Thread: conect 121 new toy
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07-09-2017 #1
Ive just picked up an old (ish) Conect 121 cnc lathe. Looks to be in good condition and No excessive wear.
I plan to replace the stepper drives as others have done but Id like to use the original spindle drive and stepper drive to test it and get it up and running. I cant seem to find much information so if any one has a wiring diagram or knows the points to connect Id be grateful.
Thanks in advance
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07-09-2017 #2
Myford ML10 based I believe, - check out http://www.lathes.co.uk/ml10/
- NickYou think that's too expensive? You're not a Model Engineer are you? :D
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08-09-2017 #3
Thanks Nick, yes the base lathe is the ML10 but the electronics are Conect and there isn't much info about.
Ive seen reference to 10v control and an enable line for the spindle but not sure if I can run if direct off a BOB, or which wires they are.
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08-09-2017 #4
My benchtop CNC mill was the same brand, most of the original electronics had already been replaced when I got it, I replaced what remained but I've never been able to find much info on Conect equipment beyond that the mill was probably based on a Rishton milling machine.
You should be able to identify the control signals with a meter and work out where to insert signals and at what voltages,
Regards,
NickYou think that's too expensive? You're not a Model Engineer are you? :D
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08-09-2017 #5
From what I remember, you can trace the step/dir control pins back to the original controller chip.
However, they are 80s technology, and I don't think it would be worth the hassle. Even a couple of the TB6600 drives should give an improvement in performance, and they can be had for less than £10 each. Combine those with a cheap BOB, and you've got all the major components covered.
The only thing is you'd need to ensure the 0-10V for the spindle speed is isolated, or upgrade the spindle drive to something that doesn't need an isolated speed control.Avoiding the rubbish customer service from AluminiumWarehouse since July '13.
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08-09-2017 #6You should be able to identify the control signals with a meter and work out where to insert signals and at what voltages,
The only thing is you'd need to ensure the 0-10V for the spindle speed is isolated, or upgrade the spindle drive to something that doesn't need an isolated speed control.
Yes I will replace the stepper drivers but I would like to use the DC spindle motor?
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08-09-2017 #7
As long as you can get the part number of the stepper chips, and find a datasheet, just trace the PCB tracks. Or there will only be 2 tracks that go to dedicated pins on the controller chip from each stepper chip, which leaves only two options as to what is the step and dir.
So if if i power the BOB from the 5v of the conect board will that not work?
Yes I will replace the stepper drivers but I would like to use the DC spindle motor?Avoiding the rubbish customer service from AluminiumWarehouse since July '13.
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09-09-2017 #8You really need to find out what the spindle drive is. Mine was a SCR style drive (very common for DC motors), which means the speed control terminals are at near mains voltage. Connect them to anything other than an isolated 0-10V, and something will be releasing magic smoke.
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09-09-2017 #9
Post up some photos.
It won't be a transformer, it'll be a choke.
I know mine came with a Cheetah drive, but I had to replace it with a KBIC, as the Cheetah was blowing fuses.Avoiding the rubbish customer service from AluminiumWarehouse since July '13.
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09-09-2017 #10
Thanks, you pointed me in the right direction. bit of googling and it is an SCR drive and its a Neco one. Ive found the 3 control wires but not sure if the enable will be ground, +5v or +10v
Will I damage it trying different combinations?
Ultimately I think i Will have to replace the motor and drive but it would be good to get it running to make sure the lathe can manage what I want to do with it.
Tracing back the spindle control side of the main controller it seems to be fed from a dedicated 20v Dc circuit.Last edited by Ross77; 09-09-2017 at 12:11 PM. Reason: added photo
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