Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: servo brake problem

At 08:03 AM 8/28/2004, you wrote:

>The spindle solenoid and brake were already wired and working before
>the retrofit process began since it was a Boss 6 CNC Bridgeport and
>all the switches etc are already there. Problem is that I can't
>figure out where the proper wire is that gives power to the solenoid
>for brake.

When I installed the Centroid on my BOSS 9, I kept the air solenoids from
the original system. I did all the "grunt" work of the retro, but the
Centroid factory rep plugged in all the wires. My system has 3 solenoids,
one of which operates the brake.

Just checked the system. This might be helpful.

The air ram up by the spindle engages and disengages the brake. With the
system completely shut down this ram can be moved by hand. The system
leaves the brake engaged when the system shuts down. Push the ram up and
the brake is disengaged. Only needs to move a short distance. Originally
I thought the brake might be on a heavy spring so that air pressure keeps
the spring compressed and the brake DISengaged. Now appears the air simply
moves the ram in one direction or the other where it remains until air
pushes it in the opposite direction.

Try moving the ram by hand and check the spindle while it's in high
gear. See if moving the ram one way or the other allows the spindle to be
turned by hand. Mine does. In low gear it's too hard to turn, so put it
in high. Without applying air pressure crank up the spindle motor and see
if it works when the brake is disengaged. That might cure the problem you
have with the motor. Next see if you can get air to the ram on top. This
can probably be done without cranking up the controller. Would require
getting the right amount of electricity to the solenoid in some other
manner. If you can get the solenoid to work, then it's a matter of where
to wire it into the system.

I don't believe it is setup in my system to be somehow connected to the
motor or the power going to the motor. Instead it is simply connected to a
switch on my controller - the brake switch. The brake switch can be
activated automatically if the "Auto" switch for the motor is
activated. If the motor is in manual on/off mode, the brake switch also
has to be operated manually, I think. Don't recall doing it that way. Do
know that the brake switch is operable even when the motor switch is in the
auto position.

I said before that the system leaves the brake engaged. That is probably
only a factor of how I have my switches set when the system is shut down
rather than a spring loaded brake or some other sort of feature that does
this automatically for some reason.

Hope some of this is helpful.

Doug