Boxford vmc260 to mach3 conversion

[jamesgates1000]

I bought a Boxford vmc260 last year, used it with the Boxford software but found it very slow and limited so I'm going to upgrade to mach3 control.
My machine has Parker stepper drivers and a get Gemini speed controller, does anyone have any information on converting this machine using these original parts and preferably a smoothstepper board?

[jamesgates1000]

Can anyone help?

[JohnHaine]

Well it's unlikely anyone has converted that exact machine, but there are usually lots of generic similarities. It would be hard to comment without knowing the exact type of drives and controller, can you give part numbers? Since it sounds like the machine already works, are you sure there isn't a config problem with the existing software? And why would you need a Smoothstepper if the machine already works, could you just upgrade the controller to Mach 3? More information would help.

[JAZZCNC]

And why would you need a Smoothstepper if the machine already works, could you just upgrade the controller to Mach 3? More information would help.

He'll be wanting an external motion controller to get away from the Parallel port I'd guess.? It's common for folks to think external motion controllers are called smooth steppers when it's actually a brand name.

If this machine does have Separate Parker stepper drives then it should be an easy upgrade. You'll most likely just need a breakout board and analog speed controller to provide 0-10V to Gemini.
If you do want or need an external motion controller to get away from parallel port then I'd suggest a better product than Smooth stepper which is from company called CSlabs and model number is CSMIO-IP-M.
This will be more suited to this type of upgrade due to using 24V I/O which this machine will probably use. It also provides analog speed output which could be used for the Gemini.
Another BIG plus is that it doesn't use or need a separate breakout board so very reliable. It's a very high quality product designed just for this type of retrofit.

If you post some details of the machine and if possible some high quality pics of inside the control cabinet we can see what you have or don't.

[jamesgates1000]

Hi thanks for the replies. You are correct jazz, I am upgrading the control electronics so I don't have to use the parallel port anymore, I was machining some 3d moulds and the parallel port could not transfer the data quick enough resulting in missed steps.
I was originally going to use the smoothstepper board, but I bought the csmio on someone's recommendation.
Seems like it will be a fairly easy conversion, I'm just looking for some moral support!
I will post some pictures of the electronics and the progress I have made so far. Shall I put it here or is it better to start a project thread in the retrofit section of the forum?

[Roboteernat]

Im in the process of converting (well towards the latter part now) of converting my 260 VMC machine. i went down the new BOB and stepper driver route and am using the original spindle controller.
Its working well, except i have just dismantled mine to replace balls in the Y axis as its a bit slack.

I have the version with the auto tool changer (now not used) and air mist coolant and auto lube pump.
Pics are available here: https://flic.kr/p/rf37eX

If you have any issues with wiring or need to trace it, and it is the same as mine in the images on my flickr album, ask me as i have been tracing the wiring and can help wire it up.
If it is the same, i may however ask if you could trace a wire for me! :) The door interlock and how it wires up the the spindle controller/emerg stop? and also the output from the 3 large resistors.

Thanks

Nat

[i2i]

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[jamesgates1000]

Hi Nat, I found the original Boxford control/boards and wiring very confusing so have stripped down the machine to just the bits I will be keeping,

I have found some information on the door interlock...

http://blog.ckdevices.com/?p=12
http://www.machsupport.com/forum/ind...70.5/wap2.html
https://www.machsupport.com/forum/in...;topic=11590.0

It seems most people wire a connection across pins 3 and 9 on the speed controller to bypass the killswitch, I would guess that you could wire your E-Stop and door microswitch in series between these two pins depending on if they are NO or NC.

Sorry cant help with the resistors, does your machine work without them wired up to anything?

[Roboteernat]

I have now finished converting my VMC 260 and its working!

I have many pictures upa t my flickr site:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/236095...57650478167880

I think that link works... just search Flickr for 'Roboteernat' if not.

I used the spindle controller already in the unit and have it wired so its only one direction, but have left in the reverse option should I use my spindle controller board.

I will write a bit more details, but take a look at my flickr stream to get an idea.

Feel free to PM me and say hi

Nat

Nat

[LucD]

I have recently acquired one of these drives. Does anyone know what power output they have? I could also do with inputs and outputs.

Thanks

Luc