Hello everyone! I want to thank everyone in advance for their support and efforts, who are constantly contributing to our ability to resolve the issues while implementing these modernization.This time, I'm working with one of my CNCs, which I bought in 2017, something I've always regretted, but that's not the case anymore. The CNC is a 1996 Supermax Rebel 1. It has 16 tools using the carousel system, which raises and lowers the tool to deposit it in the spindle. I'm currently controlling servos and a VFD, and the spindle is now oriented.My question is related to the ATC PLC. Excuse my ignorance, but on my other CNC, I used the Oak controller. In this case, the different PLC types were located in a file within the same cncm file, but I've been searching within the file and can't find the PLC for the carousel type. I know the PLC can be modified with the wizard. I'd like you to clarify what I should do.
Re: Hickory ATC PLC
Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 9:25 am
by centroid467
One easy way to use the default Umbrella ATC PLC program is to install CNC12 and select the Oak/ALLIN1DC option in the installer. This will install the version that does not use the Wizard and you will be given the option to install the Hickory Mill Umbrella ATC PLC program.
Without the Wizard, you'll have to configure everything through the parameters and menus as well as modify the PLC program for any differences in I/O.
Re: Hickory ATC PLC
Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 9:52 am
by Allin1Chris
Hickory Wizard does support Mill ATC's, including Umbrella Style ATCs which this appears to be.
I suggest setting the ATC menu in the wizard to carousel and then selecting the appropriate inputs and outputs. There is also a I/O Preset in the wizard for Umbrella ATC and a matching full system schematic on wiring, locations of inputs/outputs and etc.
The Wizard uses a single PLC for all its different functions.
Re: Hickory ATC PLC
Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2025 6:58 pm
by RoblesEng.
Thanks for the suggestions, which I'm currently implementing. I just installed CNC12 version 5.10. I'm currently re-configuring the M6 code. I've successfully performed some manual tests of the tool change sequence, but when I connect the air to the carousel solenoids so that it picks up the tool using the M6 code on the CNC, something strange happens: the carousel reaches the spindle, but the spindle entry limit sensor is activated, and the carousel automatically returns to the home position without continuing with the sequence of steps. I've spent long hours trying to detect the error, but I can't find it. I'd appreciate any suggestions on how to solve this problem. Thanks!!!
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Re: Hickory ATC PLC
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 2:08 pm
by RoblesEng.
I need help! Please! the carousel reaches the spindle, and the carousel automatically returns to the home position without continuing with the sequence of steps. I've spent long hours trying to detect the error, but I can't find it. I'd appreciate any suggestions on how to solve this problem. Thanks!!!
In short, if you have a single-coil solenoid valve, you will need to edit your PLC program (or get Centroid to do it, or hire someone to do it) so that M80 turns that one solenoid coil on, and M81 turns it off.
Re: Hickory ATC PLC
Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2025 8:59 pm
by RoblesEng.
Re: Hickory ATC PLC
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2025 4:58 pm
by cnckeith
Hi, you are using a pretty old version of CNC12 (v5.1), for Hickory users its best to keep up with the CNC12 releases as there are changes and improvements to Hickory related features in every release.
make backup copy of the cncm directory (copy off the machine is bets)
and then download and install and configure v5.30 following the instructions found on the downloads page.
Use the Wizard like Chris suggests to setup for Umbrella PLC program and then you can tweak it from there to match your particular ATC functionality if needed.