conect 121 new toy

[Ross77]

Ive just picked up an old (ish) Conect 121 cnc lathe. Looks to be in good condition and No excessive wear.



I plan to replace the stepper drives as others have done but Id like to use the original spindle drive and stepper drive to test it and get it up and running. I cant seem to find much information so if any one has a wiring diagram or knows the points to connect Id be grateful.

Thanks in advance

[magicniner]

Myford ML10 based I believe, - check out http://www.lathes.co.uk/ml10/

- Nick

[Ross77]

Thanks Nick, yes the base lathe is the ML10 but the electronics are Conect and there isn't much info about.

Ive seen reference to 10v control and an enable line for the spindle but not sure if I can run if direct off a BOB, or which wires they are.

[magicniner]

My benchtop CNC mill was the same brand, most of the original electronics had already been replaced when I got it, I replaced what remained but I've never been able to find much info on Conect equipment beyond that the mill was probably based on a Rishton milling machine.

You should be able to identify the control signals with a meter and work out where to insert signals and at what voltages,
Regards,
Nick

[m_c]

From what I remember, you can trace the step/dir control pins back to the original controller chip.

However, they are 80s technology, and I don't think it would be worth the hassle. Even a couple of the TB6600 drives should give an improvement in performance, and they can be had for less than £10 each. Combine those with a cheap BOB, and you've got all the major components covered.
The only thing is you'd need to ensure the 0-10V for the spindle speed is isolated, or upgrade the spindle drive to something that doesn't need an isolated speed control.

[Ross77]

You should be able to identify the control signals with a meter and work out where to insert signals and at what voltages,

nothing works so I cant trace the signals.

The only thing is you'd need to ensure the 0-10V for the spindle speed is isolated, or upgrade the spindle drive to something that doesn't need an isolated speed control.

So if if i power the BOB from the 5v of the conect board will that not work?

Yes I will replace the stepper drivers but I would like to use the DC spindle motor?

[x-rayman]

Hi,
I have a conect cadet plus lathe made by the same company.
The manual and the original software can be found on this forum.
I have also discovered some of the control codes for my machine if you are interested please PM me.

[Ross77]

Hi,
I have a conect cadet plus lathe made by the same company.
The manual and the original software can be found on this forum.
I have also discovered some of the control codes for my machine if you are interested please PM me.

Thanks but I have already replaced the Dc drive and stepper dives so nearly working, just need to get the spindle pwm and index linked to LCNC.

[x-rayman]

Thanks but I have already replaced the Dc drive and stepper dives so nearly working, just need to get the spindle pwm and index linked to LCNC.

No problem hope all goes well.