Denford Mirac conversion help

Yes, you could use each contact for individual tools, however if you have the diode block as shown in the Mirac 1996 wiring diagrams, it would half the number of required inputs.
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The locked switch is also needed to check the tool change has been successful, but it should also be continually monitored to ensure the turret hasn't become unlocked when it shouldn't. In Mach3, you'd normally do that as part of the Macro Pump, but worry about getting the turret working first.

Assuming I was to get a plc to run the turret, what would I need.
How are the input and output signals between the bob and plc achieved. I would still need a macro for mach3 wouldn't I ?
then a programme for the plc.
Think I will go sit in the corner now and rock back and forth for a while

Something with enough inputs and outputs!
I used the small Click PLC range from Automation Direct for my turret, but had to buy an additional Input/output module to get enough inputs. They also do a slightly more featured range (DL series?) that might have more inputs/outputs on the base modules.
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Good thing about the Click range though, is the programming software is free and has no limits. The DL software has a limit on program size, above which you have to buy a license.
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As for communicating between the PLC and controller, the less complicated option is via Modbus, but that can sometimes be problematic to setup. In my lathe, I use Modbus to transfer the desired position to the PLC, and continually read the actual position back. I then have an output from the KFlop to the PLC telling the PLC if it's ok to change position, and an output from the PLC back to the KFlop telling the KFlop that the tool changer is locked, and on the correct position. The KFlop then monitors that input, and if it deactivates when a change hasn't been requested, it triggers an E-stop.

Thanks again for your help, I think I will try it on a macro first. Deserves a try don't you think. Failing that a plc.
spent the last 4 or 5 nights trying to get my head round the macros, safe to say my head is fried.
cheers

this is what i ended up with, but it has no safety steps in it. any idea how i can add some
If GetSelectedTool()=GetCurrentTool() Then
End If


If GetSelectedTool =1 Then
ActivateSignal(Output5)
While Not IsActive(oemtrig1)
Wend
DeactivateSignal(Output5)
ActivateSignal(Output6)
While Not IsActive(oemtrig11)
Wend
Sleep 1000
DeactivateSignal(Output6)
End If







If GetSelectedTool =2 Then
ActivateSignal(Output5)
While Not IsActive(oemtrig2)
Wend
DeactivateSignal(Output5)
ActivateSignal(Output6)
While Not IsActive(oemtrig11)
Wend
Sleep 1000
DeactivateSignal(Output6)
End If






If GetSelectedTool =3 Then
ActivateSignal(Output5)
While Not IsActive(oemtrig3)
Wend
DeactivateSignal(Output5)
ActivateSignal(Output6)
While Not IsActive(oemtrig11)
Wend
Sleep 1000
DeactivateSignal(Output6)
End If




If GetSelectedTool =4 Then
ActivateSignal(Output5)
While Not IsActive(oemtrig4)
Wend
DeactivateSignal(Output5)
ActivateSignal(Output6)
While Not IsActive(oemtrig11)
Wend
Sleep 1000
DeactivateSignal(Output6)
End If




If GetSelectedTool =5 Then
ActivateSignal(Output5)
While Not IsActive(oemtrig5)
Wend
DeactivateSignal(Output5)
ActivateSignal(Output6)
While Not IsActive(oemtrig11)
Wend
Sleep 1000
DeactivateSignal(Output6)
End If




If GetSelectedTool =6 Then
ActivateSignal(Output5)
While Not IsActive(oemtrig6)
Wend
DeactivateSignal(Output5)
ActivateSignal(Output6)
While Not IsActive(oemtrig11)
Wend
Sleep 1000
DeactivateSignal(Output6)
End If




If GetSelectedTool =7 Then
ActivateSignal(Output5)
While Not IsActive(oemtrig7)
Wend
DeactivateSignal(Output5)
ActivateSignal(Output6)
While Not IsActive(oemtrig11)
Wend
Sleep 1000
DeactivateSignal(Output6)
End If




If GetSelectedTool =8 Then
ActivateSignal(Output5)
While Not IsActive(oemtrig8)
Wend
DeactivateSignal(Output5)
ActivateSignal(Output6)
While Not IsActive(oemtrig11)
Wend
Sleep 1000
DeactivateSignal(Output6)
End If
End

Basically each time you activate a signal, you need to also set a timer, so if the required input signal doesn't happen within the timer, things fault out (use a DoOemButton(xxxx) where xxxx is the code for E-stop), however I've totally forgotten how you do that in Mach3 Macros :-/
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A quick search on the Mach forum has thrown up this thread - http://www.machsupport.com/forum/ind....html#msg86334
Look at the "timeout" variable and how it is updated/monitored.
That macro also has the required OEM button numbers.
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You should also add a check before the end of the macro which checks that the correct tool position has been achieved.

the tool change isn't updating the current tool on mach3 screen, it operates the tool changer ok. what am i doing wrong