Need Help!- Processor Board

[mniadna]

I bought a new Processor Board for my 1997 VF-O. Has anyone replaced this themselves? I swapped the board out and tried to start the machine, but I only got a screen stating memory and processor detection. Does the control software need to be added to the battery backed up memory, or does it get burned into the EPROM?

[M_D]

I was around when someone replaced processor boards for me. I didn't have the time to completely follow along, so I can't tell you every step and detail required to finish the job. I do know that that you will need to follow a certain proceedure to be sucessful, and without documentation or some sort of detailed explaination to follow it might be very difficult to finish the job. You will also have to re-enter all of the parameters and settings. Hopefully you have either a written copy of those and/or an electronic file backup copy, as that will save a lot of time entering them manually. If the machine has ever had any settings and parameters changed because of options being added or enabled after leaving the factory, or certain parts being replaced (e.g. spindle replacment, encorder, etc.), the original parameters may not be correct and so those will likely need to be adjusted accordingly.

I thought the replacement boards we got had instruction sheets with them, but I am not sure. Hopefully, if you don't already have them you can obtain instructions from someone or someplace. A web search may turn up something. There are possible complications, as a replacement board may not be exactly the same as original. Although it may work on the machine fine, it may need a different software version for example. The guy that did my work is a Haas service tech who is quite sharp about electronics the control function, and he had the factory on the phone a few times.

Sorry I can't tell you everything you will need to know to finish the job. Hopefully you will get it completed without too much more hassle or expense, although getting someone who actually knows the ropes may be best.

[mniadna]

I know this... I already have a recent backup of my parameters and settings on the PC that I have connected to the machine. Board did not come with instructions. My board is an upgraded part number with a co-processor and extended memory. It is the correct board for my machine and will run the 9.xx versions of the software. I just need to know how to get the software from one board to the other. Since I have already paid for the software in on the original board, I should be able to move it myself. Without paying a "service man", that has to call Haas to find out how to do it. I couldn't find anything on the web about this.

[Donkey Hotey]

There is a command line prompt in the Haas control. It's a computer, just like any other. It has cryptic commands (think DOS or Unix) that you won't be able to look up. You're basically 'reloading' your old information to a new computer.

I'm afraid that unless somebody here knows how to get into that mode and move the necessary information, you're going to be stuck getting a Haas tech out there. The machine doesn't have its basic information 'burned' into the board.

[mniadna]

Yeah, when I ran the machine with the new board. It was like a PC that didn't have a HD. It had a command line prompt, but no drive letter. I tired using Dos commands, but none of them worked. I didn't try any Unix commands, though. My old board just boots to the control software. I mailed Haas to see if they will tell me what to do. I have a 1999 service manual, but it only covers replacing the hardware. Anyone have a newer service manual?

[Haas_Apps]

Originally Posted by mniadna I bought a new Processor Board for my 1997 VF-O. Has anyone replaced this themselves? I swapped the board out and tried to start the machine, but I only got a screen stating memory and processor detection. Does the control software need to be added to the battery backed up memory, or does it get burned into the EPROM?

You will need to have the software installed. This can only be done by a service engineer.

Sorry I can not be of more help. The process can get complicated.

[Moxo]

Originally Posted by mniadna I bought a new Processor Board for my 1997 VF-O. Has anyone replaced this themselves? I swapped the board out and tried to start the machine, but I only got a screen stating memory and processor detection. Does the control software need to be added to the battery backed up memory, or does it get burned into the EPROM?

You need Software to program the Processor Board, Parameters,setings,etc.... backup...

Please call Haas for service. It´s very easy to do that.