Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] How to replace Anilam controls with PC?

Randy,

I have a machine similar to yours, mine being a Supermax with a Crusader II
control of
about 1985 vintage. Mine had a dead console when I got it - turned out to
be a power
supply problem which I was able to repair to get the machine running. The
control turned out to be a bit flaky as well as quite limited - small
memory with NO storage for programs. The control is based on the old S100
bus of 8080/CPM days. I ended up selling just the console to a dealer for
almost what I paid for the whole machine. Since I do have the servo drives,
linear scales, motors, etc. I planned on using the Servo-To-Go card and EMC
to run the mill. However, I have been considering the Gecko servo drives
which would allow me to use various step/direction software. Three Gecko
drives would cost less then a STG card and eliminates the need to use the
old Anilam servo drivers. Still investigating that option.

The Supermax is a 'project' machine - just something to experiment with as
I have two other cnc mills.

It dosen't suprise me that your driver cards are gone. If they were the
original cards, Anilam won't repair them anymore and the repalcements are
six to seven hunderd bucks a each. Yours were probably pilfered for some
other machine. I wouldn't recommend spending much $$ on getting the Anilam
up and running. There are other options.

Bob

>Howdy,
>I have recently bought a manual Bridgeport mill which
>has been converted to ball screws and servo motors
>using Anilam Crusader II controls. It has 3 axis control
>with SEM servo motors (perm. magnet DC) on axis X, Y, and Z. The
>Anilam system is not working except for DRO functions
>so I am wondering, would it be possible to control
>this machine using a PC and inexpensive software and could I
>still retain the existing SEM motors? What would I
>need in the way of driver boards for the servo motors (they are
>missing)? The motors are SEM brand, MT30R4 and MT30E4, 135 and 75
>volts respectively. I probably should be asking other questions but
>I am pretty new to CNC control. Maybe someone can help me decide what
>is the best way to get this beast up and running. Thanks in advance.
>
>Randy Howard
>sevenish1@...
>randolph.e.howard@...