New Milltronic user, great machine, but need help.

[Captain Midnigh]

I have a Milltronics Partner IV with Centurion IV controler. I don't know how to run this machine, yet. I think I have the main power hooked up right. How can I run it though a test cycle of sorts, to see if everything works? It displays a message that the backup battery is low. Where is that located, and how is it replaced. Thanks

[moldcore]

I'm not familiar with the IV controller but most batteries are on the motherboard. Some of the old motherboards had large calculator/watch like batteries. Make sure you have a disk for the operating system before removing the old one. Sometimes running the machine for a few hours will recharge the battery.

Milltronics no longer supports these old controllers and was offering great deals to upgrade. That may be something to look into if the machine is in good shape (I have my doubts because of its age and it's a Milltronics).

As for running a test cycle, that would depend on the machine and options. Does it have a tool changer? What is the travel of the machine? (sorry not familiar with the partner IV either) I have a Partner I with a Centurion V controller. When you turn the machine on does it boot completely or stop with errors? If it boots without any errors then I can tell you what we do with our Cent. V machine, yours may be similar.

First, your have to hit the reset (green) button.

Then hit "Home" and cycle start button. You probable won't be able to do anything until the machine is homed.

Now you should be able to jog the machine with the wheel or the keypad. Jog each axis to its limits. Listen for stress on the servos, they should sound smooth throughout the full length of travel.

If the controller has an MDI mode you can input commands, such as tool change using G codes.

I'll be glad to help more if you PM me with a phone number, but remember I don't have the Centurion IV controller.

[One of Many]

The older machines had Nicad's that did recharge. The newer machines may have lithium cells about the size of a quarter that do not recharge and recommended change every year or so. If the battery were dead, you would have seen a CMOS checksum error, requiring a reload of the CMOS hard drive settings. Leaving it on for a 24hr period should correct this, but long off periods could create future problems.

If it is a lithium cell, change it during powered will retain EPROM settings. Changing the older Nicads can be done in a similar fashion, but not worth the risk. If this is done in a power down, expect to restore the system in full. Much of this procedure depends on if this is a simdrive or a hard drive machine.

DC

[Captain Midnigh]

The battery is a lithium 36 volt d-size. I left it on overnight. I still get a low battery message, but if I turn it off and then right back on, it will boot up. It doesn't have a home button. I cannot get it to jog, unless I hand move the table, then I can jog it back to that position only. Then it will say overtravel. How do I home? I does have a MDI mode. I appreciate the help, I am slowly getting there.

[One of Many]

Once at the main screen, you need to press reset to engage the drives, then the far left (F1) button should display "Home". After pressing home, it should request the "Press Start cycle" Button. Once it completes the homing function, all other features in HDW and Jog should work.

I would not wait too long to replace the lithium cell. Consider the warning in urgent need of attention. It is not all that bad to reload the system, just more hassle than it is worth if at all avoidable.

DC

[Captain Midnigh]

I will replace the battery, as soon as i can locate one. Reset and then F1. F1 button does not respond.

[One of Many]

Does your control look like this model?

Older Control

Or this here?

Newer Milltronics control

I am not familiar with the older control features.

DC

[Captain Midnigh]

It is the older control. I feel I'm getting close.

[moldcore]

Originally Posted by Captain Midnigh It is the older control. I feel I'm getting close.

I'm not familiar with that older controller either, sorry. Have you tried to call Milltronics? Phone # 952-442–1401.

[One of Many]

How is the battery connected to the board?

If it has wires coming out of it, I'd say it was a 3.6v Nicad about 1/2 the length of a doubleA cell. I didn't think the Lithiums came out until the mid 90's MB's. I would guess the older controllers were pre-90's?

DC

[Captain Midnigh]

It says Lithium on it. It also says size D. I think I need to set grid axis. How?

[One of Many]

The older control was so much different from what they have now. I can't offer anything other than start searching for operators and maintenance manuals now. It sounds like you will need them sooner than later!

DC