Hardinge Lathe CNC Retrofit/Conversion

[Chaz]

So SZGH have confirmed that its a NC contact.

The mapping goes to P23_25 (port MapToDi15). Ive been told to change this to 127 and disable it, I dont think you would know what port it was mapped to from reading the docs. Ill try that later and see.

[Chaz]

Parameter changed, it allows running but now comes up with Error 5, encoder failure. Its the same cable that is used for the Thermistor and a premade cable - cant help but think there is something wrong with this cable. Let's see what SZGH come back with.

If it was a simple DB connector, id put something together but this goes from a specific canon plug into a RJ45 (which in fairness looks good), so will test / check later. Might be a tuning issue - there's also some parameters that might need changing based on the manual.

[Chaz]

So parameter 14_x has a number of options. One of them is to disable the encoder or suggest that there isnt one there.

There is also encoder feedback on the spindle itself back to the main controller (not wired in yet), so this might be enough for now, can sort things like rigid tapping etc later.

[Chaz]

Ok, disabling the encoder stops the errors but the motor doesnt run well and doesnt speed up. It sounds like its single phasing but oddly when you press the spindle off button, it runs smoothly and then comes to a stop.

I've tried most of the encoder options, all of them give the same result, error after a few seconds.

There is a self test you can do which is is to set it into mode 2 which does a phase test (presume this is to check that the encoder and motor direction match). I had this working a few times whilst I was stuck with this motor temp warning but since then I cant get the test to repeat.

So will keep scratching my head, slow steady progress hopefully.

[Chaz]

I was writing some more than we had a power cut.

There is a viewable parameter called 'H' which shows the absolute position of the shaft. This isnt reading what I would expect. It flickers between, 1, 3, then 4096 then back. It's like it is on the index but ultimately then it doesnt seem to move when the shaft rotates.

I'm not sure if any of this could be due to the way that I am powering this (via a VFD via a choke) however when it stops running (after the stop signal) its ultra smooth.

Will keep looking.

[m_c]

Spindle drives are essentially a Servo drive.

They need to know the orientation of the motor in relation to the encoder, so they know exactly how to power the motor, which is done orientation/phase sensing to learn the position of the rotor in relation to the encoder.

Typically the drive needs to know the encoder count, then go through the learning process to learn the motor.
Not doing this successfully results in what you're experiencing.

Unfortunately, that's as far as my knowledge on the subject goes, as I've never actually used an unmatched motor/drive.

[JAZZCNC]

Have I got my wires crossed.? I thought you bought the Spindle motor from SZGH same as I did. If so the drive is just a large servo drive so why are you using a VFD.?

[Chaz]

Have I got my wires crossed.? I thought you bought the Spindle motor from SZGH same as I did. If so the drive is just a large servo drive so why are you using a VFD.?

I have only single phase. So I am making 3 Phase with a VFD, through a choke which then feeds the spindle drive.

[JAZZCNC]

I have only single phase. So I am making 3 Phase with a VFD, through a choke which then feeds the spindle drive.

Ok, I get it now.

If it's any consolation I did the same with the X5 cable, the markings are clear as Mud.!

[Chaz]

Ok, I get it now.

If it's any consolation I did the same with the X5 cable, the markings are clear as Mud.!

Ye, generally its decent in terms of cabling and quality. One broken wire and the assumption about the labelling.