Mikini problem

[dirtridn2010]

Can you try your link again? I get this:

404 - Document Not Found

That forum has been closed off but as "Swath" said Google search will find it.
For me it was about the 4th one down. You just look for the header that contains 'practical machinist'. It is a little old 2006-'07 but a couple of the comments are interesting. And to me more than a little concerned for their practices.

[Sweeney]

To update, I got new main and control boards and re-installed everything. I got everything working again a week or so ago. I had a few issues with the axis not behaving but increasing the 'boot' time seemed to fix that problem.

I ran the machine with a file had had used in the past to produce a part (not actually cutting anything) and it seemed to be fine. I did this a few times and all was well.

This past weekend I decided to use the mill to start a project and found I had no spindle. It appears the board is dead. I have power to the board and the fuse is good but no LED.

I've been in touch with Phil. I tested the line power and I have fluctuations with a max of 253v and about 249v average. Phil thinks this is the problem.

I'm sending the spindle board to Mikini to be checked and if possible repaired. Phil has offered to upgrade to V2.0 with a discount, etc.

To be honest, I'm skeptical of the electronics in this machine.

[mcphill]

I've been in touch with Phil. I tested the line power and I have fluctuations with a max of 253v and about 249v average. Phil thinks this is the problem.

No surprise there...

[SWATH]

If this system is damaged by 250v then they really really need to redesign it since most residential power is still within spec up to 252v and having voltage this high is very common.

[mcphill]

If this system is damaged by 250v then they really really need to redesign it since most residential power is still within spec up to 252v and having voltage this high is very common.

What I meant was that it is not surprise Phil blaming the power - he has done so in the past as well. I agree 100% that the stated power levels SHOULD NOT affect a properly designed control system...

[Sweeney]

I agree. A few volts over 250v should not kill this machine. I'm contemplating what to do.

Do you guys who have had similar failures know what your power 'condition' is?
It would be interesting to compare to those who haven't had issues.

I found an Eaton power conditioner for $800.00 which I may buy if my driver is repairable or the swap over to V2.0 isn't too painful.

I've also thought of looking for other means to run the spindle.

I do believe that, at least, the V1.0 electronics are fragile.

Are there any packages out there that would drive the axis and spindle (assuming the Mikini motor is kept) that could replace the Mikini electronics?

I am glad that my first job on this machine covered it's cost and then some. Dumping a bunch more money into it without a paying job to cover it I find tough.

[mcphill]

SWATH went through tons of AC troubleshooting, see this thread:

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/mikini....html#poststop

There was someone else who swapped a v1 controls for v2, search the forum, there are only a few pages, should be pretty easy to find. I recall there were some odd issues.

Numerous spindle problems posted here, from drop outs, to dips in speed, to not working. Many different things tried, but no consistent fix that I know of. Mine dips any time I run 1000 rpm or less, and takes several seconds to come back up to speed. This has led to numerous stalls and crashes on the spindle, so I try not to run it below 2500 rpm any more.

[mcphill]

Here is another thread that touches on several of the issues...

[MichaelHenry]

Here is another thread that touches on several of the issues...

No link?

[mcphill]

Oops. Looks like I forgot to hit paste... It's out there in the 'Zone!