Thanks Gerald, the simplicity of it makes perfect sense now.

Here's more info for other newcomers.

Haven't had much time to look through PMDX diagrams, just wanted to ask if the start/stop buttons can use the same ground? only 3 wires can be used?
I would like to order my cable now so I can use some in the box, have many people used the cable calculator? is it reliable? cant find the link for it ATM.

There is a discussion following, and diagrams from here:
http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showt...4&postcount=55

I did my own cable calculating..
Walking along the machine.. max extended at every axle (can also be done in cad) and adding half a meter with every corner, and one at the control box (mounted at the machine) then I rounded the numbers up... and it was spot on.. Had a meter spare.

Mind you... walking along the machine while thinking of cable doubling trough e chains.

You could always run a string for length too.

Thanks guys,

I don't have any part of the machine together yet, I'll just wait till it is together to be on the safe side.

On another thought, does anyone know if you can go bigger then 4kw spindle for 230v single phase america? or if there is anything bigger even available in 230v? and is 10awg shielded suitable?

For the VFD load output yes but not for the supply if using only single phase. I only know of Hitachi that makes a 3 phase VFD capable of running a 4 kW that may be wired single phase even though it is listed at 3 phase. Info is on cnczone.

4000W/230V= 17.4Amp.

You sure you want to run higher than 4kW on single phase?

I am running a 5HP Colombo spindle on single phase but you need to double the size of the VFD I am running 10 HP Lenze drive. All running fine

Al

Pete, this is what I originally had in mind. In the end, if budget allows I will shoot for the Hitachi XJ200-075LF.

No, I guess not Ken, Thanks.

Al, what model is your Colombo? and what did you pay for the Lenz, if you don't mind me asking?

Another E-stop question, is it recommended to run it as a separate 2-core shielded cable or can it be part of a 7-core shielded? my e-stops will be 220v since my contactor coil is 220v. I think I will be running 2, 7-core cables other then the 4-core motor cables.

I plan to be using an air drill as well, can you guys give me some pointers as to what kind I should look for. there are a few Desoutters and Atlas copcos on ebay, going to need holes in aluminum, acrylic and some steel sheet.
And how much longer should the X rails be for the second cutter?\

Thanks again guys,
Bilal

I would advise against high voltage coils. Besides the higher risk of electrocution and arc flash potential (if not properly done) while troubleshooting, insurance companies don't like high voltage coils here in the States.

If it is possible, don't use magnetic contactor. I changed to SSR which has zero-crossing ability, i.e. it will only turn on AC is at 0V of the sinewave and only switch off when the cycle is complete. this will reduce/eliminate the EMI burst from the transformer. with a 24V latching circuit, you can still salvage your existing on/off push button, light and the E-stop circuit.

Noted Pete.

Thanks Ken, is there a diagram of that in the forums?

I just found some Helukabel JZ-602-CY #82982 for $.44 per foot. is this good enough for the motors or should I look for double shielding? seems like an excellent price, no?

I derive my circuit from similar circuit.
http://www.the12volt.com/installbay/...ng_Relay_2.gif

Hi Bilal, my spindle is a RS90 CPE25 240Volt that I bought new from Blurry Customs, and the VFD Lenze MC1000 I picked up at an auction for $100. just lucky no one there knew what it was .

Al

Ken, Thanks for that diagram. I will implement what you have done. for now just gonna get the controls running.

Ok Al, Thanks. lucky indeed.

What do you all think of that cable? would you use it?

Call Helukabel and ask if that cable is CNC rated. I always find if your cheap in the wire department it usually comes back to haunt you at some point sooner than later !!!

Good to see you getting started

Thanks James,

I should hopefully be posting some progress soon.

Hi All,

I just had a couple quick questions to get in while I am at work. As to the bipolar parallel wiring. since its parallel does it matter where either A phase pairs go on the driver? /A or A? same for the B phase?

since I am using the pmdx-133 boards, do we use the grounding pin on the board for the shield drain or just put it to the aluminum plate? or both?

The table is going to be a fairly big table, 7x14', would it be recommended to go with 16awg for the motors instead of the typical 18awg?

I plan to have motors turning this weekend...I hope ...I think Ive already said that once:o, pictures to come.

on the phase,
It does, follow the manufacturer's specsheet and you should be ok.
if you don't have one, its impossible to tell the correct pole without expensive equipment or trial and error. the good news is you won't fry anything if the poles are connected wrongly.

Thanks Ken,
The only thing I am able to find is the pairs that go to the "A" phase and "B" phase but nothing to differentiate between the two A poles and B poles.
I guess if it doesn't hurt anything then ill just switch it on and see what happens.

Bilal

Turns out those specifics aren't anywhere on the OM site, so I contacted them:
Black is your A and Green is your /A
Red is your B and Blue is your /B

Question on Dual Z slides: Do I add the distance between the two cutters to the 500mm of the gantry measurement?

Hoping to have metal ordered by the end of the week.
I'll put some pics up later tonight to show you where I'm at.

Thanks!
Bilal

I've been trying to configure mach so I can at least hear some motors turn but not having much luck, I followed the config video at machsupport.com.
Also the test button on the PMDX-126 doesn't do anything although I can hear one motor do something. I went back and verified my wiring is according to the OM diagram & info from them.
Some pics of where I'm at along with some pretties from Mike, Thanks for the goody bag Mike!

Most times it is wiring and/or the ports and pins setup. I have a 126 with a 134 with 203 vampire drives and oriental motors. I may be able to assist you through it.

Pete Thank you:)
I haven't been back at it since last post, I'm going to go through it once more tonight, then maybe I'll pursue to annoy you:o

Ok I'm still stumped...
The process seems very straight forward, not sure why I'm having such a hard time getting motors to turn. I'll more then likely be face palming myself once its figured out.
attached is a pic of the last config. of pins I used to no avail.
everything works fine in test mode off the BoB.

Is this through parallel port?

Wow that was quick:)

Yes it is.

Is your parallel port set to epp or ecp? Is the correct address in Mach? Are you using IEEE 1284 cable?

Is your estop circuit correct? Do you require charge pump mode active?

When you press the red 'Reset' button on the Mach 3 screen,
does it stop blinking ?

Sorry it took me so long to get back with you, had to put my son back asleep.

under device manager it says ECP, yes address is correct 0378, part number on cable does come up as a 1284...and it says "data transfer cable" on it.

I tried charge pump on and off.
Yes Al it does stop blinking.
And the E-stop is still factory jumpered.

Have you another printer cable that you can try ?

I had a fault on a new cable this week, a loose pin.

What are your jumper settings? One cable in normal mode or extended mode or two parallel cables? There is a check in Port#1 Enabled in the Ports and Pins correct?

That's what I'm thinking, this is an old cable as well...I'll pick one up tomorrow.
Yes Pete, normal mode, 1 port checked.

I haven't had a chance to pick a cable up yet, but should be able to tonight.
In the mean time I'm going to order a premium 20 footer, is there any issues in running long parallel port cable?
I also am going to put a decent computer together to handle cad/cam software along with machine control. I just have a slight concern using an APU...does Mach3 have any issues using an APU? I'm doubting it but thought I'd ask to make sure.

Thanks,
Bilal

I have 2-20 foot cables for port 1 and port 2 of my 126 board.

Edit: the cables are shielded also. I did that just because of the length and risk of noise exposure.

No luck on a male male db25 locally so far...2 more places to try, if they don't have it then I'll have to wait till Monday.:eek:

In the mean time I'm going over my metals list and should be able to order tomorrow, but just had a question about the rail angle iron... is there any y-car clearance issues using 5/16 thick rail?

On the m/m cable can you get a gender changer/ adapter ?