Can an ACORN be used as a retrofit to a PROLIGHT 1000?

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JD2
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Can an ACORN be used as a retrofit to a PROLIGHT 1000?

Post by JD2 »

I’m researching the possibility of using the ACORN board to replace the existing controller on a coworker’s ProLight 1000. The Prolight works fine now but requires a Windows XP computer and an older controller. When it goes bad I’m not sure is it can be repaired. The Acorn maybe an alternative that can be supported easier in the future. The Prolight HW is solid. After watching a few of the videos and looking at the feature sheet I’m encouraged about the possibilities.
My question is what information should I extract from the Prolight to see if it is possible to retrofit with an ACORN? I’m very new to CNC but will actively research any suggestions. Because the ProLight currently works the timeframe for this is not immediate but over time I would like to come up with a feasibility and a cost estimate for a retrofit, including a touch PC.

Thanks in advance!
JD
martyscncgarage
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Re: Can an ACORN be used as a retrofit to a PROLIGHT 1000?

Post by martyscncgarage »

JD2 wrote: Thu Feb 01, 2018 2:14 pm I’m researching the possibility of using the ACORN board to replace the existing controller on a coworker’s ProLight 1000. The Prolight works fine now but requires a Windows XP computer and an older controller. When it goes bad I’m not sure is it can be repaired. The Acorn maybe an alternative that can be supported easier in the future. The Prolight HW is solid. After watching a few of the videos and looking at the feature sheet I’m encouraged about the possibilities.
My question is what information should I extract from the Prolight to see if it is possible to retrofit with an ACORN? I’m very new to CNC but will actively research any suggestions. Because the ProLight currently works the timeframe for this is not immediate but over time I would like to come up with a feasibility and a cost estimate for a retrofit, including a touch PC.

Thanks in advance!
JD
Need a picture of the current control. Specifically the motor drives. I assume they are stepper drives. If there is a part number on them that would be helpful. Also the voltage of the power supply feeding them.

Most definitely a HIGH possibility to retrofit it. You are looking about $1k for the Acorn, getting a computer a touch screen monitor, pro license, little bits....
If you can reuse the current drives then you should be golden. If you have to buy drives then you have to add that cost as well.
Reminder, for support please follow this post: viewtopic.php?f=20&t=383
We can't "SEE" what you see...
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JD2
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Re: Can an ACORN be used as a retrofit to a PROLIGHT 1000?

Post by JD2 »

I got a chance to take apart the machine a little bit and here are the pictures. Does this help determine the scope of what is needed?
Thanks,
JD
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martyscncgarage
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Re: Can an ACORN be used as a retrofit to a PROLIGHT 1000?

Post by martyscncgarage »

Yes, you have stepper motors.
How about the existing stepper drivers in the control cabinet? Can you provide pictures of the inside of the control cabinet? Or do you have it?
How about the nameplate of the spindle motor?
Reminder, for support please follow this post: viewtopic.php?f=20&t=383
We can't "SEE" what you see...
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martyscncgarage
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Re: Can an ACORN be used as a retrofit to a PROLIGHT 1000?

Post by martyscncgarage »

Are you comfortable doing the conversion? Basic electrical/electronics skills? Or have a friend that can help? That is a nice machine for an Acorn conversion. How much of the existing control can be reused is the question. That's why I asked about pictures of the components inside the cabinet.
Reminder, for support please follow this post: viewtopic.php?f=20&t=383
We can't "SEE" what you see...
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JD2
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Re: Can an ACORN be used as a retrofit to a PROLIGHT 1000?

Post by JD2 »

Let me see if I can get to the controller box and take some pictures tomorrow.
JD2
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Re: Can an ACORN be used as a retrofit to a PROLIGHT 1000?

Post by JD2 »

I was able to get back to the shop and take the cover off the black box with the circuit boards and also the blue box attached to the back of the Prolight. Does this shed any light on what next steps I should take to see if ACORN can be retrofitted to this machine?

Thanks!
JD2
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Gary Campbell
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Re: Can an ACORN be used as a retrofit to a PROLIGHT 1000?

Post by Gary Campbell »

JD...
Post a picture of the motor wire connections (near the motor) showing the wiring colors coming out of the motors and those from that connection to the drive. I'm thning those motors may be 6 wire, if so you will have to drop the center tap and use 4 of the wires. Then most any stepper drive can be used.

Cant be sure on the model number of the motor, but here is the diagram from the last machine with SLOSYN/PACSCI combo I upgraded. If the motor wires (inner box) match your wires, let me know, I will let you know which ones you need
SLOSYN Motor Connections.JPG
GCnC Control
CNC Control & Retrofits
https://www.youtube.com/user/Islaww1/videos
martyscncgarage
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Re: Can an ACORN be used as a retrofit to a PROLIGHT 1000?

Post by martyscncgarage »

Yes, you can refit this machine.
How you go about it is dependent on your skills. Do you have basic electronic/electrial knowledge?

It could be anything from trying to figure out the step and direction input to the existing stepper drivers and staying with them and the stepper motors, and connecting Acorn's step/direction signals to it.

To, replace motor with closed loop steppers and drive them with Acorn.

How are you with electrical/electronics? Do you have someone that could help if needed?
Reminder, for support please follow this post: viewtopic.php?f=20&t=383
We can't "SEE" what you see...
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DICKEYBIRD
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Re: Can an ACORN be used as a retrofit to a PROLIGHT 1000?

Post by DICKEYBIRD »

martyscncgarage wrote: Mon Feb 19, 2018 11:05 am Do you have someone that could help if needed?
He's got you & Gary...who else does he need? :lol:
Milton in Collierville, TN

"Accuracy is the sum total of your compensating mistakes."
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