I have Acorn installed on a mill turn. I want to be able to run the bridge up and down when in the lathe mode. Sometimes it would be handy to put an indicator in it and use it to sweep the QTC holder for alignment,...
I have enabled the third axis as Y and have it where is homes and will go up and down with the VCP jog buttons. However, it won't respond to the MPG wheel. Also in MDI mode, if I ask it to move, I get and error 501 unrecognized character.
An easy fixes for this?
Re: Third axis for Lathe mode
Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2021 1:14 pm
by martyscncgarage
I've asked Centroid to take a look at your configuration.
It would have been better for you to post in your thread that shows your machine so they could understand your unusual setup.
Marty, I think you were asking for a machine picture in your first reply. Now attached.
I also checked for errors on the Mill installation. i only saw one. I have no idea how to track down the errors. I haven't noticed anything unexpected working with the machine. I also attached a report from the mill.
thanks for any help.
Re: Third axis for Lathe mode
Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2021 4:09 pm
by martyscncgarage
What PC are you using? Ethernet Drivers up to date? Are you using the Centroid provided shielded ethernet cable from the PC to Acorn?
Are you using shielded cable from your VFD's to your spindle motors?
Re: Third axis for Lathe mode
Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2021 5:34 pm
by terrymcc
PC is
HP Elite 800 G2 Touch Screen All In One
Intel Core i5-4570
3.2GHZ
16 GB RAM
512 GB SS Drive
Centroid shielded Ethernet cable. All input cables are shielded with ground on one end. Hybrid servo drives have shielded on encoders and motors. Line filters on all power. MOVs on all solenoids. Spindle motors do not have shielded power cable. However, the VFD is in a different enclosure. Schematics attached.
Is there something I should look at with a scope?
Re: Third axis for Lathe mode
Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2021 5:43 pm
by terrymcc
Forgot schematics on previous reply
Re: Third axis for Lathe mode
Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2021 10:43 am
by martyscncgarage
Terry, you do need to figure out your noise issues. Do you have another PC you can try to eliminate that? Try another shielded ethernet cable as well.
If those are both ok and the resend issues persist. Trying keeping the VFD powered down and cut air for awhile to see if it eliminates the resends.
You can also disconnect Acorn terminal blocks starting with Analog INPUT and just let ACORN run a program. You can unplug the Axis Signal blocks next and see if that eliminates the noise. Point being, is your disconnecting things working your way back towards a basic bench test to track down and zero in on what is causing your noise.
As for your need to move "Y" in lathe mode, I am told it will take some PLC modification. Z,X,C is covered in the firmware in lathe. Maybe you could try C as a linear axis if all you want to do is move that axis up and down.
Otherwise, it may be time to pay Centroid for some PLC assistance.
Marty
Re: Third axis for Lathe mode
Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2021 1:33 pm
by terrymcc
Ok, will explore the noise further as you describe. I did a short video describing why I want to use the vertical axis. Hope this clarifies...
Re: Third axis for Lathe mode
Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2021 10:14 pm
by martyscncgarage
Terry, thanks for taking the time to do the video and explain your machine. Indeed its a pretty nice machine. I wish you success with it and compliment you for thinking outside the box to make things work.
As I previously mentioned, you can try and use C axis as a linear axis in lathe mode to see if you can jog your bridge up and down.