Haas Indexer as full 4th axis

[WGJ]

Can a haas indexer be used as a full fourth? Are the units that use an indexer control able to be plugged in to a machine with a fourth axis card and be used as a full fourth axis? Thanks.

[Geof]

Yes all the Haas rotaries can work as a full fourth axis on Haas machines with a fourth axis fitted. I have no idea if you could adapt a Haas rotary to the fourth axis wiring on a different make of machine but I suspect it is not possible.

[WGJ]

Thanks Geof....I hoped you would respond. After re-reading my post, I realize that I did not specify the type of machine. For a Haas mill was my original intention, and I am glad to hear that they work as full fourth.

[underthetire]

Only on Haas fitted with the option. Other machines are either RS232, or m-code only.

[03clipse]

The really old ones will only have one cable to plug in. so they would not work

[rawen2]

On another thread someone was asking about adding a 4th axis to a mini mill and was told that the option has to be activated at an additional charge even though he had already bought a driver board and rotary table.
My question is about the VF models. If buying a used VF that has the factory pre-wire and motor driver for the 4th axis is it still necessary to pay Haas to activate it? Or can you just plug in the rotary and run it with a couple of parameter changes?
Thanks,
Ralph

[behindpropeller]

Originally Posted by rawen2 On another thread someone was asking about adding a 4th axis to a mini mill and was told that the option has to be activated at an additional charge even though he had already bought a driver board and rotary table. My question is about the VF models. If buying a used VF that has the factory pre-wire and motor driver for the 4th axis is it still necessary to pay Haas to activate it? Or can you just plug in the rotary and run it with a couple of parameter changes? Thanks, Ralph

I thought you just tell it you have the fourth turned on? I remember seeing the parameter.

Tim

[03clipse]

If it has the driver it should be activated. set the parameter to whitch indexer you plug up and go

[Geof]

It is Setting 30 4TH AXIS ENABLE; you select your rotary code.

[offsetxyz]

The proper way to enable the indexer is to turn on machine and hit E-stop. With all servos disabled change setting 30 to your indexer WRITE/ENTER and then shut off power. Plug up indexer power and air, then turn back on power and release E-stop, reset etc. The indexer should then function as the A axis.

If your machine has the pin plugs for the indexer (A axis) then it should be able to use the 4th axis. If a 4th axis was not installed there would be no connections on the control panel side for the indexer to plug into. Just saw a machine come in without the option and watched them install the option, the plugs were part of the installation.

[cncman007]

when you enable the parameters dont you also have to tell the control the size of the rotary, ie 210, 310?

[offsetxyz]

On the HAAS VF5 and VF6 when you go to settings and setting 30 in particular it should be off. Arrow right through a list of indexers. 210, 310, 310B etc. If you choose the wrong one an alarm will more than likely be generated when you attempt to use it. Make sure you know which one you have. Ours has 310 stamped on it but it is really 310B (brushless). 310 generates an alarm. When you find yours hit WRITE/ENTER. The indexer is enabled. When you enable it the servos should be stopped and it is a good idea to have the power off when the indexer is plugged in also.