Poorly N sick Fadal 15 VMC Will live again!

[Chaz]

Granite make drives that can take Resolvers although I couldnt get them to work and had to send the drives back.

Linux CNC is a big learning curve, Linux in itself is too which blocks a lot of people. Its doable.

Wouldnt you consider CS Labs with SIM CNC? Is it the resolver feedback that rules it out?

[JAZZCNC]

Granite make drives that can take Resolvers although I couldnt get them to work and had to send the drives back.

The only Drive they make that can take resolvers is the Argon but that cannot provide enough amps @12A continuous to run these motors, I need 15A continuous.

Linux CNC is a big learning curve, Linux in itself is too which blocks a lot of people. Its doable.

Yes, I know but I like a challenge, I'm already getting my head around it and things are starting to make sense.

Wouldnt you consider CS Labs with SIM CNC? Is it the resolver feedback that rules it out?

No not really it's still too young and I don't like the screens etc. The resolver feedback also rules it out if take that route, however if I dump the 4th axis idea then I still wouldn't use it because I would use Step & Dir and the IP-S cannot close the loop.

I do have an IP-A and could use that with Brushless AC servo's but I'd prefer to use Step & Dir and not have the hassle Analog tuning.

[Clive S]

At the moment I'm strongly leaning towards Linux CNC and mesa cards which I know is more than capable.! . . . The weak link here is ME.!. . I've never used Linux CNC or Mesa cards but I know a man who knows is onions, hey Clive S..Lol . . . I'm sure together we'll figure it out.!

Watch this space.!

Don't take the piss it's a steep learning curve. But we will get there in another world.

[Chaz]

I know what you mean about Analog tuning. I went with Centroid Acorn for the Bridgeport conversion (running Panasonic Servos) and there is little that I miss from the Analog setup.

[Voicecoil]

It is a possibility I can just change the Resolver for encoder on the 4th axis which I don't think will be too difficult. Need to check both out more.!

I would agree with this - you might need to machine up a few bits to kluge an encoder on, but from what you're saying that would be a lot less effort than some of the alternative routes.

[magicniner]

If there was money in the budget for it I'd be tempted to go for a Siemens 808D Advanced or other stand alone industrial controller rather than a PC/OS/Software Mash Up, you end up with something that has been developed with industrial requirement pressures rather than developed by a committee, many of whom have never worked in machining.

[Chaz]

If there was money in the budget for it I'd be tempted to go for a Siemens 808D Advanced or other stand alone industrial controller rather than a PC/OS/Software Mash Up, you end up with something that has been developed with industrial requirement pressures rather than developed by a committee, many of whom have never worked in machining.

What kinda money would something like this be?

[Chaz]

This?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/26375881019...kaAh6JEALw_wcB

If that was 'all' it cost and no licenses would be needed, surely that would be worth it?

[magicniner]

That's the 808D, 3-axis only, the 808D Advanced does 4 axes.
I'd expect to spend a few grand on the 4-Axis, ideally you also need the extra panel with speed and feed over-ride knobs etc.
Something Fanuc or Fanuc compatible would be equally good for a retro-fit but I favour Siemens as the documentation and support is excellent.

[JAZZCNC]

If there was money in the budget for it I'd be tempted to go for a Siemens 808D Advanced or other stand alone industrial controller rather than a PC/OS/Software Mash Up, you end up with something that has been developed with industrial requirement pressures rather than developed by a committee, many of whom have never worked in machining.

Yes, this and few other more industrial controllers are being considered. However, I'm pretty sure the Sinumerik controllers only work with Siemans drives and motors and it's not worth throwing 8K at the machine this Old. Also, Industrial controllers like Siemens, Fanuc, etc all have hidden costs because features like 4Th axis or Ridged tapping, etc are licensed.

Also, let's be fair the reality is they offer nothing any of the others don't, other than little more Bling.! . . . . I see it like Cheap kitchens.? . . . Good Kitchen fitter can make a cheap kitchen look Bling just using better quality fittings.!