Updates in ShopBot Labs

[bill.young]

The BradyVac and the Variablizer have just been updated in Shopbot Labs. If you are using versions from before today (1/29/07) it's time to grab new ones.

Bill

[paco]

Thanks a bunch Bill for all those nice utilities.

[drodda]

What is shopbot labs? And where do I find it?

-D

[bill.young]

Hi Dave,

ShopBot Labs is the area of the ShopBot website where you can find projects...mostly software but not necessarily...that are under development or that just don't fit anywhere else. You can find it by going to the "Features" section of the ShopBot web site...the direct link is
http://www.shopbottools.com/shopbot_labs.htm

Check it out...you might find something interesting.

Bill

[bill.young]

FYI there's an update to the Checklist program today in ShopBot Labs. It adds the ability to have pictures open to illustrate steps and also includes a program to help make it easier to create and edit checklists.

Bill

[bill.young]

Ryan Patterson has added two new projects to ShopBot Labs. One is an Editor modification with some new features to test out and the other is a program to control the speed of a spindle with a DeltaVFD from within a part file.

ShopBot Labs (http://www.shopbottools.com/shopbot_labs.htm)

Bill

[Ryan Patterson]

Bill has updated Shopbot Labs for me with a new control for a Yaskawa vfd. With this control you can change the spindle rmp from the computer and within a part file. There are two files in the zipped folder - one is the setup file and one is a readme file. The readme file explains the wiring needed.
Ryan

[Brady Watson]

Thanks Ryan!

-B

[evan]

Thanks,
can't wait to try it out.

[geneb]

Ryan, your documentation isn't very clear.


You wrote:
"put a jumper for -R to -S and for +R to +S ."

So on the VFD (somewhere, you don't mention where the connection is), I should short -R to -S and +R to +S?

This doesn't sound right to me. You litterally short -R/-S together and run that to the - terminal on the ISUB24AT and the same for the +R/+S to +?

Can someone tell me the model # of the Yaskawa VFD?

tnx!

[Brady Watson]

Gene,
The SBLabs project is titled: "Delta VFD Control program" not 'Yaskawa VFD'. This utility is ONLY for Colombo spindles using the Delta VFD-B control.

-B

[Ryan Patterson]

Gene,
The R and S is for send and receive. You will need a RS485 serial port. I use an usb to RS485. RS485 can be set up to work with two wire or four wire send and receive. When using a two wire setup you have to use jumpers. The Yaskawa manual explains the wiring.

Brady,
There are two downloads one for the Delta and one for the Yaskawa.

Ryan

[Ryan Patterson]

This is from the Yaskawa Manual.
6679

[geneb]

Thanks Ryan, I've never seen a four wire RS-485, that's why I asked. I'm using RS-485 for a control umbilical to a homebuilt ROV, so I'm...familiar with it.


I don't have the documentation with me or I would've looked it up.
If you would tell me the model # of the VFD (I'm at work, my toy box is 25 miles away *grin*), I'll hit the Yaskawa website and download the manual.

Thanks!

g.

[Ryan Patterson]

Gene,
The model number is V74X. The VFD should work with all Yaskawa models.
Ryan

[geneb]

Thanks Ryan.

It looks like they've got a controller package called DriveWizard that can be downloaded via: http://www.yaskawa.com/site/products.nsf/ProductDetailPages/Industrial%20AC%20Drives~DriveWizard%20Software~Dr iveWizardDownloads.html

g.

[Ryan Patterson]

Gene,
I have used the DriveWizard. It is setup for programming the VFD more then to use to change the rpm.
Ryan

[srwtlc]

I'd like to give this a try. I have the Yaskawa model. How is it working out for anyone that has tried it?

What type of wire is needed? A source?

The listed (in the readme file) serial port/board sounds a bit pricy, but if that's all there is and they work......

[Ryan Patterson]

Bill Young has uploaded a new utility for me on Shopbot Labs. The utility is Master Maker. It will allow you to make a master part file by selecting the part file from a directory, or add all the files in a directory to one master file.

[geneb]

Scott: I'm using Ryan's program (the version posted on the ShopBot Labs) with my Yaskawa VFD and it works great!

I use this controller:
http://www.rs485.com/fullphotos/iusb24at006full.html

It can be purchased with a plastic enclosure that has mounting ears on it.

g.

[srwtlc]

Gene,

Yup, using the same here. I think I need to put mine in a lead case though...it messes with my radio. ;-)

[srwtlc]

I don't know if it's known, but with the latest control software (at least the beta) and the above controller card or one soon to come from ShopBot, you can now control the spindle rpm's from within a file with a TR command (like TR,16000 etc.). Great for changing speeds in a file where you would like to speed up or slow down at certain parts. Also, you can automate your spindle warm-up routine with a custom file (C#) something like this....

MSGBOX(Ready to warm up the spindle?,4,Spindle Warm-Up)
If &msganswer = NO Then END

TR,9000
PAUSE 2
SO,1,1 'Router on
PAUSE 120
TR,13500
PAUSE 120
TR,18000
PAUSE 120

MSGBOX(Spindle is now warmed up and ready to use,64,Spindle Ready)

END