spectralight turning center question???

[jerry13]

Hello, I'm a newbie to this site and find it full of useful info.

I just bought a spectralight turning center by lightmachines at an auction. It's in excellent condition, has the control box and software on diskettes (DOS based) and the only item that seems to be missing is the LMC PC adapter card.

My question is if these cards are still available at an affordable price? Is there something that could be made to work as the controller card if the LMC oem card is unavailable?

I'll get some pics up tomorrow.

Thanks.

[jerry13]

Thanks to thx1138 for some helpful info. Looks like I'm gonna have to upgrade the stepper motors, buy a xylotex box and upgrade the cam software, but I'll be updated.

Here's some pics of the machine.

[jerry13]

On the back of the box there are some missing fuses which shouldn't be too hard to replace.

One of the cables has the hardware key. It came with training video's and the DOS based software.

[jerry13]

I also bought a .312 shank O.D. turning tool by Mitsubishi. SWLCR 052 is their pn. It takes a WCMT 21.51 insert. I use the 735 grade.

[Bowman]

Hi Jerry13, nice find on the little lathe. I got the Spectralight Mill off ebay and it didn't have the control box, card, software or anything like that, oh it did have the demo video heh. Anyway I fitted it with the Xylotex 3 axis board, newer bi-polar stepper motors and a MPJA power supply to get it up and running. I think you will be happy with those upgrades to your machine, especially if you contact Intellitek and find out how much a new card and other upgrades cost from them. Yikes!! good luck with it let us know how it turns out. What do you plan to use for software?

Bowman

[jerry13]

prolly the mach 3

[harryn]

Hi, I am digging for information about this old lathe. I have been given one with no controller.

My plan is to use mach III, or run it manually.

Question - does anyone know anything about the speed control part ? The motor on mine works when plugged directly into AC, but at 10K rpm, its a bit fast.

Suggestions?

Thanks

Harry

[mredburn]

Im working on one now. I bought one with out a controller box either. Does yours have an encoder that is geared off the head stock? You may have to take the panel with the Estop and speed control off to see it. Im working with Dan Mauch of camtronics-cnc.com to set up my drivers. Mine has a Baldor 90v 1/2hp 5000rpm motor. MIne also runs off the speed control knob and it has a position to turn to to let the computor control the motor speed. i also am planning on using mach 3.

[harryn]

Hi, thanks for replying. Mine has a manual know for the spindle speed and a 10K rpm motor.

It turns out that the problem with mine was that the EMO button connections had corroded, making it an electrical open - so no rotation.