Emco PC Turn 55

[Threedj16]

Well, pretty much the last piece of the build. Back door with the fan shroud. Fan mounted to the inside floor (of course....LOL...would suck getting it out otherwise).

Guess it's time to try and learn PLC code now. Not a clue where to begin on this thing. I did find the greycode plc turret program, but it's way above my head.

Anyway, back cover pic. Still need to add a handle. Probably just turn down an alum knob or two for that.

[Threedj16]

Well, decided that if I'm going to do a tech support call or wait until I understand the programming better, probably both...LOL, I'd better finish setting up my axis.

So this is how my lathe axis is setup.

Now this is where it get's weird for me. First off, the Z soft limit work just perfect. Z 0 is just in front of the spindle (that is where they put the home switch) and X 0 is to the left of the chuck looking straight on. So Z soft limits are 0 to 800 (neg to pos). And X soft limits are -350 to 0 (neg to pos). But my X only sees the 0 soft limit and blows right by the -350. The axis move the way I need them to move, they home the way I want them to home, but just that one axis neg soft limit will not work? I can't explain it.

The second weird thing I found was during the tuning of my turns/rev. I commanded a g1 z20 f500 (I'm in mm) and the midi just sits there after hitting cycle start. Yet I can command a g0 z20 and it rapid to position z20 just fine. Same exact thing on X. G0 works fine, G1 just shows midi in the info screen like it's waiting, but nothing ever happens.

I'm probably just missing something stupid here, but it's driving me crazy as this seems like it should be simple stuff.
Forgot to add, my stepper are 1 to 2 ratio for my ball screw.



OK, my appologies for not searching for the G1 deal first, but I still don't understand that. So I did a G98 G1 Z20 F500 and it worked just fine. So why does it auto go into mm/rev mode just using Midi from mm/min? It doesn't state that when I start.

Also, still cannot find a resolution to one soft limit not working. That I have searched and read, seems like they are setup correctly.

[Threedj16]

D'oh, I realized after stopping and looking at the pic I posted what I had don't wrong. I setup X in WCS instead of MCS, so instead of -350, it should have been -175.....argh! Knew it had to be an idiot mistake.

I am so tempted to just delete the entire post. But If it helps someone else search and find the same dumb mistake I made, then it's better to leave it. I'm not used to actual Lathe software where it looks at the X as half (or double in WCS...still a little fuzzy on that). So learning from my mistakes. And at least I was able to finally figure that out on my own.

And could having to use the M98 have been to a previous test program I loaded? I am guessing that is the case. I think the program I was playing with just loading up had threading, which would explain the tie from the Z to mm/rev for the spindle.

[Threedj16]

Decided while it is still in the build phase and much easier to add now rather than later, went ahead and added on a 6 relay block for the other outputs without relays. Running out of room....LOL....so had to move to cabinet ceiling. Now if I update the motor plus already wanted mist and work lights along with one turret relay out, they're all hooked up. Just tie in to the new relays. Probably gonna go ahead and wire a mist solenoid and led work lights

Also printing a mount for the top of my fan for this tiny digital temp controller I found on Amazon for 16 bucks. Now the cabinet fan will only cut on when temps need it. Pics later of controller.

[Threedj16]

Now the fan only runs above 90 degrees. Very neat little temp controller from Amazon for $16 bucks. Loaded with features.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OX ... UTF8&psc=1

Pics of it mounted on top of the fan.

[Threedj16]

Had planned on installing LED track lights from the beginning, figured now while I am playing with the PLC and trying to learn, now was as good a time as any. Wow, the lens cover is more scratched than I thought before. Wonder if there is something worthwhile to polish up that material. Problem is not knowing for sure what it is, could do more harm than good.

Also, I've read through TB300, and I'm not seeing how you turn on and off an Aux button (with the same button). Is there one already setup for the work light since it's on the pull down in wizard? I had to tie it to flood to get it to work. I don't plan on using flood, but when I go back to auto mode, the lights are going to go out. So wouldn't have lights running unless I called for mist and flood in the code. But then, they would shut off again with the program completed. Would be cool just to tie it to one Aux button.

Would something like this work, since it's assigned to output 8?
;Mfunc79
;Turn on work light for Aux12 button
;paramter 199 set to 7911

IF worklight==set then worklight==rst
IF worklight==rst then worklight==set

[martyscncgarage]

I like the lighting!
Get the ATC working yet or still "on the list"?

[Threedj16]

I like the lighting!
Get the ATC working yet or still "on the list"?

Thanks!

LOL....I can't even get a macro working so I can turn the light on and off with just one Aux button, so think it might be a ways off. Soon as I get time off (and not something major going on) when Centroid is open, I'm going to just setup a tech support call for the turret.

[Threedj16]

Since the Aux work light button was a bust again tonight, I did manage to get my spindle speed calibrated. I really wish that the PID control covered the spindle too. Since we have that very nice encoder already on the machine, seems ashamed not actually use it to control spindle speed also. That would be awesome. I have that on my mill and really helps when you dig in a little too deep (ok, when i'm pushing it), but it ramps right up to compensate.

Seems the only thing I have left besides working out the turret (and the work light to Aux button), is installing my mist system. Already ran wires for the solenoid and have the mister. Just need to grab a few misc fittings and get the mister mounted.

[Threedj16]

Decided to post my Aux10 button WorkLight toggle on/off PLC code here too. Hopefully it will help someone else. I inserted it in the source right above the coolant section. Compile and run.

Well, finally a step in the right direction. Sure I may have used too many test variables, but it works...so screw it. My work light is finally toggling on and off with Aux 10.

;WorkLight Toggle Aux10
IF (Aux10Key || KbAux10Key_M || SkinAux10_M) THEN (Aux10PD)
IF (!Aux10LED && Aux10PD) || OnAtPowerUp_M THEN Set Aux10LED
IF (Aux10LED && Aux10PD) THEN RST Aux10LED
IF Aux10LED THEN (WorkLight)