Upgrading 1984 Wells Index 820 with Allin1DC

[martyscncgarage]

Do you have the color code/function chart for the encoders?

I'm thinking not, because I'm not even sure what that is. I have all the operator's manuals for the mill, but sadly, nothing as far as schematics or diagrams. I assumed having the wires labeled as they are would be enough to transfer and make my DB9 connectors. I sent the same pics of the encoders to Liviu Degeratu in sales, who advised me that they should work fine.

The machine has to be powered up via a tape reader. Once powered up it will communicate with a PC via RS232 port. I haven't brought it up in a few years. I'm hoping to be able to power it up enough to draw some schematics and measure voltages where necessary.

Mark

You are going to need to find out what color wire goes to:
A, /A, B, /B, Z, /Z, COM, 5VDC

If you can find the manufacturer name and model number, do a search and you might find that info

[cncsnw]

You are going to need to find out what color wire goes to:
A, /A, B, /B, Z, /Z, COM, 5VDC

Aren't they right there in the second picture that Chevy427z posted yesterday, showing the encoder terminals?

"V" is probably +5VDC, and "G" is probably COM. /A, /B and /Z are all black wires, but those are probably strands that are twisted together with the red, green and white strands. Of course, the color of those wires only matters if you re-use the old encoder cables. If you install new cables, you just hook up to the appropriate terminals using your own colors.

[martyscncgarage]

You are going to need to find out what color wire goes to:
A, /A, B, /B, Z, /Z, COM, 5VDC

Aren't they right there in the second picture that Chevy427z posted yesterday, showing the encoder terminals?

"V" is probably +5VDC, and "G" is probably COM. /A, /B and /Z are all black wires, but those are probably strands that are twisted together with the red, green and white strands. Of course, the color of those wires only matters if you re-use the old encoder cables. If you install new cables, you just hook up to the appropriate terminals using your own colors.

Agreed if that is indeed the case...

[Chevy427z]

I thought the picture of the wires on the encoder would suffice, too.

If I've learned anything about wiring, it's label, label, label. I figured I could just find the opposite end of the black wires (along with the colored wires, of course) and be sure they are labeled properly, then just follow the DB9 wiring diagram exactly as supplied in the manual.

I *was* concerned about the few that weren't labeled but I appreciate SNW spelling them out: ""V" is probably +5VDC, and "G" is probably COM. /A, /B and /Z are all black wires, but those are probably strands that are twisted together with the red, green and white strands."

[martyscncgarage]

I thought the picture of the wires on the encoder would suffice, too.

If I've learned anything about wiring, it's label, label, label. I figured I could just find the opposite end of the black wires (along with the colored wires, of course) and be sure they are labeled properly, then just follow the DB9 wiring diagram exactly as supplied in the manual.

I *was* concerned about the few that weren't labeled but I appreciate SNW spelling them out: ""V" is probably +5VDC, and "G" is probably COM. /A, /B and /Z are all black wires, but those are probably strands that are twisted together with the red, green and white strands."

Apologies. I spent 3 hours on the forums this morning. Sometimes I don't take the time to scroll back through the previous posts. I can't remember all the details about everyone's build. Mind is like a sieve I AM very appreciative Marc helps me out, keeps us all straight!

Wire and test one encoder in the PID screen....then do the others.
Keep a note book next to your machine for all notes....

[Chevy427z]

Wire and test one encoder in the PID screen....then do the others.
Keep a note book next to your machine for all notes....

Absolutely. One step at a time, double and triple check. I've released the magic smoke from far too many electrical devices to not have learned that one. And I am fastidious about keeping notes. If I am OCD about anything, it's that! What is the PID screen?

I wondered how you were able to keep up with all the builds! Reading these and responding has to be a full time job! I'm glad you're here!

Mark

[Chevy427z]

I moved my machine to an area where I would have plenty of access to everything that I would need to and did some cleaning on it.

I started messing around with the X Axis servo cable, basically checking to see how different the connections were from the required Centroid connections. Turns out they are entirely different which will require me to desolder everything and resolder all new connections.

I started looking for bulk cable and found no deals anywhere. I wound up back at the Centroid site to see what they offered. I see premade encoder cables for Centroid encoders. Couple of possible routes here. 1) I'm thinking that I could use these cables (with the DB9 connector on one end) and cutting off the molded connector on the other end which is dedicated to Centorid encoders and connecting those loose wires to my existing encoder. That'd be 3x $85. Wish I had understood this problem before I ordered my package.

Secondarily, I could just bite the bullet and go with Centroid encoders and cables, but that's pricey. I do have basic 1000 line encoders. Going with Centroid's would bump that up.

I know that ultimately it's my choice, but do any of you have an opinion either way?

Mark

[martyscncgarage]

If you can solder or crimp your own DB9 connectors, feel free to make your own. Just use the correct cable, not an issue. I've made my own. If your encoders will work, reuse them.

[Chevy427z]

Thank you Marty.

Would you have a source for the correct cable? I'm not finding a lot of info online. I've already ordered some DB9 connectors off of eBay.

Mark

[polaraligned]

I started looking for bulk cable and found no deals anywhere.

Centroid sells bulk shielded encoder cable for $1.25 per foot. That is a very good price.

Look at the bottom of this page: https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_di ... oller.html