Build Thread- supermax YCM-40 to Mach3

[cwaugs]

Is there a sticky somewhere that I'm missing as to what it is going to need to convert my Supermax YCM-40 to Mach3? I am planning on going with the Viper200's as my servo motors are 140 volt, and encoders instead of the glass scales. What I am wondering, is that basically all I need between the computer and the mill? or is there an interface board needed? I know that Mach3 uses the printer port and wondering how that spreads out to all three of the vipers? I have read until I'm blue in the face but am still unclear as to the process and need to make a mental "block diagram" before I start tossing money at this dude. Thanks much. Wayne

[Larken]

You need a break-out-board (BOB) to buffer the signals and give you the connections for outputs and inputs.
cnc4Pc.com is a good source also the campbell board.

What size of supermax is it ? Years ago i was looking at one of those, but i bought a new Leadwell 40x20 instead back in 1998.

Larry K

[Larken]

No, don't use an opto-coupled board (only for limit switch inputs) as these can narrow the step pulse width from mach.
The viper has opto isolated step/dir signals and if you put 2 in a row you can loose steps.
CNC4PC or Campbell work well.

Larry K

[cwaugs]

It's a YCM-40 1988 vintage 49x9 I believe. I started a build thread and don't want to repeat myself (but I'll do it just once I hope) I'm going to use a Campbell board and just received it the other day and am starting to gut the control box to try to understand what I need to keep and what to chuck. Am I better off buying a motherboard, power supply, and hard drive and just mounting them inside the control box or having a separate computer case to contend with? Thanks much for your time! Wayne

[cwaugs]

I an currently in the process of choosing the US Digital encoders to adapt to the end of the SEM motors. Should I go as high of resolution as possible when ordering? several will go well above 1500 cpr

[cwaugs]

Proving my ignorance once again, the black transformer in the pic turns 120V into the voltage that the motors need correct? So that voltage goes through a bridge rectifier where it is converted into 140V DC, then to the mo honker cap. Then are the three transformers isolation transformers to protect the drive electronics? and if so, the Vipers will wire to the top side of these dudes correct? Too many questions, so little time. Wayne

[jeep534]

Originally Posted by cwaugs Proving my ignorance once again, the black transformer in the pic turns 120V into the voltage that the motors need correct? So that voltage goes through a bridge rectifier where it is converted into 140V DC, then to the mo honker cap. Then are the three transformers isolation transformers to protect the drive electronics? and if so, the Vipers will wire to the top side of these dudes correct? Too many questions, so little time. Wayne

I am surprised no one has answered before now..... the drives hook directly to the motors....
archie =) =) =)

[cwaugs]

What about the three isolation transformers? And what gauge wire should I use?

[Larken]

Then are the three transformers isolation transformers to protect the drive electronics?

What are the transformers for ? They don't go in the main power supply.
They have nothing to do with your retrofit. (you should remove them )

The main powersupply in like shown in the manual. and you also need a small 12-18 volt control-side powersupply.

Larry

[cwaugs]

No problem off they go (the three chokes or whatever they are) It's coming together good and making sense. I installed the Power One 15V power supply and hooked power to the 3 vipers. One issue I'm having is the EPO switch wiring. Your schematic is understandable but the Campbell BOB Plus side is not clear at all. I went round and round with Bob today and he keeps sidestepping the issue for some weird reason. Maybe he doesn't realise that I just purchased one from him and thinks I'm trying to build one myself! Ha, That'd be a joke. Anyhow, According to your PDF, the "Stop Out" on the 200's go to an E-stop input on the BOB that has a pullup resistor, then grounding it with a N/O e-stop switch shuts it down. I understand that, but as to where that terminal physically is on the BOB is beyond me. It is a pc2route Version 1.9 for mach 2 & 3. Maybe I'll just plaster it onto a limit switch input and it will serve the same purpose? Thanks much Larry! Wayne

[cwaugs]

I find there is a terminal called EPO and needs to be run with a N/C switch. I just need to figure out what of the two "EPO" terminals go to the 200's, I just ASSumed the terminal would be labeled E-stop.

From the campbell manual

NOTE: You will not be able to click on the Mach reset button and get it to reset unless there is a
jumper (short) on the EPO screw terminal on the breakout board or you have an external normally
closed EPO switch. For an externally closed switch the switch must be pulled out.
NOTE: When using drives that use common 5 volts, pressing the EPO button removes the 5 volts
from the drives. This in affect stops the drives. This also drops the 12 volts from the output screw
terminals in affect turning off all pumps and other outputs connected to the four outputs. All this
assumes that the mode switch is in the M1 position.

[cwaugs]

I finished the first of three encoder mounts and installed the encoder and it seems to be a design that is worth repeating two more times with very little changes. There will be a cover over this to protect the encoder and the opening from foreign material. I still am looking for a schematic as to how to wire the Vipers to the Campbell BOB EPO terminal. The Viper needs a high signal that the E-stop pulls to ground but the BOB does the opposite. Thanks much again. Wayne