conect 121 new toy

**magicniner** · 08-09-2017

My benchtop CNC mill was the same brand, most of the original electronics had already been replaced when I got it, I replaced what remained but I've never been able to find much info on Conect equipment beyond that the mill was probably based on a Rishton milling machine.

You should be able to identify the control signals with a meter and work out where to insert signals and at what voltages,
Regards,
Nick

**m_c** · 08-09-2017

From what I remember, you can trace the step/dir control pins back to the original controller chip.

However, they are 80s technology, and I don't think it would be worth the hassle. Even a couple of the TB6600 drives should give an improvement in performance, and they can be had for less than £10 each. Combine those with a cheap BOB, and you've got all the major components covered.
The only thing is you'd need to ensure the 0-10V for the spindle speed is isolated, or upgrade the spindle drive to something that doesn't need an isolated speed control.

**Ross77** · 08-09-2017

You should be able to identify the control signals with a meter and work out where to insert signals and at what voltages,

nothing works so I cant trace the signals.

The only thing is you'd need to ensure the 0-10V for the spindle speed is isolated, or upgrade the spindle drive to something that doesn't need an isolated speed control.

So if if i power the BOB from the 5v of the conect board will that not work?

Yes I will replace the stepper drivers but I would like to use the DC spindle motor?

**m_c** · 08-09-2017

Originally Posted by Ross77

nothing works so I cant trace the signals.

As long as you can get the part number of the stepper chips, and find a datasheet, just trace the PCB tracks. Or there will only be 2 tracks that go to dedicated pins on the controller chip from each stepper chip, which leaves only two options as to what is the step and dir.

So if if i power the BOB from the 5v of the conect board will that not work?

Yes I will replace the stepper drivers but I would like to use the DC spindle motor?

You really need to find out what the spindle drive is. Mine was a SCR style drive (very common for DC motors), which means the speed control terminals are at near mains voltage. Connect them to anything other than an isolated 0-10V, and something will be releasing magic smoke.

**Ross77** · 09-09-2017

You really need to find out what the spindle drive is. Mine was a SCR style drive (very common for DC motors), which means the speed control terminals are at near mains voltage. Connect them to anything other than an isolated 0-10V, and something will be releasing magic smoke.

Dam, I have no idea what drive it is. The machine is from 1986 and has the Lander control board. it does look like the input is 240v and there is a transformer before the motor.

**m_c** · 09-09-2017

Post up some photos.
It won't be a transformer, it'll be a choke.

I know mine came with a Cheetah drive, but I had to replace it with a KBIC, as the Cheetah was blowing fuses.

**Ross77** · 09-09-2017

Thanks, you pointed me in the right direction. bit of googling and it is an SCR drive and its a Neco one. Ive found the 3 control wires but not sure if the enable will be ground, +5v or +10v

Will I damage it trying different combinations?

Ultimately I think i Will have to replace the motor and drive but it would be good to get it running to make sure the lathe can manage what I want to do with it.