Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Re: Re: GE 1050CM control

Harlan Gustafson wrote:

> Ray:
> The position feedback is by resolver. Are the interface cards you spoke of
> expensive? It might easier and more reliable to just install modern
> encoders.

The axis drives I got out of a PC board drilling machine with a GE mark Century
control (one generation before yours) had resolvers. I replaced them fairly
easily with encoders. You can probably get decent encoders used (perhaps
on eBay) cheaper than the resolver to quadrature converters.

> The spindle has both position(resolver) and dc tach feedback.

Is the spindle a DC servo, or induction motor? Either way, speed controls
can be had, or possibly the existing drive can be used. EMC doesn't
support hard tapping, so you might not replace the resolver on the spindle
right now (or ever, unless you need rigid tapping or other spindle orientation
work).

> What about the tool changer? This is very important to me. Will EMC handle
> that?

[Oh, maybe it needs spindle orientation for the tool changer. A patch using the
index channel of an encoder (or even a simple optical sensor) could stop
the spindle from jog speed at the right spot.]

Not as a plug-in and go arrangement. Some people are working on adding
ladder logic, but at the present, there is a shell of a tool change routine
available, but you'd have to program the sequencing in C, or use a
PLC external to the PC. It really shouldn't be that hard to make it go,
though.

> Also, the Monarch has an "arm" which is really the entire milling
> head, spindle, motor, quill, etc. and it moves in 1" increments parallel to
> the Z-axis. It has a definite sequence of unlocking, moving to next
> position, seeking exactly that position, then finally locking in place.

Augghhhh! That is a real mess. I wonder if you could replace that mechanism
with a big ballscrew, and do away with the indexing contraption?

> This can be initiated manually from the console or from the program with an
> M-code. Could we contol the "arm" with EMC? If I am asking too many
> questions, tell me and I'll shut up.

If you wanted the 1" moves to be performed by an M-code, and have the control
wait on completion, that could probably be done without a big hassle. It
depends if the sequencing is a bunch of time delay relays and solenoid valves,
or if it is all controlled by the current CNC.

Jon