UMC10 from Flashcut to Acorn?

[Fastest1]

I posted this on the FB site.

I am considering converting my UMC10 from FlashCut to Acorn.

At the moment it is fully operational though I am no longer supported by FC.

I havent been impressed with the FC software or its ease of use for me. I am sure it can be used well and i do have some success but I am spoiled by Mach3 and Centroid who both had great probing and routines with easy variable parameters.

The thought is that I can use an Acorn only and since my machine is presently Ethernet controlled I can reuse my relay and other peripherals.

I have done some conversions with G540's, PMDX and Leadshine MX series products.

This machine has an umbrella style tool changer and that has me hesitant.

Can I access all of the macros/plc's in 1 of the screens in my FC software to help with the rebuild of the programs?

I did take the guards off and did a rudimentary video with a tool change or 2.

Since all is operational, I have access to all the files.

How would you prepare so you have the least amount of downtime?

[martyscncgarage]

The Flashcut Signal generator is a step and direction motion controller. So your drives should work fine with Acorn.
You will need an Ether1616 for more inputs and outputs.
Flashcut does support their hardware. Unsure why you say they don't.

Here is what I would do
1. Map out all the current inputs and outputs (you can find this in the Flashcut I/O Configuration Screen
2. Get the "Gearing" for each axis. Screen shot the Flashcut screens
3. Get the M6 Macro from the Flashcut software (It may or may not be helpful, as you will follow the Centroid schematic and use their PLC) You will need a sensor for tool 1 and a sensor to count the tools as they pass under it. Everything else your tool changer/machne "probably" is similar. (Drawbar clamp/unclamp, spindle orient, slide in/slide out, carousel rotate fwd/rev etc)
4. The Flashcut servo drive box has the drives and the power supply. The Power Supply PC board is integrated with the Flash cut signal generator board. You may have to get a bridge rectifier circuit (I would try www.antekinc.com) Though I maybe able to help with this.
5. Determine how the machine homes and what it uses for homing switches. I would likely change them out to good proximity sensors for repeatability. This is especially important for tool changes on the Z axis.

Centroid has an umbrella tool changer PLC for their Oak and All in One DC controls. It is likely you can ask them to tweak it for you for use with Acorn. It would become a custom PLC for you. I have attached the schematic for an OAK driven system with an Umbrella Tool Changer. The PLC1616 would be the equivalent of the Ether1616. It is attached for reference.
Here are the Centroid Umbrella Toolchanger Operating Instructions for reference: https://www.centroidcnc.com/downloads/U ... ctions.pdf
You would configure your changer to follow the schematic I/O and the instructions.

I would get the machine back up and running under Acorn control on all 3 axis and the spindle first. That way you can use it even though you have to change the tools manually, but at least you would be up and running again more quickly and then can sort out the tool changer after that is done. Its the easiest thing to do first.

You would be the first to do such a conversion. It would be doable. I think you have the skill to do it with your previous control retrofit experience.
It would be a good build and you have people here with strong backgrounds to help you through it. It would make for an interesting build log too.
(Incidentally, I have some spare parts for your machine, I purchased the remaining inventory of parts for the UMC machines from the DeCaussin Family. Sadly Dave DeCaussin (The "D" in FADAL) passed away the end of January of this year)

Good luck on your decision. It seems daunting, but "Eat the elephant one bite at a time"
Marty

[Fastest1]

Marty
Thanks for the reply.
That is exactly the information I needed to start compiling a scheme.
I did screenshot each configuration page. Will look for the M6
macro.
FC told me the version I have is not supported anymore. They have been helpful and have resolved a problem or two anyway.
I dont have any real issues with them I just dont find their software very accommodating.
Also from what I can tell on the tool changer it is unidirectional though I see no reason it couldnt go the other direction too.
Not that I need faster production times but since I am there
I will start working on the info needed.
When I open that FC driver box i will get a few pics of the inside and their signal generator.

[martyscncgarage]

Somehow I don't recall the carousel motor being DC. I think it was an AC squirrel cage motor? It is a Geneva mechanism driven carousel right?

[martyscncgarage]

I think you have to go to the Macro configuration, look for and open M6 to view it. Get a screen capture.

[Fastest1]

Somehow I don't recall the carousel motor being DC. I think it was an AC squirrel cage motor? It is a Geneva mechanism driven carousel right?

I need to verify the voltage and to whether it is AC or DC.
It surprised me it wasnt a stepper.

Btw, this machine doesnt have proximity switches but must use the encoders of the servos.
It is remarkably accurate and repeats to sub .0005”

[martyscncgarage]

Somehow I don't recall the carousel motor being DC. I think it was an AC squirrel cage motor? It is a Geneva mechanism driven carousel right?

I need to verify the voltage and to whether it is AC or DC.
It surprised me it wasnt a stepper.

Btw, this machine doesnt have proximity switches but must use the encoders of the servos.
It is remarkably accurate and repeats to sub .0005”

It is possible that they use the marker pulse. There is said to be a special board that intercepts the encoder signal to get that marker pulse. Look for it.

[Fastest1]

I had delayed this process til now and finally have had enough of the existing system and the problems with it.
Could this same homing method mentioned above be used with these hybrid steppers?
Just comparing prices etc as I am a hobbyist if that.
I think I like to tinker with machines
On my G0704 conversion I was always happy with steppers and power was never an issue for that sized machine.
Also due to cost and an existing Acorn (#194) is sitting unused, pro license, digitizing bundle etc. would there be any issue using that rev board?

[martyscncgarage]

You probably have special version of the drives/ motors that brought out the encoder index pulse.

You know your drives and motors accept step and direction signals right? You could reuse them with Acorn

[martyscncgarage]

Put good mechanical limit switches on one end of each axis.