Maybe get a couple of DB9 Switch boxes. You can usually buy the entire box cheaper than you can buy the rotary switch and components.
Richard
I have a single control box and use it to control my mill and lathe for a single computer.
the control is a G540 and all my motors are on 9pd connectors.
i would like to switch between machine and not stress the connections on the g540 so was thinking of making a breakout switch box that could be used to switch machines without unplugging anything. Obviously i will be doing this cold with no power on. any recommendations on swishes or designs / experience would be great.
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Maybe get a couple of DB9 Switch boxes. You can usually buy the entire box cheaper than you can buy the rotary switch and components.
Richard
Hi
the simplest solution could be a multi pole switch
made from parts from RS components
Buy Switch Accessories Miniature shaft assembly for switch Lucas Stability MU457848FPA(MA) online from RS for next day delivery.
you can fit upto eight wafers on the switch machanism
the wafers range from 1 pole 8 way to 6 pole 2 way
with a 2 position 48 pole switch
you can double up the contacts switching the motor windings
using 36 poles for the motors and current setting resistors
and use the remaining 12 poles to switch the limit and home switches
you can add a cover / guard with a interlock switch to stop you changing machines
with the power on
John
PS if you use parallel printerport or other network switches ,check the switch can handle the motor current
Last edited by john-100; 11-26-2011 at 08:13 AM. Reason: add ps
I had enough trouble getting a dedicated controller working correctly and with all the limits and homes and other stuff that goes into it I really do not see how it would be at all easy or even practical to switch back and forth to different machines. I know the G540 simplifies that quite a bit but it just seems to me to not be worth the trouble when it does not really cost all that much realistically to create another controller for each machine. Especially when you have the skills at making them as you appear to. I could see going with a Smoothstepper and controller setup on each machine and then using a laptop to quickly hookup if you wanted but honestly If I did have two CNC machines I would really want the ability to be able to run them simultaneously as much as possible. I intend to CNC this Hardinge toolroom lathe as soon as funds allow and it will most certainly have a standalone setup for that machine as well as it's own computer. I have quite a bit of research to do with that before I start on it. Trying to decide which steppers to run on it. Gonna be smallish compared to the RF45 that's for sure... Good luck with your setup tho.... peace
Pete
I have been running a set up like this for years. It does work but it isnt trouble free. There will be many changes in the xml's between machines remembering to change everything can be a PIA. Usually remembered after the incorrect cut/crash etc. I tried the DB9 switch at 1 time. I am not sure the switches are designed for this amperage. Also having 2 machines connected to 1 controller at the same time brings ground issues into play. Resets will start to occur for no apparent reason during the middle of a run. If you were very organized and had expemplary wiring practices it might be possible. It eliminates all of these variables by simply having one machine connected at a time.
I just reread your post again. You are mostly concerned on "stressing" the DB9 of the G540, is this at the G540 or your cable end? Do you have a hood on your cable? There should be no stress to speak of in simply unplugging and plugging in the cables. They are pretty durable in reality due to the shroud the pins are automatically aligned.
The connectors have the correct shells but i am concerned more of the flexing the joints on the G540 as pins are soldered directly to the board and you end up rocking the connector in and out.
as for connections i don't run any limits just a tool setting probe. so all i do is switch motor cables as the power setting resistors are in the shells of the connector.
as for configuration it is dead easy as you create different profiles in mach and hit the correct shortcut.
if you just want to protect the 15 way connectors
would this help ? --
Buy Interface Connectors/Adaptors and Accessories 9 way equipment port protector adaptor RS MNGC09MF online from RS for next day delivery.
or you could just make four short cables
john
it is partly protection and partly speed and ease.
find that small screwdriver to release the plugs each time gets old, and i think it is quite a good project.
i don't see the problem that you are creating for your self.
it took me 10 minutes to create a profile for my lathe to run in a mill configuration with rotary head to do some broaching.
for mach 3
create new profile
give it a name
setup ports and pins
setup motor tuning
exit save
copy desktop shortcut
right click properties of the new shortcut
change the last filename to the new profile
save
you are ready to go.
you have two independent setups and it is a matter of switching cables. no need to change xml's as you have already copied the majority of the common setting already.
No problem in configuring xml's. I actually run 2 mills, 1 lathe and soon to be a 3d printer all on the same pc. Its great if you remember to change everything upon each machine change. I also run the MSM screen. So between all of the variables, Murphy will always be watching. Murphy ever show up to your shop?