Denford Novamill 1996 Conversion, Hints & Tips Appreciated

[JohnHaine]

Found it. Look for a thread called Denford Novamill Mach3 Conversion on this forum. There's a circuit there I designed which has been built and works.


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[m_c]

I'd forgotten about that issue.

It won't be an issue if you use a KStep, as the 0-10V analog output is isolated, however I'm not sure about the CSMIO/IP-M. I've just had a quick scan of the manual, and it's pretty vague. It certainly doesn't mention isolation.

[andy_con]

this is everything you need for a good conversaion

Ethernet smoothstepper

http://www.amadeal.co.uk/acatalog/Sm...ernet-794.html

3x drivers

https://www.cnc4you.co.uk/Stepper-Mo...tepping-CW5045


Breakout board

http://diycnc.co.uk/cnc-boards-uniport-v3/

48v psu

https://www.cnc4you.co.uk/Breakout-B...U-48Volt-12Amp

total £450

oh forgot and you will need a spindle v4 or v5 board

[m_c]

One of the major benefits of a KStep, is it combines controller, stepper drives, and 0-10V on the one board. My only complaint is all the IO and 0-10V is on IDC header, so you do need a small BoB to make life easier(about £10 upwards on ebay - search for "16pin IDC breakout board")
As this is a Novamill conversion, space in the cabinet is limited, unless you're willing to alter the cabinet layout. I'd need to measure to check, but I think you should be able to squeeze a KStep into the existing controller space.

Power supply wise, a bridge rectifier and capacitor is all that's needed to get a supply for stepper drivers. I just checked the wiring diagram, and the transformer outputs 28VAC, which should give about 40VDC. I also noticed the diagram shows a 24VDC supply for the control electrics. Not sure why I thought it was 12V...

If you don't want to rely on USB for 5V, you'll need to add in a 5V power supply. I personally use switched mode DIN rail mount ones, as they do the job in a nice compact format. Not the cheapest option, but easy to install.

To give you an idea of how compact the KStep setup is, here's a photo of my prober/CMM control cabinet -

I made my own BoB with what I had lying around, but then I only needed two inputs (EStop and Probe). If I wasn't in a rush to get the machine running at the time, I would of ordered a ready made BoB.
The build thread can be found at http://www.machsupport.com/forum/ind...c,27732.0.html with some info about running it closed loop at the bottom of the first page.

[John S]

Or Pokeys 57CNCdb25 for 79 Euro

https://www.poscope.com/PoKeys57CNCdb25

Cheap breakout board from China for £5

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-Axis-CNC...-/272041782661

This does spindle control and speed.

Then add the power supply and 3 drivers.

[Husky]

Oh wow, thanks for all the responses guys! Sorry I've not been on, the good weather meant I could crack on with weather proofing the workshop with a new roof! I'm a bit burned now haha.

I'll read through it all and try to get to grips with all the suggestions.

Thanks once again!

[mameman]

Hi, just run across your thread. I also in the last 2 weeks picked up a 2000ish novamill and with some careful reading on the web of various threads and a little trial and error on mach3 settings combined with a princely sum of around $60 I have the novamill up and running on mach3 using the existing controller hardware.


X,Y,Z full motion
homing switches working
e stop working both soft and via panic button on the machine
spindle on/off
spindle pwm speed control

I already had an older dell desktop with a printer port and mach3 as i have a 4x8 cnc router.

let me know if you need any help if you want to go the same way. I may eventually replace the steppers and boards with upgraded units but for now it was cool to get it running for minimal cost.