Re:MaxNC problems

>Message: 11
> Date: Fri, 05 May 2000 16:54:30 -0000
> From: mplunkett@...
>Subject: MAXNC parallel port set up, HELP!
>
>Hello all:
>
>I've got a MaxNC 15 that was upgraded to the SRV-S.
>
>It has the encoders on the end of the bigger steppermotors and the
>limit switches on each axis.
>
>I had the thing running for a short while on a very simple program to
>basically spot face .005" deep into aluminum at 5 locations, and we
>only need to do this maybe 5 times a day. This is all this machine
>will ever do.
>
>Then the thing stopped, checked it out and the main chip on the X-Y
>LPT card was kinda melted.
>
>MaxNC graciously replaced the card, but now I cannot get the thing to
>work.
>
>The computer was changed since it was felt that the old P90 was much
>too slow, now its like a 400 or something. It has an AMI BIOS VERSION
>1.00.02.BS0, and this is the one that has an integral LPT1 built into
>the motherboard, however its been disabled so the two MaxNC LPT cards
>are used to drive the minimill.

[You are running in straight DOS, not under a Windows dos prompt? While
Windows appears to run DOS, it doesn't give you control over the parallel
ports.]

>
>The power box was back of the mill was sent back into MaxNC for them
>to look at and they sent it back saying it was fixed.
>
>I'm still getting "servo overload" when I push the "h" key to home it.
>
>Further, turning the lead screws by hand doesn't update the DRO on
>the PC screen.

[It sounds like one or more of the Darlington transistors in the control
box may have fried, possibly when the parallel port melted down. These
PIC-120's are available at Radio Shack. I find it helps to get Otto on the
phone when you're standing next to the machine, then have him talk you
through the diagnostic; holding the phone up to the motors, if necessary.
One thing to try- switch the parallel port cables from the z-a card to the
x-y card; this should tell you whether you've got a parallel port problem
or a bad control card.]

>
>Reading all the messages on the board here, seems like you're all
>doing pretty well, any and all comments, help would be really
>appreciated, this is causing me a lot of grief out in the shop.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Mark

[I hope this helped, but if not- talk to Otto- he's the only one who really
understands these things.]

>

Andrew Werby - United Artworks
Sculpture, Jewelry, and Other Art Stuff
http://unitedartworks.com