Motion control with 3 independent spindles on router

[goldriverww]

centroid467...
Again... I want to thank you guys who've been trying to help me out! lol
You... cnckeith, Sword, Gary, Scott!
I started out deciding to DUMP the Chinese Controller (NcStudio/Weihong) planning on migrating toward a Mach 4 solution... it's led me down the rabbit hole to finally become familiar with Centroid/Acorn... and I really like the "one-stop shopping" aspect.
You guys have all been great! Short story is I'm a great "nuts & bolts" kinda guy, and a pretty experienced woodworker... but a guy has to know his limitations, and that's where you kind people have come to my rescue (so far).
My hope is that I can get all 3 spindles functioning, however the concept of focusing on the center spindle as a temporary "fix" and making it my temp primary sounds logical as well... however, I know myself well enough to realize... it'll either "gnaw" at me constantly... or I'll just become complacent and leave it there! haha
Yeah... re: that old HDD... I had already ordered a replacement, however that would solely be in the interest of getting the old XP Pro tower running in with the possibility of utilizing that NcStudio control system... which I'd really rather not do.
I've got several extra computers with more up-to-date Windows 10 installed... so for obvious reasons, that would be my preferred avenue.
I'll try to attach some pics... hopefully I don't screw the pooch on that.
As I've mentioned... my biggest concern is disconnecting/re-connecting leads, wires, etc.., and end up with a bunch of spaghetti on my hands.
The I/O, breakout boards, relays... etc. are Greek to me at this juncture, however I'm a relatively quick study (for an old fart!)

[cnckeith]

make a build online photo album and post link in your thread(s) so we all can see all the project photos in one location.
here is how.

[goldriverww]

Okay... I'll add some better pics when I get to the shop. Thanks... I already had that photos app... was just used for grandkids & such! lol
Great idea!

[goldriverww]

Updated Photo Album... Thanks!

[centroid467]

We're happy to help!

We've got a schematic for those Delta axis drives and ACORN: https://www.centroidcnc.com/dealersuppo ... 102.r1.pdf

I don't know much about the spindle inverter but you should be able to get it working following the manual and the generic inverter schematics (https://www.centroidcnc.com/dealersuppo ... 983.r3.pdf or https://www.centroidcnc.com/dealersuppo ... 008.r2.pdf depending on the device).

Could you please take a straight on photo of the green DB25 breakout board in the lower right corner of the inverter side of the cabinet? It would be helpful to read the silkscreen legends for the I/O blocks on it.

Lastly, I would bet that the set of three contactors and ice cube relays underneath the inverter are what switch between the three spindles. Not sure where the pneumatics are controlled from but my hunch is that the contactors go between the inverter and motors.

[goldriverww]

centroid467...
Thanks Dude... ya kinda "lost me" with the ICE CUBE tray relays...??? I admit I'm a dummy! lol

I added a few more closeups of the BOB... different angles & lighting... tough shot to get close without throwing shadows... hopefully they'll work.

I'll check out the schematics you were kind enough to share when I get a few minutes so I can try to "absorb" what I'm looking at.
Once again, thanks!
BTW... if it's easier to use email, my address is: goldriverww@outlook.com... (just in case).

[tblough]

Google is your friend - https://www.google.com/search?q=ice+cub ... e&ie=UTF-8

Ice cube relay is a colloquial term to refer to mechanical relays with clear plastic covers.

[goldriverww]

Okay... I think I get the relays & "ice cubes"... lol

Although at this juncture, I have no idea what they do! DUH!

Oops!... ya beat me to the punch! lol I hadn't even finished this before you replied! haha

[goldriverww]

That was a reply to TOM... thank you Sir!

[goldriverww]

I opened the cover over the Z axis drive and traced the leads from the 2 outside pneumatic cylinder switched to the outside 2 of the three ICE CUBE relays... the furthest to right also had a yellow wire in the bundle which leads to the BOB for the z axis height sensor, {which I'm not even sure if it's functional (yet)}

I've been studying the schematics as well as the YouTube vids... quite helpful.
I'm contemplating getting a dedicated Windows 10 hard drive tower package with a 19 inch monitor... I'm fairly certain it's up to speed with the recommendations on the site.
I'd have to carve a larger hole in the control cab for the larger monitor (has a 17" display currently). Any feedback or thoughts appreciated.

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Author ... FGKDF?th=1