Controlling the Proxxon auxiliary spindle

[zephyr9900]

(Transcribed from the "Not seen this mill before" thread...)

Mike, I'm sorry that I didn't catch the drift of what you were saying. saabaero, the spindle run signal is a good point. I just got an email from Greg at Tormach who said that there is a spare SSR on the board, but no available input lines.

It seems that if I could identify the spindle SSR, I could cut its input trace, and bring the M3 input line out to a front-panel A/B switch, where it could either actuate the primary spindle SSR or the spare SSR, which I could use for the Proxxon. I would not need to do any hand-editing to my .nc files or change any postprocessors, or alter my VersaCAD macros that I use for drilling. Or so it seems to my simple mind... I'll mull it over for a while and see if I can identify any pitfalls (other than the machine operator forgetting to flip a switch at the appropriate time...)

Randy

[philbur]

Seems like they didn't transcribe every post related to spindle control.

It's getting a bit messy.

Phil

[LeeWay]

When I use the ridgid router on my mill, I just load a seperate profile in Mach 3. I do use a seperate SSR as well, but I am not versed enough to cut into circuit board traces. I like the $9 no solder aproach better.

[saabaero]

The solid state relay I used is to the left of the spindle drive braking resistor in the photo.

The solid state relay I used is a Potter & Brumfield 25amp @ 240vac Output (actually overkill) with a 3-32 VDC input (EOM-1DA74-3/32). But you could use any 24 VDC input - 120VAC output relay that would handle the current of the spindle motor. They are not really that expensive.

You would connect the solid state relay input leads to J1-2 (common) and J1-3 (run).

[zephyr9900]

Originally Posted by philbur Seems like they didn't transcribe every post related to spindle control.

Phil, I transcribed it myself since it's the latest post in the only part of the thread I was concerned with. I don't know how to literally copy posts.

Randy

[zephyr9900]

Lee and saabaero (Mike too from the original thread), thanks for bringing me down to earth. I was making it too complicated (though I am trained in soldering down to SMT rework and have done a good amount of PCB modding).

I can detach the Run line from the machine control board, run it out to a front-panel DPST switch and then back to the board (one leg) and an external relay for the Proxxon (the other leg) to select the spindle that runs.

saabaero, I did see your earlier post on the other thread, but I want the new SSR to activate instead of the VFD rather than with it. I don't want to have to keep the spindle door open to deactivate the VFD when I'm using the Proxxon (it vibrates bad enough as is )

Randy

[saabaero]

You can just set the spindle speed at 100 RPM and you won't even know it is rotating. A SPDT switch would be nice on the front panel so you could switch between regular and HS spindle.

Now you got me thinking... I think I have another SSR around somewhere.

[zephyr9900]

saabaero, good catch, yes I meant "SPDT" instead of "DPST" (brain good, fingers bad )

Randy

[philbur]

Sorry Randy, I wrongly assumed a moderator had done a bad job of moving the relevant posts back again. However it seems it was decided that throwing the baby out with the bath water achieved the desired effect for the minimum effort.

Phil

Originally Posted by zephyr9900 Phil, I transcribed it myself since it's the latest post in the only part of the thread I was concerned with. I don't know how to literally copy posts. Randy

[zephyr9900]

Originally Posted by philbur ...it seems it was decided that throwing the baby out with the bath water achieved the desired effect for the minimum effort.

Yes, but this baby bounces!

I've modified my AC panel with a fourth outlet and am in the midst of mounting an SSR in the electronics cabinet. After a long time in my parts box it's finally getting a use. Another hole to drill in the base of the cabinet and then I'll run a 3-conductor cable out to my front panel for the (wait, let me get this straight) SPDT switch. Should be ready to test in an hour or so.

Randy

[zephyr9900]

A small update. I've installed the SSR and hooked its ouput contact between the 115V supply and the hot terminal of the new outlet.

I'm thinking on how to implement the control right now. I have the original VFD (which matches a Minarik VFD05-D230-PCM) and have been studying its controls. Its Common terminal (E1) is +5V, and to turn on the spindle the Enable terminal (E2) is connected to Common. This is done by the Machine Control Board whose terminal J1-3 is connected to E2 and J1-4,5 is connected to E1.

MCB is just supplying a contact closure to the VFD, which I verified by unhooking the connecting wires and putting an ohmmeter between J1-3 and J1-4 while I "started" and "stopped" the spindle. The first time the spindle is started, the contactor supplying AC to the VFD also pulls in and stays pulled in until I open the spindle door but that is irrelevant for the Proxxon.

I need to use the (I assume) SSR on the MCB to connect E1 and E2 on the VFD for the primary spindle as now, or connect the bottom end of the coil on my new SSR to ground (connecting the top end of the coil to +5V from somewhere) for the Proxxon. I think I need a DPDT (center-off for safety) to do this. I'm waiting while I think it through (and looking for convenient +5V and ground on the MCB)

Randy

[zephyr9900]

The Rayex LEG-12F's on the MCB are miniature mechanical relays with 12V coils, and not SSR's. With the VFD disconnected from its output, I can hear the contacts clicking.

My latest thought is that I might put the "coil" of the new SSR in parallel with the coil of the spindle relay (after I identify it!) so that they actuate together, and then use my DPDT switch to selectively interrupt their outputs. The Proxxon draws about an amp and I would not be switching it under load, and the VFD is just logic level, so my 12A DPDT center-off switch would be really safe. There would be only 4 wires running out to the switch.

Second opinion / backseat driving / sanity check welcome.

Randy