Spindle control from SB3

[dubliner]

I noticed a few posts referencing spindle control & I saw it on the tools list in the latest SW version. Do you still need an RS 485 to do it?

[ed_lang]

Hi Neville,

Yes, you do need to communicate with the VFD via serial and the USB to serial converter is required. Give ShopBot a call, they have one and it works real good. I am putting mine to good use each day.

[knight_toolworks]

unless you can have it change when you run a toolpath I can't see that it is a big deal. if you forget to change it or need to slow or speed up while running a file is it any use? now that my vfd shows the speed it is not a big deal to change the speed manually.

[ed_lang]

You set the speed in the tool database so when you toolpath a project, the VFD is set and ready to go.

You can also change the speed on the VFD with the up and down arrows just like you do now. You just do not start and stop the spindle with the VFD.

I find this feature very handy and I am looking forward to the tool changer, which is the next logical step in the chain.

[srwtlc]

If you use VCP and maybe Parts Works, you can have the file change the speed for files that use the same cutter.

Meaning that if you have several toolpaths that are saved into one file that use the same cutter, you can vary the speed throughout the file.

The post processor file needs to be edited so that the section for "Begin New Segment" looks like this...

+---------------------------------------------------
+ Commands output for a new segment - toolpath
+ with same toolnumber but maybe different feedrates
+---------------------------------------------------

begin NEW_SEGMENT
""
"'Toolpath Name: [TOOLPATH_NAME]"
""
"TR,[S]"
"MS,[FC],[FP]"
""

+---------------------------------------------

[dubliner]

could you write a warm up routine, hit one button so to speak when you go to the shop & it'll run up the revs?

[srwtlc]

Yes, I have one set up as a Custom Cut.

It goes 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 'Spindle on
PAUSE 120
TR,13500
PAUSE 120
TR,18000
PAUSE 120
SO,1,0 'Spindle Off

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

END

[knight_toolworks]

what does it take in hardware to get spindle speed control with a HSD spindle?

[ed_lang]

Scott, Add a FP for the XY Zero and the tool is ready to load material, set Z and cut! I love my spindle warm up routine in the morning.

Steve, USB to Serial converter. Connected to the VFD and the control computer. ShopBot can fix you right up.

[bstern]

Steve,

I talked with Ryan yesterday and there is one other hardware option. You can use RS232 but you have to unplug the control panel on the Yaskawa drive. Your display and the SB3 software will show RPM and you can control the RPM through the sb3 software as well. I do not feel I will be giving up anything as the display and controls on the drive are hard to read and use anyway.

How to do it is in the Yaskawa "modbus communication manual". It seems the hardware needed is just a RJ-45 to Db9 converter ($6.99 from Amazon, RJ45 cable (same as any eithernet cable) and, if you need it, a USB to Serial cable, ($8.99 Amazon). I have them on order and will report back here what the result is.

WARNING: Read the manual carefully. It states that if you plug the RJ45 cable into the Ethernet port of your computer damage will result to the drive.