Re: Re: My CNC Mill retrofit project

> [Some people on this list kindly offered to help me decipher the inner
> workings of my old CNC mill, with a view towards outfitting it with a
> modern PC-based control system. Accordingly, I've posted some pictures and
> diagrams on my site: http://www.computersculpture.com/rammill_page.html If
> that doesn't work, go to the bottom of the index page at
> www.computersculpture.com and click the link. I eagerly await word on which
> wires to cut, where to splice in the new ones, and what to leave strictly
> alone.]

I've had a good look at your stuff and I think you've picked a good retrofit
candidate. Essentially you'll want to remove the old control computer and its
wiring up to the relays that control the major I/O items like the spindle,
coolant, etc. You need to add an Opto 22 rack or some other convenient TTL to
110Vac level translating circuitry to connect one of the new PC parallel
ports to your existing relays. As for the servo side of things I think I
recognize the servo amps as ones made by Servo Dynamics in Chatsworth, CA.
I'm not 100% sure of this, but you need to look at them carefully and if they
are from SD then you can call them and get documentation. The servo amps will
be driven from the D/A outputs of a Servo-To-Go card. I'm assuming the
machine has conventional encoder feedback (right?). If you want to discuss
this interactively just give me a call at (410) 521-3715.

Matt