Controling 2nd Z Axis

[RyanCozy]

My business partner bought a Metal Machine DR903 with 2 Z-axis.

I can control the first (right side) Z-axis motor, but i cant seem to control the 2nd (left side) Z-axis motor. I believe the problem is the controllers that came with the machine, i dont think its capable of controlling two Z-Axis because i cant find anything in the software that allow me to switch between the two Axises.The controller is a WinCNC 2.2.

If anyone could help me gain control of the 2nd Z-Axis motor, it would be greatly appreciated.

[RyanCozy]

Anyone?

[mike_Kilroy]

Anyone?

ok, here.s a reply....

there are two ways to control a dual cnc axis:

1) 1 cnc axis defined and send the sig to the z drive. then take info out of that z drive and send it to the slave, or z' axis. this is called master slave, aka electronic gearing & requires drives capable of operating in this specific mode. this is fine for good servo drives and slowish speeds (say under 100ipm

2) setup 2 completely separate axes in the cnc that get the same command but output to z and z' drives. good way to do it.

so... i assume this machine worked at one time? then stopped working? what was the last thing that happened b4 it stopped working? that is usually a key to figuring out how to fix it.

and maybe post in a cncwin forum instead; that way u get replies from people who know the control and can help

[RyanCozy]

The CNC is fully operational, its currently being used with the 1st Z axis. But we cant figure out how to move the 2nd Z axis. We know that the motor is getting power, so we figured its just waiting for a command.

But, we dont know how to send that command directly to the 2nd Z axis, and i see nothing in the WinCNC that would allow that to happen.

But thank you for the suggestions mike_Kilroy.

[mike_Kilroy]

does ur wincnc have capability for another cnc axis? I would say u really should assign another axis and let it get the same command as z but output to the z' servo,,,

[Al_The_Man]

IIRC WinCNC uses a PCI card for motion, similar to the Galil motion cards.
If it is anything like the Galil, Master/Slave axis gearing is capable of incredibly fast speeds as the gearing loop is closed in the controller card.
I would expect the WinCNC to have a similar configuration?
The second (slave) axis will most likely not be labeled Z but something like W axis.
If there is a maintenance test program, it should be possible to control them as independent axis for test purposes.
I believe they are still in business, it may be worth a call?
Al.

[RyanCozy]

@Mike- Im unsure if the WinCnc has capabilities for another Z axis, ive clicked every button possible in the program to find it, but haven't. Maybe i need to reinstall the program so maybe in the star-up configurations it will give me a choice?

@Al- WinCnc does use a PCI card and its amazing! I like the idea of finding a maintenance program and seeing if i can make it move. But i did go online to find a telephone number to the company, but i found articles of the company going out of business, so hopefully its still there.

Thank you both for your suggestions.