Newbie

[Ash88]

Hi all I’m Ash from Leicester.

Just purchased almost unused 8x4 cnc . Originally from Marchant dice/Bionica (they seem to have disappeared now days)

Complete newbie but slowly getting!

Got it all working but still struggling with getting Mach3 to start my spindle. Currently having to start / control it through the vfd.

Anyone ideas ?

Regards ash


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[cropwell]

Need more info.

What control box? Pictures? What are Mach3 settings for spindle? What are VFD settings? Is VFD wired for Mach3 speed control?

What have you tried so far?

Comeback with as much info as you can or someone will get tetchy.

Oh and by the way - Happy New Year Clive.

Cheers,

Rob

[Ash88]

Thanks for your reply Rob,

Iv been told by the previous owner that the spindle use to start when starting the g code on mach3 so I’m guessing it’s wired for it.

It’s a huanyang vfd and a 2.2 kw spindle.

I can take a few photo of the setting in Mach 3 but I don’t know if these are correct.

Many thanks
Regards
Ash


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210114/acc946add0c90fab3ee9dda142dc080e.jpg
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[cropwell]

Can you post a picture of where DCM and FOR connections in the VFD terminate in the control box. Can you also post a picture of the whole of the BoB and relay. We ould also like to see the.xml file you use as it is likely that you are using an xml file different from the one set up for the machine. Did you get that file from the vendor?.

The VFD is only wired for on/off in the forward direction, but you could have full speed control for just a few wires and a change of Mach3 parameters, but let's try and get you going first.

[routerdriver]

Have you generated a program for the machine yet?If there is an M3 at the head of the program it should start.If there isn't an M3 it could be the wrong choice of post processor.What software are you using to create the machining sequence?

[cropwell]

Does the spindle start from a screen command in Mach3 (Spindle control button or F5)? That will check the spindle/VFD is wired correctly and if it does start and stop with F5 then it is not putting M03 in the Gcode and as routerdriver says - check the post processor in your Gcode generation program.

[Doddy]

Hi all I’m Ash from Leicester.
Currently having to start / control it through the vfd.


Assuming the VFD is the common Huanyang device (looks similar) - What are the parameter settings on the VFD for PD001 and PD002? These define the source of the start and control inputs. 0/0 = Front panel control. I can't explain how it used-to-work under Mach3 control unless the VFD has been replaced or reset.

[Ash88]

Hi both

Thank you for your replies

Currently I can not get the spindle to start when I start the G code or when I click the spindle button

On the the vfd im running pd001/2 on 0 ( pd002 on 1 when using the rpm knob on the vfd)

Here’s a pic of where the dcm and for are connected to in the control box. Blue and black cables I’m holding )


Many thanks for your help!
Ash

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210116/16569ea101dceecff69e099b3164ddf7.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210116/e25c7b1935300303e6b1cdf4d868b934.jpg


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[cropwell]

It is a pity that my Mach3 computer has been on furlough since March and lies idle in a cupboard awaiting rebuild.

It is impossible to trace your control box wiring as the photos have not shown us the connections of the BoB/Motion controller to the relay that switches on the spindle. Do the blue and black wires connect 5v (or Ground?) to FOR when the relay is energised? I don't know what signals the VFD needs.

You might be able to start the spindle by bridging the relay contacts, if so, then we need to go back and find where the control input for the relay originates and then how Mach3 is meant to activate it.

Can you post a clear picture of the whole of the motion control board please.

Did you get the xml file from the vendor and do you have a Mach3 profile that uses this file?

[JAZZCNC]

The VFD isn't setup for external control if PD01 =0. you need it set to =1

Then you must check the Output for the relay is enabled and set up with the correct pin number. Then in the spindle setup, you select this output for the M3.

When all these are set correctly it will work. If anyone isn't set correctly then it won't work.

For speed control, you will need a breakout board or controller that provides either PWM or analog spindle control. Knowing Merchant dice or Bionica whichever you want to call them this would have been a £500 extra for a £10 board which they didn't fit as standard.

If you can get better pictures of the boards then it should be possible to identify.

[Ash88]

Thanks again for your reply

My mistake .. pd001 is set to 1

Sorry for the dumb questions ( complete newbie !)

How do you know what pin it should be set to on mach3 ?

Il get a few more photos tomorrow

Much appreciated
Ash


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[cropwell]

Jazz, I admire your restraint when mentioning Marchant Dice - Bionica. They have probably changed their name again to distance themselves from dissatisfied customers and creditors.

[Ash88]

Ha ha
Iv read some reviews ... doesn’t sound good


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[Doddy]

For speed control, you will need a breakout board or controller that provides either PWM or analog spindle control.

If you can get better pictures of the boards then it should be possible to identify.

Agreed with pics... I'm pretty sure I've seen a photo of that board (or similar) recently - a USB controller board with a bunch of discrete optos on it. Half convinced it has the analogue output on it - but pics, pics, pics.

[JAZZCNC]

Sorry for the dumb questions ( complete newbie !)

How do you know what pin it should be set to on mach3 ?

The only dumb question is the one you didn't ask but wanted to so fire away.

Without identifying the breakout or control board then I can't tell you the number, each board can use different pin numbers.

[BigBrand]

Hi Ash. Newbie (1 year) here also. Check out my build if you want some amusement.

I wonder if i can do a better job than marchant dice.

[Ash88]

Iv been looking at your build on Facebook, looks very impressive!

Iv attached a few more photos, do these help ?https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210117/6dcc5e2444e14af44889f9ff00804dd7.jpg
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Many thanks
Ash


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[BigBrand]

Dont let me fool you with the sheer size of it.. i have no idea what im doing lol.. just making it up as i go along and trying to pick up as much as possible.

[cropwell]

https://www.cnccat.com/cnccat_photos/files/200khz_4Axis_usb_motion_controller_en.pdf

I am sure it is this one, here's the manual for it

Is that rat's nest of wires a Marchant Dice original artwork?

[Ash88]

That’s amazing ! Thank you!

Il try this tomorrow and keep you updated.

Yes apparently this is all original [emoji85]

Many thanks again
Ash


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[cropwell]

29400

Have you any indication what these switches are for?

I am struggling to see how the spindle control is wired. It looks as though PWM is used to provide 0v to the relay board, but the input goes through these switches.

[Ash88]

Spent a little time going through the setting last night with no joy yet ( didn’t have much time as working out on site )

I really haven’t got a clue what these switches are for l? Iv tried toggling them in different positions but nothings yet.

I should be back in my factory Thursday so I’ll spend some more time on it then.

Thanks for all the help

Regards
Ash

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[cropwell]

I really cannot understand what the two switches and relay are meant to do.

First of all can I verify that PWM on the motion control card is connected to GND on the relay. I have a similar 4 relay board, but often they have different interface pin-out. The three unused sections of the relay board may have been something to do with coolant control. To me those switches and the relay board just look like clutter.

The only sense I could make is that if the connection to ground has been shifted across to PWM in error.

[Millatime16]

I really haven’t got a clue what these switches are for l? Iv tried toggling them in different positions but nothings yet.



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I have a machine from Bionica and last time I spoke to Cody for help, I asked him what those 2 buttons/switches were for and he said they were for when the machine was being used for CNC / Laser / Drag configuration modes or something along those lines. I have always kept mine set as they were when the machine was setup.

Could I ask, what grease/Lubrication do you use? I have a Pro Mill A1 machine. The grease they supplied me with me is nearly run out and I can't get in contact with them to get more. It has no marking so I'm not sure what or where to get more.

Its a shame they are getting bad reviews because they were great with me. Sorted all my questions and needs quickly. Seems from the reviews they have had a few problems?

[routerdriver]

In that situation I would probably go to Halfords and get a tub of the grease normally used for trailer wheel bearings.At the very least it will be better than nothing and at best you may have bought the same product you already had for a much better price.

[Ash88]

I was going to ask the same question as mine didn’t come with any grease.


Could I ask which way you have your switches set?

Does anyone ever have a problem with there vfd just stopping the spindle half way through?
Iv had it twice now, after around 15 mins it just turns the spindle off ( lucky I managed to catch it )
Turned it back on and then stayed on for the next hour and half.

Il check what the wiring over the weekend

Thanks for your help
Ash


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[JAZZCNC]

I was going to ask the same question as mine didn’t come with any grease.


Could I ask which way you have your switches set?

Does anyone ever have a problem with there vfd just stopping the spindle half way through?
Iv had it twice now, after around 15 mins it just turns the spindle off ( lucky I managed to catch it )
Turned it back on and then stayed on for the next hour and half.

Il check what the wiring over the weekend

Thanks for your help
Ash


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If the VFD on/off is controlled by the controller then it could be electrical noise on the signal wires. To check this reset the VFD parameter for External control back to the front panel setting and use that to start/stop it. Leave it running and see if happens.

Re grease: Just use any lithium-based grease, DONT use graphite-based grease.