Message: 11
Date: Fri, 05 May 2000 16:54:30 -0000
From: mplunkett@...
Subject: MAXNC parallel port set up, HELP!
Hello all:
I've got a MaxNC 15 that was upgraded to the SRV-S.
It has the encoders on the end of the bigger steppermotors and the
limit switches on each axis.
I had the thing running for a short while on a very simple program to
basically spot face .005" deep into aluminum at 5 locations, and we
only need to do this maybe 5 times a day. This is all this machine
will ever do.
Then the thing stopped, checked it out and the main chip on the X-Y
LPT card was kinda melted.
MaxNC graciously replaced the card, but now I cannot get the thing to
work.
The computer was changed since it was felt that the old P90 was much
too slow, now its like a 400 or something. It has an AMI BIOS VERSION
1.00.02.BS0, and this is the one that has an integral LPT1 built into
the motherboard, however its been disabled so the two MaxNC LPT cards
are used to drive the minimill.
[You are running in straight DOS, not under a Windows dos prompt? While
Windows appears to run DOS, it doesn't give you control over the parallel
ports.]
The power box was back of the mill was sent back into MaxNC for them
to look at and they sent it back saying it was fixed.
I'm still getting "servo overload" when I push the "h" key to home it.
Further, turning the lead screws by hand doesn't update the DRO on
the PC screen.
[It sounds like one or more of the Darlington transistors in the control
box may have fried, possibly when the parallel port melted down. These
PIC-120's are available at Radio Shack. I find it helps to get Otto on the
phone when you're standing next to the machine, then have him talk you
through the diagnostic; holding the phone up to the motors, if necessary.
One thing to try- switch the parallel port cables from the z-a card to the
x-y card; this should tell you whether you've got a parallel port problem
or a bad control card.]
Reading all the messages on the board here, seems like you're all
doing pretty well, any and all comments, help would be really
appreciated, this is causing me a lot of grief out in the shop.
Thanks,
Mark
[I hope this helped, but if not- talk to Otto- he's the only one who really
understands these things.]
Andrew Werby - United Artworks
Sculpture, Jewelry, and Other Art Stuff
