multicam controller repare or replace?

[daisydog]

I bought a used 22x22 moving table Multicam it came out of Bell Helicopter where they used it in there lab. It's approximately 8 years old and very clean.

I have experience using a Wincnc controller that uses a pc to run files and execute commands using either the keyboard or the buttons on the interface. The controller on the Multicam does not use a pc and any manual commands are entered using a pendant,(which is broken).

The controller nameplate calls for 460v/15A. The spindle is a Perske 2hp at 380V, there is a transformer in the controller cabinet to convert the 460v to 380v before the power goes to the invertor. The controller has three boards, (drivers or amps) one for each axis. Various other boards, breakers, fuses, capacitors, resistors, relays, etc.. Harware includes a tool touch off pad, proximity home limit swithes, and coolant lines. It is capable of tool offsets, spindle speed and on off. All the wiring is clearly numbered and everything is neat and orderly, it looks like nothing has been altered.

When under power everything seems to power up but the axis motors won't run and the spindle will not run.

The pendant has a mechanical e stop and a mechanical two position switch, these both work but none of the other switches do and the l.e.d. read out does not light up. The switches that do not work are all touch swithes that make contact on a computer style board that is full of solder joints and has two 3/4" square computer chips. The pendant looks like a small computerer itself.

My questions are:

1) Can this be practically converted to single phase 230V. I am willing to replace the invertor.

2) If single phase is not practical is 230v 3 phase practical.

3) How to reconfigure the wiring in the Perske. It is dual voltage 380 or 230 three phase.

4) Repair the pendant or replace it.

5) How to load files and run files, (there is an unused 9 pin plug on the side of the contoller cabinet, is this for a pc or some type of memory device)?

Anybody have any advice or know of a place to contact that does this type of work? Advice is preferable, this looks like a fun project.

Thanks,

Joe

[SCRAPWOTSCRAP]

Multicam routers typically need to be homed before they will allow you jog the axes or enable the spindle. Not sure what your particular pendant looks like but homing is accomplished by pressing shift key (up arrow in blue) followed by machine home (green key with x and y axis with corresponding zeros). After the machine homes, you'll be able to jog the axes and enable the spindle.

The nine pin connector is a serial connection. Multicam routers are dnc "drip fed" via a host computer with proprietary software (MX32 or Jobserver, depending on the age of the machine).

The two position switch is likely the spindle enable switch, which you would engage following homing the machine.

Typically converting the perskes is a simple jumper config to change voltages.

Where are you located???

[daisydog]

Hello,

I am in Kalamazoo, Michigan, 18" of snow and 9 degrees may as well work on a machine.

I talked to the Multicam distributor for the area today, and was able to spend about 20 minutes with a tech. He said the reason the command pendant or console in this case is not working is the board that is in it, or one of the two chips on it is faulty, or the 5.09 volt supply from the main controller is out of adjustment or shot. I am hoping it is a chip or the voltage supply because the board is not available and to do any replacing would require an extensive and expensive upgrade. I would probably switch to a cmsoft controller if this is the case.

If anybody knows of old Multicam controller consoles let me know.

What should I expect to run into if replacing the controller turns out to be the best option, and between Camsoft and Wincnc which is easier to retrofit, which is the better unit?

Thanks,

Joe

[SCRAPWOTSCRAP]

Sent you a private message.

[daisydog]

Multicam distributor from G.R. Michigan was very helpful and sent owners manual version 4. I don't think this manual is specifically for my machine more of a generic manual for a certain era. If anybody has one let me know.

I have attached some photos:

[xjdubber]

does the pendant display power up?

[daisydog]

The pendant does not power up. I have talked with the Multicam dist and told to replace the 5v power supply. The part should be in tomorrow. When the pendant receives 5v it should work. We shall know soon.

ddog

[SCRAPWOTSCRAP]

Jackpot d-dog!! Dubber is ex Multicam service tech, if I recall correctly.

[daisydog]

New 5v supply is installed. The output read zero. So I traced back the output wires to the mother board. They connect to a plug with eight screw in terminals. The black wire #310 went to a terminal labeled 0v the white wire wire #311 went the next terminal labeled +5. There were two other terminals on the plug being used.

The pendant showed no sign of power the manual e-stop works and the 2 position spindle switch works but no led readouts. I disconnected the black wire from the mother board and the power supply began working putting out 5.07 volts. As soon as the black wire was reconnected the power supply shut-off. There is a green led that lights up when the power supply is working. On the mother board there is an led that is labeled 5v, this led has not lit up since I have had the machine, all other leds on the mboard are lit up.

What does the 0v mean and what does it do and how can it be repaired?

Thanks for Ideas.

Joe
ddog

[xjdubber]

Originally Posted by daisydog New 5v supply is installed. The output read zero. So I traced back the output wires to the mother board. They connect to a plug with eight screw in terminals. The black wire #310 went to a terminal labeled 0v the white wire wire #311 went the next terminal labeled +5. There were two other terminals on the plug being used. The pendant showed no sign of power the manual e-stop works and the 2 position spindle switch works but no led readouts. I disconnected the black wire from the mother board and the power supply began working putting out 5.07 volts. As soon as the black wire was reconnected the power supply shut-off. There is a green led that lights up when the power supply is working. On the mother board there is an led that is labeled 5v, this led has not lit up since I have had the machine, all other leds on the mboard are lit up. What does the 0v mean and what does it do and how can it be repaired? Thanks for Ideas. Joe ddog

means you got a short, check the wiring with an ohmeter to see what you read for ohms should be infinite, disconnect the pendant and power up and check the volt display mean. sorry bout replying so late its weird every other thread i reply too it starts sending me emails about new msgs but not this one for some reason.

[xjdubber]

oh and the multicam controller is made by extratech http://www.extratech.com/ they might (emphasis on might) give you some help as well

[daisydog]

Thanks Dubber, I'll check for short circuits next week, I'm on vacation this week.

Joe Ddog