Rye Quantum First Start... Drive Fault

[BEACHBLANKET]

Hello everyone,
I've finally been able to spend some time and get power to the machine.

All seems to power up ok, screen on, inverter ready etc.

Currently 'drives on' will not execute.
I've done a keyboard test and it's the only button that does not register, however, when opened up and pressed my continuity tester beeps so I think the fault lies further down line.

It's showing an Axes xyz drive Fault.

Obviously this was cheap for a reason!!!

I do have the manuals and electrical schematic for the machine... stupidly I left them 30miles away at home...

Anyway enough for today, I've posted up the inner workings pics if anyone is interested in viewing.

My aim is at the very least to use this as a base even if it requires all new electronics motors etc...

I'm great on the software side... Unfortunately not so good on the hardware... Any help/comments/advice welcome[emoji106]

Rs232 cable connector I'll have to dig out an old pc!! https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200717/bc31dea10a8cc2cc424a3b8f0232cfd5.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200717/59701ae1b2543a81f4638ca1f3d5326e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200717/5f04775c2c0db753b49a5e3a08a9f325.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200717/9316bc73a7ed2472a7aaa13538edcf96.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200717/a2f9c63386ac48893eb5525dddb952c0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200717/50a1b6887f4c3a0d451ccd81260025a4.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200717/7bbf754f6a0f6ae6c861c570340ccc3b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200717/c714717e28fb7c0e4bf3b4632a5a0be9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200717/ddaea1375021334f845aa0e197e87b8a.jpg

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[BEACHBLANKET]

Another pic [emoji3]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200717/8d196546e0105dbec4ddfd6e45023d6e.jpg

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[BEACHBLANKET]

Cabinet sensors quite sensitive...
Needed a little wiggle...

Now able to turn drives on and home machine[emoji106][emoji3][emoji106][emoji3][emoji106][emoji3]

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[BEACHBLANKET]

Next on the agenda is what to use to send a 'job'...

It came with an old Alphacam booklet and very old Alphacam cd

Would anyone know if Mach3 or 4 would communicate to this through the rs232?

Or any other suggestions... Use newer design/cam software then run the file through the old Alphacam software maybe?

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[Doddy]

I know nothing.

I know even less about this machine.

But, I'm 95% convinced (just through deduction) that Mach and the machine can't work together. Nor do I think that you need Mach - the machine has it's own motion controller - Omicron 3000 which is what you've been using to home the machine, etc. You need to take a step back to look up the CAM chain - whatever you're using to generate the CAM - Vectric etc., would need a post-processor that supports the Omicron 3000. Then I'm guessing you'd take the post-processed output (typically G-Code) and somehow download this into the Omicron.

So, hit the old Google and search for instruction on the Omicron 3000 - I spent 5 minutes and found lots of posts from people asking the same questions as yourself.

If you was considering a Mach retrofit (or other machine controllers such as UCCNC) - then it is the Omicron that you'd swap out for the BoB/whatever and then Mach/UCCNC would interface to that directly. There's a bit of pneumatic magickry around the Z on that machine though - could be interesting.

[BEACHBLANKET]

I know nothing.

I know even less about this machine.

But, I'm 95% convinced (just through deduction) that Mach and the machine can't work together. Nor do I think that you need Mach - the machine has it's own motion controller - Omicron 3000 which is what you've been using to home the machine, etc. You need to take a step back to look up the CAM chain - whatever you're using to generate the CAM - Vectric etc., would need a post-processor that supports the Omicron 3000. Then I'm guessing you'd take the post-processed output (typically G-Code) and somehow download this into the Omicron.

So, hit the old Google and search for instruction on the Omicron 3000 - I spent 5 minutes and found lots of posts from people asking the same questions as yourself.

If you was considering a Mach retrofit (or other machine controllers such as UCCNC) - then it is the Omicron that you'd swap out for the BoB/whatever and then Mach/UCCNC would interface to that directly. There's a bit of pneumatic magickry around the Z on that machine though - could be interesting.Thanks for the input Doddy.
I'm going to try and hook up a laptop or PC with the rs232 input cable early next week... I'll report back then [emoji106]

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[BEACHBLANKET]

I have Googled quite extensively for Omicron 3000... not that much comes up that is relevant.
There's a couple of links to a company up north that has retrofit Osai controllers in lieu of the Omicron, I certainly didn't find 'many' people asking what I've asked????

My background is architectural and 3d design not in CNC so I'm just trying to get a steer really on the best route to take with this 'bargain' machine.

If I can use more recent software to design and sort the cam requirements out, I'm then thinking maybe older software to feed back to the controller via the RS232 to load the job.

I'm able to learn software quite quickly...... It's which software I need to look into that would really help...

Is that a correct assumption?
Thanks again.

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[finski84]

I have Googled quite extensively for Omicron 3000... not that much comes up that is relevant.
There's a couple of links to a company up north that has retrofit Osai controllers in lieu of the Omicron, I certainly didn't find 'many' people asking what I've asked????

My background is architectural and 3d design not in CNC so I'm just trying to get a steer really on the best route to take with this 'bargain' machine.

If I can use more recent software to design and sort the cam requirements out, I'm then thinking maybe older software to feed back to the controller via the RS232 to load the job.

I'm able to learn software quite quickly...... It's which software I need to look into that would really help...

Is that a correct assumption?
Thanks again.

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Hi, I've recently stumbled across your post searching for some information on the same drive fault as your self.

Just wanted to say that I use Alphacam Standard Router. Then use alphaedit to send all information from alphacam to the post.

Hope the little bit of information is of some use to you.

[BEACHBLANKET]

Hi, I've recently stumbled across your post searching for some information on the same drive fault as your self.

Just wanted to say that I use Alphacam Standard Router. Then use alphaedit to send all information from alphacam to the post.

Hope the little bit of information is of some use to you.Hi,
Thanks for the comment.
Can I ask which version of Alphacam are you using and is your pc win xp/10 etc.

Many thanks Derek

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[finski84]

Hi,
Thanks for the comment.
Can I ask which version of Alphacam are you using and is your pc win xp/10 etc.

Many thanks Derek

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Currently using Alphacam Standard Router 2019 R1.

Not running a super quick pc but the spec is:

Windows 10 Pro
CPU Intel i3-8100
8Gig Ram

[BEACHBLANKET]

Okay quick update...

Got Alphacam loaded onto laptop, I'm using a usb to rs232 adapter to connect with the controller.

Simple rectangle in Alphacam...post processor (rye qmaxi Osai TC multidrill)... to Output nc.

Asks for X datum=0, then y datum=0 then tandem load - no.

Open in alphaedit and send to machine.

Machine accepts file and it shows in memory.

Start job.....stops....

I'm then getting X axis has exceeded limit...

Is this a noob error?

If only I had the Omicron 3000 controller manual....

Try again tomorrow [emoji3]

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[finski84]

This could be a simple mistake within Alphacam.

I always make a rectangle first point x0 y0 second point 2438.4 (you can put the basic math in this box and alpha cam will input the data like so: 96*25.4) y:48*25.4.
I actually have a 96"x48" MDF scratch board on the bed hence the sizes.

Now setting up this box will always dictate to me my working area for the bed, I have a couple of times not set this right and the machine has a hissy fit.

Now on to the more awkward bit. Checking to see if the micro switches for the machines boundaries haven't slipped and are clean.

I hope this kind of helps. Without being there its hard for me to guide you. Be really honest with you ive only been using this machine a year.


As for the Omicron 3000 controller manual, erm what's that haha Ive only got electrical schematics for the switching underside of the bed. To be really honest there is very little I use on the actual controller. Other than the usual start-up, and setting tool height Z Axis 0 and clearing the previous job I don't touch anything else within the menu system. Certainly a lot easier than my old Thermwood 5 Axis.

[routerdriver]

I'm guessing the error could be that the sample file defaulted to imperial dimensions and you may have intended to cut a metric test piece.That wouldn't be the first time somebody has done such a thing-not that I'm admitting anything.......

I see that somebody else has used a 5 axis Thermwood-great machines but you needed to be very careful not to nudge anything because re-aligning the head wasn't a five minute job,or indeed cheap if you had to get the factory technician in to do the job.

[BEACHBLANKET]

This could be a simple mistake within Alphacam.

I always make a rectangle first point x0 y0 second point 2438.4 (you can put the basic math in this box and alpha cam will input the data like so: 96*25.4) y:48*25.4.
I actually have a 96"x48" MDF scratch board on the bed hence the sizes.

Now setting up this box will always dictate to me my working area for the bed, I have a couple of times not set this right and the machine has a hissy fit.

Now on to the more awkward bit. Checking to see if the micro switches for the machines boundaries haven't slipped and are clean.

I hope this kind of helps. Without being there its hard for me to guide you. Be really honest with you ive only been using this machine a year.


As for the Omicron 3000 controller manual, erm what's that haha Ive only got electrical schematics for the switching underside of the bed. To be really honest there is very little I use on the actual controller. Other than the usual start-up, and setting tool height Z Axis 0 and clearing the previous job I don't touch anything else within the menu system. Certainly a lot easier than my old Thermwood 5 Axis.Thanks again for your input.

I'll check and clean all the switches...
(It was the cabinet switch that threw up the original drive fault)

I know it's a big ask... would you be able to jot down what you do from power on to loading a job?

Ie.
1...press home
2...press datum etc...

It would be an enormous help for a CNC virgin!!

My manuals also consist of the machine schematics... I've literally searched for 2 days solid for something on the Omicron 3000, all I found was a brochure.... I'll post it up later.

Many thanks Derek

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[finski84]

Thanks again for your input.

I'll check and clean all the switches...
(It was the cabinet switch that threw up the original drive fault)

I know it's a big ask... would you be able to jot down what you do from power on to loading a job?

Ie.
1...press home
2...press datum etc...

It would be an enormous help for a CNC virgin!!

My manuals also consist of the machine schematics... I've literally searched for 2 days solid for something on the Omicron 3000, all I found was a brochure.... I'll post it up later.

Many thanks Derek

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First I just want to say sorry for the state of the pictures. Just quicker for me to take a picture of my old notes as I'm currently at work :thumbdown:
Second I want to state that my usable working area on the bed is offset by x55 y25 which you will see in the first picture (ignore the scratch bed I'm about to change it :emmersed:)

28635

28636
(ignore the head 3 and head 4 swap, we had a electrical issue and the cable didn't reach anymore so they kept it cheap and swapped the cables)

28637
As you see in this one you will notice my notes regarding the offset I have setup. I assume you woul just insert zero in both of these.

Then its just a matter of sending the program and hitting start :thumsup:

[BEACHBLANKET]

Brilliant thanks so much.

I'm going over to the machine this afternoon, so I'll try again.

Yes the mm to inch did cross my mind... I'll double check that too.

Thanks again chaps...

I'll get this working if it kills me!!

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[BEACHBLANKET]

Ok at machine. Everything cleaned and checked.

I've gone through your notes and tried several times I'm still getting an axis exceeded fault each time.

This is what happens from power on...

Screen shows: Datum to home

I press Datum, machine tells me it's datuming the xyz axes.
Once finished I press Alt and screen shows X=0.005, Y=0.005, Z=149.976

Screen shows:Select Key
I follow your instructions on tool head setting etc.

Start job and whichever job I select instantly screen throws up:
Limit exceeded in 'x or y or z' position

I'm going to set up the same drawing in Alphacam and save it 3 times with different names, all other variables the same... to see what happens [emoji106]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200723/a2e5c4325bc9ff24e4ff3a46e580d643.jpg

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[BEACHBLANKET]

There is a machine reset in the menu... Would this be a bad idea?

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[BEACHBLANKET]

Blank

[BEACHBLANKET]

Apologies for the multiple posts!
My findings are this:

Job1: starts and stops after 1 second.

Job2: limit exceeded in X 5016.500

Job3: limit exceeded in X 5016.500

All 3 jobs were based on material size of x1200, y600 z-15

And a square cut x200,y200 to x400,y400 depth -5mm

I'm bamboozledhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200723/88ce1d66138fa0d5fafb65ed4a23d418.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200723/74df969cac53caacaaf1403e02c1dba6.jpg

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[routerdriver]

I can see keys for Datum and Set Home.Obviously there is a distance in three axes from machine Home to Part Datum.Have you drawn the test shape at a point in space within Alphacam that would be outside the machine's limits?Maybe posting the Gcode would be illuminating.

[finski84]

Apologies for the multiple posts!
My findings are this:

Job1: starts and stops after 1 second.

Job2: limit exceeded in X 5016.500

Job3: limit exceeded in X 5016.500

All 3 jobs were based on material size of x1200, y600 z-15

And a square cut x200,y200 to x400,y400 depth -5mm

I'm bamboozled

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As routerdriver has stated. Can you please post up the GCode. We can have a look at what you are trying to run. If your able to copy and paste it into a post ill be able to run it on my machine for you and see if it works :witless:

I am only at work till 10:15 this morning otherwise you may have to wait till Monday. Unless my partner goes into labour, in which case ill see you in two weeks :nevreness:

[finski84]

Just had an idea. You using the standard post code for a 3 axis built within Alphacam? If this is the case this may be the problem. Send me private message with your email and ill send over the postcode free of charge and probably at the disgust of the firm I work for. :disgust:

[BEACHBLANKET]

START
N1 (CLS,HOME)
T1
N2 M51
"A"
N3 !VX(0)=0
N4 !VY(0)=0
N5 (EPP,START,END)
N6 M5
N7 (CLS,HOME)
N8 M30
"START"
N9 G27
N10 G401H1
N11 T.1 M6
N12 M50
N13 G0 X197.5 Y197.5 Z50 M3 S18000
N14 Z10
N15 G1 Z-5 F700
N16 X200 Y400 F2800
N17 X400
N18 Y200
N19 X197.5
N20 G0 Z50
N21 M5
N22 M51
N23 M71 M151
"END"

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[BEACHBLANKET]

That's the Gcode file produced by Alphacam.
I'm using the - Rye QMaxi Osai TC Multidrill - post processor.

I did try the standard Alphacam 3axis one but that couldn't be received by the machine.



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[BEACHBLANKET]

Thanks again chaps....

And fingers crossed all goes well for you and your partner in the baby department!!

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[BEACHBLANKET]

Just noticed....

In line 13.... Go x197.5.....

197.5x25.4 = 5016.5 (X axis error amount)

I've been drawing in mm, I set the machine units to mm

Unless machine defaults to inches after every power up?
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[finski84]

Operation List POST: qmaxAlan4
--------------------------------------------------
OP 1 FINISH PASS TOOL 2 2 FLT TWIST FLUTE ALI (6.35MM)
EFFECTIVE DIAMETER 6.35
Feed Distance: 1341.1 Time for OP 1: 2m 34s
--------------------------------------------------
Total Feed Distance ....................... 1341.1
Tool Change Time .......................... 0m 10s
Total Time ................................ 2m 44s
--------------------------------------------------
Material: MDF
Use Extraction
--------------------------------------------------
START
'(TEST)
'(COMPONENT DATUM POSITION X = 25)
'(COMPONENT DATUM POSITION Y = 55)
N1 G71
N2 M51 H1S-
N3 M52D-
N4 M51 H2S-
N5 M5
N6 M51 H3S-
N7 M5
N8 M51 H4S-
N9 M53D-
'(OP 1 FINISH PASS TOOL 2 2 FLT TWIST FLUTE ALI (6.35MM))
'(EFFECTIVE DIAMETER 6.35)
N10 M06 T2
N11 G0 Z70
N12 M51 H2S+ 'HEAD 2 DOWN
N13 G0 Z70
N14 M3 S55
N15 G0 X238.51 Y340.22
N16 G1 X238.51 Y340.22 Z15 FX4
N17 G1 X581.11 Y340.22 FX3
N18 G3 X584.28 Y343.39 CX581.11 CY343.39
N19 G1 X584.28 Y633.85
N20 G3 X581.11 Y637.03 CX581.11 CY633.85
N21 G1 X238.51 Y637.03
N22 G3 X235.34 Y633.85 CX238.51 CY633.85
N23 G1 X235.34 Y343.39
N24 G3 X238.51 Y340.22 CX238.51 CY343.39
N25 G0 Z70
N26 M5 'HEAD 2 STOP
N27 M51 H2S- 'HEAD 2 UP
N28 M2

try that, just bare in mind I have my offset x25 y55 it shouldn't make any difference to you though.

This will just run a travel safe 70 from the 0 and it thinks you have a 18mm sheet on the bed and it will cut 13mm from 0 in a square.

[finski84]

As im currently finishing a job I wont get the chance to test your code but I have emailed my self the post code if you decide you want to try it when im at home :cool:

[finski84]

28645

Ive imported your code into my test file and you can see what your code was trying to do at least.

28646

Side view of your orange tool line.

[BEACHBLANKET]

Thanks I'll try yours later today when I'm back at the machine [emoji106][emoji106][emoji106]

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[BEACHBLANKET]

QUICK UPDATE

Machine works with the kindly supplied postprocessor file.:encouragement:

It throws up errors with the standard one supplied in alphacam.


What I've learned (I am a CNC VIRGIN)
DATUM= Machine Park Position is approx. x-150,y-300
HOME= Table 0,0 Has to be set each time machine turned on (or is this just me)

I need to fully get to grips with the head selection, z setting and tool length etc before attempting a cut.

I'll post again when I have made more progress....or a cut!!!

Many thanks

[routerdriver]

You may not absolutely need to home the machine every time you power it up,but I always do.It gets a bit more necessary if you lave a fixture on the machine and intend to resume cutting the same parts in the same location.From my quick look at the information it looks like the X and Y datums are referenced to the machine home position being those distances from the part datum and you may well be able to re-position them to suit other jobs.Z setting and tool length are topics that need to be approached with great care and a tool length sensor is a wonderful thing to have.My limited understanding of Alphacam suggests that you might need to accurately model the tool and set it in the collet with great care to match the tool library.

[BEACHBLANKET]

I cannot home the machine or set Z height without opening the door on the machine which then throws up a fault due to the sensors. I'm having to blank off the door sensors so I can see what is happening.
Is there an override for this that I am missing?
Thanks.

[finski84]

A lot of people will frown upon overriding the door mechanism. It should be two screws in the back of the door and just tape the block into the micro switch as if the doors where closed. Problem solved. Just try to keep your hands out the way :tears_of_joy:

[Kitwn]

Some door sensors are made so that you can pull the pin out towards you to overide the interlock once opened. This will automatically reset when you close the door again. These are best used when there's a captive-key interlock as well, but you may be lucky.

Kit

[BEACHBLANKET]

Had to tape it up.

No way can you Z set the machine with the doors closed.

Finski I managed to modify the post processor file your table 0,0 from park/datum is 100mm different to mine.[emoji106]

I'm going to try a cut later today [emoji1696][emoji1696][emoji1696]

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[finski84]

Had to tape it up.

No way can you Z set the machine with the doors closed.

Finski I managed to modify the post processor file your table 0,0 from park/datum is 100mm different to mine.[emoji106]

I'm going to try a cut later today [emoji1696][emoji1696][emoji1696]

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I'm just happy it sorted out the problems you was having. I think the difference between your machine and mine is I have 4 heads compared to your 2? (going by the pictures I've seen at least)

[BEACHBLANKET]

I've got 3 heads but only 2&3 have spindles on.[emoji106]

Just a quick question does yours have a tool changer?
I only ask because in the startup routine you refer to set tool length.

Or is that length of cutter??

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[finski84]

No tool changer. I have to manually change my tools by hand and then Datum the height to 0 on the scratch board. Tool sizes, cut length etc are recorded in Alphacam.

28657

[BEACHBLANKET]

Brilliant thanks.


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[BEACHBLANKET]

I'm struggling with setting z...
Follow your setting up tooling.

Head selected...(drops down)

Then Execute m/c Attr... tool Length...
I set this to 110 (top of material) as in pic then F1 to digitise...https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200729/edd2c87de3956bec60929c6fb0eb6d5e.jpg

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[BEACHBLANKET]

SORTED IT OUT!!....

Now to figure out why my gcode is missing the head down and spindle speed and head up stop??

START
'(SQUAREALANDECPOST)
'(COMPONENT DATUM POSITION X = 0)
'(COMPONENT DATUM POSITION Y = 0)
N1 G71
N2 M51 H1S-
N3 M52D-
N4 M51 H2S-
N5 M5
N6 M51 H3S-
N7 M5
N8 M51 H4S-
N9 M53D-
'(OP 1 FINISH PASS TOOL 22 BALL END - 5MM)
'(EFFECTIVE DIAMETER 4.899)
N10 M06 T22
N11 G0 Z50
N12
N13 G0 Z50
N14 S100
N15 G0 X260.7 Y580.9
N16 G0 Z25
N17 G1 X260.7 Y580.9 Z-2 FX24
N18 G1 X434.91 Y580.9 FX48
N19 G1 X434.91 Y819.25
N20 G1 X260.7 Y819.25
N21 G1 X260.7 Y580.9
N22 G0 Z50
N23
N24
N25 M2

Obviously a mistake i'm making in ALPHACAM prior to sending to NC.....

Vectric Aspire looks so much easier to use!!!

If only there was a post processor for my machine!!!

[BEACHBLANKET]

First cut!! [emoji3][emoji3][emoji3]
I messed up my measurements on the actual size of material being cut[emoji3061]..but it did what I asked...

Massive thanks....https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200729/98974bbf2a3e6e35c4819b2e7406fbb7.jpg

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[BEACHBLANKET]

After much head scratching I have come to the conclusion (for me anyway) that to use this machine going forward it makes sense to 'upgrade' the controller.

Being a CNC and CAM virgin, this is based on the following:-

1) New controller = support... especially fault finding and a MANUAL!!! (There is nothing available that I have found for this controller - OMICRON 3000)

2) Currently the only software with a post processor for this machine (that I am aware of) is ALPHACAM....to upgrade to the current software is cost prohibitive and probably does far more than I will ever need in terms of batch production etc.

3) If I am going to invest a great deal of time in learning new CAD and CAM software I think it should be as recent as possible and I like the look of the Vectric software.

Many thanks to Routerdriver and Finski84 for their help.

I will now start a new thread relating to the control side of things.

[Clive S]

We have all done that:encouragement:

[JAZZCNC]

To be honest I've had to refrain my self from saying RIP IT OUT so I'm pleased to see you have seen the light for your self.

A retrofit will transform the machine into a different beast but be under no illusions it won't be a simple swap over and you will have to write some Macro routines for it to operate with all the features it currently as. You won't find a Plug n play controller.!

[BEACHBLANKET]

To be honest I've had to refrain my self from saying RIP IT OUT so I'm pleased to see you have seen the light for your self.

A retrofit will transform the machine into a different beast but be under no illusions it won't be a simple swap over and you will have to write some Macro routines for it to operate with all the features it currently as. You won't find a Plug n play controller.!

I wish you had said!!!:thumsup:

Just so I can get my head around this a little more...Are we talking major surgery and replacement of other parts (it does appear to all be working) or will it be 'just' the controller?

[JAZZCNC]

I wish you had said!!!:thumsup:

Just so I can get my head around this a little more...Are we talking major surgery and replacement of other parts (it does appear to all be working) or will it be 'just' the controller?

Can't honestly say without seeing more of what's under the covers. Depends on the motors and drives mostly. Could be anything from Steppers to AC servos.
They will most likely be DC servos or if your lucky AC servos but what type of signals the drives expect is what could make the difference. If they accept Step & Dir then your laughing but I'd be very surprised if a machine this old used Digital signals and I'd expect they will use +/-10v Analog signals which complicates thing slightly and limits your choice of controllers, it also bumps the costs up.!

Start your Thread, pull the covers off so we can see exactly what electronics and motors are on it.

[BEACHBLANKET]

Ok great I'll post some pics up...

Is this the best place to start the thread? - Home/ELECTRONICS/Control Hardware & Systems

Another thought I had was getting a post processor written for ASPIRE and my controller (quoted approx. £350)

Any thoughts on that route?

Thanks again.

[routerdriver]

If you don't want to shell out for a new post processor and you aren't so deeply immersed in an existing CAD/CAM system and control software then might I suggest you take a look at LinuxCNC?I believe Fusion has a post processor that will work with it and I know that Freecad does because thats what I use.I have to admit that I have seen Vectric software and it definitely goes it's own way with terminology and general approach.It does work and it isn't hugely expensive,but either Fusion or Freecad will do the job at zero cost.

[BEACHBLANKET]

If you don't want to shell out for a new post processor and you aren't so deeply immersed in an existing CAD/CAM system and control software then might I suggest you take a look at LinuxCNC?I believe Fusion has a post processor that will work with it and I know that Freecad does because thats what I use.I have to admit that I have seen Vectric software and it definitely goes it's own way with terminology and general approach.It does work and it isn't hugely expensive,but either Fusion or Freecad will do the job at zero cost.

Interesting... I'm not familiar with LinuxCNC… does that need a controller swap out etc or are you saying it will run through my existing one?

[routerdriver]

Interesting... I'm not familiar with LinuxCNC… does that need a controller swap out etc or are you saying it will run through my existing one?

To vastly over simplify,It will run all sorts of machines once you have explained to it how many steps/unit of travel.For my hobby machine,on steppers,it was mostly a case of finding out how quickly the computer that runs the machine could churn out pulses,estimating an acceleration rate and determining the number of steps per rotation of the ballscrew and thus from the pitch,the steps/mm.There is a forum abundantly populated by experts at https://forum.linuxcnc.org/.They will be better able to answer specific points.You can download it and run it live from a DVD or a memory stick before committing to an installation.

[BEACHBLANKET]

NEW THREAD STARTED

http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/13906-RYE-QUANTUM-Omicron-3000-Controller-SWAPOUT-OPTIONS?p=119324#post119324