggles with circles under about 20mm dia.
Down side...its much slower. Must try a faster PC feeding the serial link.

[alanhunt]

I have converted my boxford with new stepper drivers from arc euro trade and speed controller from an sieg x3!
details are on my home page

http://www.howtwo.co.uk/cnc/boxford.htm


incidently this is up for sale on ebay!