Chris

Don't forget the 209 line limit per program for the computer in the Emco Compact 5 CNC lathe, most programs will generate G code programs with many more lines than that for relatively simple workpieces.

Any program generated will also have to use the G & M codes recognised by the on board computer, that excludes many used in CAM programs.

Using the cycle commands available in the program produces a program with very few lines of code to produce many parts, G84 turning and boring, G88 facing & the G?? threading cycles are the most commonly used. There are others for grooving, drilling and reaming but not as much used as the others.

Did you ask the same question on the Yahoo Emco Forum ?

Emgee

See the MFI Tutor on Youtube.

https://youtu.be/OByhZ_XvzGo

Edited By Emgee on 27/11/2015 17:05:51 ( Wrong link posted)

Edited By Emgee on 27/11/2015 17:13:41

Hi Chris

Impressed that you even showed willing to try learn how to use it ….. I don't have the skill or frustration threshold to write more than a couple of lines of G code in that manner.

I acquired a rusty 5 few weeks ago and after a (very) short deliberation decided to convert it to work with an external PC under Mach3 and try to use Fusion to do the CAM bit.

I have refurbed and slightly modified the mechanicals now, and I've made a big pile of obsolete electrical boards in exchange for some nice shiny modern electronic bits. Will finish the wiring in one / two weeks then it's ready for it's first trials.

Getting exciting now

Cheers – Peter

Hi Chris, will do

The costs so far, not including any replacement mechanical refurbishment bits & pieces (bearings etc).

£94 for two new steppers and drivers.

£14 for a breakout board.

3 limit / homing sensors already had, but say £4 each from China (but microswitches are much cheaper )

Old PC and monitor was free from the loft

Mach3 Demo version is free (but I will upgrade when all works)

Fusion 360 free (for us)

Plus few quid for new connectors etc.

I am re-using the original power supply and motor speed control, but have made a new shaft encoder disc to match Mach3's maximum resolution. Emgee was kind enough to advise how to control the original motor board from Mach3, which I will do but at a later date.

Of course it may all go wrong ……… in which case I will go quiet for a long time

mike T

Which control program do you use for both machines?

Is the lathe the Compact 5 cnc (has the larger control box with integral computer) or the 5PC that needs an external computer ?

Emgee

Hi Mike

If I have understood the principle (feel free to jump in Emgee if I have not grasped this correctly), the speed control potentiometer varies the voltage to the (probably) wiper terminal (other configurations are available !!!!) that is basically a ratio of the maximum voltage across the other legs.

So in principle, what is needed is to apply a voltage to the terminals that received the variable voltage and the motor speed should vary as a ratio of that voltage. And a standard way of outputting speed control signal is to use 0 to 10v.

Apparently there are boards available (eg Hoffmann) that can provide the interface. I have not gone into any detail or measured anything yet, but I'm thinking if that is the correct principle, then I may be lucky – it might be possible to use the breakout board output, which is isolated, almost directly.

I will need to ask for a bit of help when I get that far, but I can see there is a possibility.

The on / off control, on the other hand is more straightforward as I will use the outputs on the breakout board to switch a relay in the same way that the original switch did and probably use that switch to provide an override.

sorry

bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/threads/59984-Emco-Compact-5-interface-with-linuxcnc-(no-interface-mods-)?highlight=linuxcnc

Sam, Your reply came in while I was answering the other posts. Thanks for you input, I will need study it carefully.

An hour ago, I only had manual control of the spindle, now thanks to you guys, I have several options available.

Good stuff on this forum

Mike T

Hi Sam

Very impressive conversion with a lot less work and cost associated with new steppers, drivers and related parts. like the tapered threads.

Do you know if the system could connect into the stepper boards and operate the F1 mill and the Compact 5 cnc machines ?

Emgee

Emgee

I designed an interface board using L297D chips to convert the incoming step /direction pulses into the four phase drive signals required by the Emco stepper drive boards.

Later I replaced the Emco steppers and driver boards with M542 drivers and new steppers, just as John Stevenson did.

What did you do to control the Emco spindle motor?

Mike T

mike T

Am I correct in thinking the L297D interface board was fitted between the parallel computer port and the Emco stepper control pcb ?

Did you use Mach for control ?

Both my Compact 5 cnc lathe and F1 mill are still running original controls, I use MFI for writing any lengthy programs required or if only a few ops needed it is simple and quick to enter direct at either machine.

I have program control of the spindle stop/start and speed by using an add-on board from Henk Versuren. the stop/start is std M03-M05 and speed control by using M22 for cnc speed control and M26 to set the speed parameter as % of belted speed. Once programmed the M22 is global so only M26 needed to provide further speed changes in the program.

Emgee