Problem on Herco

[IC4111]

well I can tell you one thing, there is not much information on the net to help you, and Hurco was useless to talk to. All they wanted to do is sell me a new one.
On the encoders I did remove the dust cap. I took Q-tips and lightly cleaned the glass disc, and used that air in a can to blow it all out. it seems to have fixed the error code I was getting. I did several things to this machine to get it back up again. it has sat for about 2 to 3 years. I also took the end caps off of each motor, the end with the encoders and used contact cleaner to wash out all the carbon build up, then used the "brush lubricant" stuff in a can after that. Found both of these products at radio shack. I can provide you with the correct product names if you need them.

Next I moved on after fixing these problems and ran the machine to find out Y and Z would not jog, again called Hurco, they told me it lost programming and I needed to reinstall the software, and they would have to come out and do it for me, and bla bla bla at $100 and hour. well that didnt happen. So, after some testing, I fouund the machine would do everything but jog those 2 axis, and the "select" button would not work. I narrowed it down to figure out the XYZ axis was a signal switch from ground. For these I just added 3 push button switches to ground on a switch pannel. why? because for the membrane switch pannel they wanted $3220.00 for the select switch, I just used a razor blade, kinda sideways and ever so lightly cut 3 sides of the plastic, and folded it down, then there is another plastic cover covering the metal disc. I cut it the same way, removed the disc, cleaned it and the contacts and reasembled. I then used a heavy packing tape to secure it again. can hardly tell it was done.

End result is, I have a nice machine for 3K. it took a little elbow grease and had to put on the thinking cap as to how it works, but over all I am happy with it. by the time I wear it out, I can scrap it and still make money. All I have to do now is get some time to figure out how to program it, and I should be making gun parts soon. let me know if I can help, or if you need any more info, cause after this one I think I learned more than I wanted to.

[67Cuda]

Yes, I have found out that there is not a lot of help concerning Hurcos on the net. Thank you on the offer of helping.

If you can tell me the contact cleaner and brush on lubricant's name from Radio Shack that would be great.

If you need info on programming, PM me and I can email some info for that.

Thanks, Tom

[IC4111]

one of them is called contact cleaner and lubricant. the other was just a cleaner. I cant find it, must have tossed it when it was empty. they were on the same shelf though, ant it was in a larger can like 12 oz. the lube is 4.5 oz. the only part number I see is at the bottom of the can 64-4315.

[Bob La Londe]

well I can tell you one thing, there is not much information on the net to help you, and Hurco was useless to talk to. All they wanted to do is sell me a new one.

That is not unexpected. I had a little better luck than that though when I emailed them. I got a couple questions actually answered. One about spindle speed and another directing me to information about my servo motors. Yes, the answers were terse and to the point, but they were helpful. I would consider Hurco if I needed a new machine in this class. Of course they are not the only machine I would consider, but givent eh tech guys actually answered some questions about a 30 year old machine speaks volumes. I think the key was I e-mailed tech support via their website. I didn't call and get sales.

I am retrofitting my KMB1 to a newer PC based control. So almost all the original electronics are coming off. Most are already off. I think even the control arm is going to go. Certainly everything in it will go. Let me know if you need anything.

[IC4111]

oh dont get me wrong, I like the machines, a friend has a couple of the 4020's and he has the same problem with the tech support to. so no surprise I guess. one shop I know just bought a big prototrac machine center, its a nice one. I would imagine its kinda pricey. all the work I do is for products I sell, I dont do outside work. I just try to grow as I go, I didnt want to stick my neck out to far with loans.