Deciding if Kflop is for me

[Hytek]

Hi,

As the title suggests I am trying to decide if Kflop is for me. I am
looking to retrofit an Ecoca EL4610e lathe. It is currently equipped with
Mitsubishi M64 control system that I have been trying to get running for
the past few months. Clear one set of error codes only to be introduced to
another set, seems to be a trend. Previous owner let the memory batteries
go dead flat and all parameters etc. were lost. Time for an upgrade.

The Mitsubishi servo drives are B models which means the only communication
options are through SSCNET. To my knowledge there are only 2 adaptors
available to interface with this system. One is made by a Russian guy
(can't be posted) and works with Linuxcnc and the other is by a company
called Adlink Technologies, not sure that one will help me either. If can't
suggest an alternative I'll need to go plan B.

PLAN B

I have a set of DMM servo motors and DYN4 drivers that were slated for a
future project, retrofitting my mill. My mill is currently running so I can
use that equipment if I need to on the lathe. I will also need to replace
the Mitsubishi spindle motor as it is also a servo motor with the same
series driver. Current system is absolute, closed loop with battery pack
for holding position. Not sure if the DMM's will do this, not the end of
the world if they don't.

There are a few features on the current lathe setup I would like to retain.
Firstly, the current system controls and monitors all of the oiling duties
including a heat exchanger. It has sensors (most likely switches) to
monitor temp, pressure and level. There are numerous safety switches,
automatic door open and close, monitoring of gear range. Current spindle
setup uses 2 encoders (1 on the motor, 1 in the headstock) There is also a
set of controls on the front apron comprising of 2 handwheels (MPG), a 4
way joystick, speed select rotary switches and a few other buttons. Plus
down the track I would like to fit an ATC.

I believe Kflop will run offline (no PC), this is what I want. Am I right
in saying apart from the Kflop I will need to add a monitor (touchscreen
most likely), keyboard & mouse, power supply/s plus wire, fuses, relays
etc.

Possibly my biggest concern is in the programming (might be the wrong word)
side of things. Here I am not exactly savvy and I'm little worried I may
get stuck

Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated If you need any pics or
documentation I'll be happy to assist

Thanks, Mick

[TomKerekes]

Hi Mick,

We don't currently support SSCNET.

Regarding DYN4 Drivers you might Google "DYN4 drivers dynomotion" for threads like this. I don't think they will maintain position after a power cyle.

There are a few features on the current lathe setup I would like to retain.
Firstly, the current system controls and monitors all of the oiling duties
including a heat exchanger. It has sensors (most likely switches) to
monitor temp, pressure and level. There are numerous safety switches,
automatic door open and close, monitoring of gear range. Current spindle
setup uses 2 encoders (1 on the motor, 1 in the headstock) There is also a
set of controls on the front apron comprising of 2 handwheels (MPG), a 4
way joystick, speed select rotary switches and a few other buttons. Plus
down the track I would like to fit an ATC.

That should all be possible with a C Program.

See MPG interface here. You might look at the Init3AnalogPlusTwoMPGs.c example to see if you understand it.

Baically KFLOP/KMotionCNC requires a PC running Windows. See the software/hardware architecture here.

HTH

[Hytek]

Hey Tom,

Thanks for the reply. I am assuming Kflop isn't too fussy on the specs of the pc needed, didn't see anything suggesting a minimum requirements. I'm thinking an AIO i5 8g RAM will do. Is there a way to have the machine boot directly into Kmotion and keep windows buried in the background? Previous experience with Mach3 had issues with windows interrupting from time to time.

I forgot to ask in my previous post, can I connect the encoders direct to the Kflop? Or loop through the Dyn4 to the Kflop?

Will I need any other boards additional to the Kflop?

I really need to emphasize my lack of knowledge in the programming side of things. I would hate to become a pain bombarding you with stupid questions. Like I haven't already....

Thanks again, Mick

[TomKerekes]

Hi Mick,

Thanks for the reply. I am assuming Kflop isn't too fussy on the specs of the pc needed, didn't see anything suggesting a minimum requirements. I'm thinking an AIO i5 8g RAM will do. Is there a way to have the machine boot directly into Kmotion and keep windows buried in the background? Previous experience with Mach3 had issues with windows interrupting from time to time.

Any PC that runs Windows in a reasonable manner should work fine.

I forgot to ask in my previous post, can I connect the encoders direct to the Kflop? Or loop through the Dyn4 to the Kflop?

I believe the DYN4 has differential drivers for an encoder output. Our Kanalog adds differential receivers for encoders. Or our Kogna has differential receivers built in.

Will I need any other boards additional to the Kflop?

Depends on your IO requirements and the interface to the DYN4 you use. As stated above Kanalog adds differential receivers. Konnect adds additional Opto Isolated 24V IO if needed.

I really need to emphasize my lack of knowledge in the programming side of things. I would hate to become a pain bombarding you with stupid questions.

We don't at all mind answering specific questions. The main issue is whether you have patience, can communicate well, answer questions, and follow instructions.

HTH

[Hytek]

Hey Tom,

Yes I believe the DYN4 drives have encoder output for connecting to a control board. So from your reply to my last post I am now leaning towards the Kogna. The Kflop plus a Kanalog is basically the same price and a tidier package being one unit. Please let me know if there is a better option.

Is there any issues with extending the Ethernet link between the PC and the Kogna? (noticed it is supplied W/33 foot cable) My current arrangement would have the cable considerably longer as the control cabinet is rear of the headstock and the current control panel is on a sliding door at the tailstock end.

This is the PC I have for the afore mentioned milling machine upgrade. I think this will do...

Brand & Model
Dell Optiplex 7440 AIO
Processor
Intel® Core™ i5-6600 Processor 6M Cache, up to 3.90 GHz
Memory
8GB RAM
Storage
256GB Solid State Drive, DVD-RW (DVD Burner)
Display
24" LED, 1920 x 1080, Webcam
Connectivity
6x 3.0, USB 2x 2.0, HDMI In, HDMI Out, DisplayPort, RJ-45, Line-out, Media card reader, Gigabit Ethernet
Software
Windows 10 Professional

Thanks again, Mick

[TomKerekes]

Hi Mick,

Yes I believe the DYN4 drives have encoder output for connecting to a control board. So from your reply to my last post I am now leaning towards the Kogna. The Kflop plus a Kanalog is basically the same price and a tidier package being one unit. Please let me know if there is a better option.

That should work well.

Is there any issues with extending the Ethernet link between the PC and the Kogna? (noticed it is supplied W/33 foot cable) My current arrangement would have the cable considerably longer as the control cabinet is rear of the headstock and the current control panel is on a sliding door at the tailstock end.

Ethernet is rated for 100m so that shouldn't be an issue.


That PC should be more than adaquate.

[Hytek]

Hey Tom,

checkout isn't adding the postage. I live in Australia btw

[dynomotion]

Hi Mick,

When you order from our website and add a product you will be taken to PayPal and postage will always be added, but only once you are at the last step before actually ordering. Please let me know if you encounter any problems.

[Hytek]

Hey Tom,

All good

2 more questions for now. Will I still need the DMM breakout board? Is there anything else I am likely to need? Just want to get things organized while I'm waiting on delivery

Thanks again, Mick

[TomKerekes]

Hi Mick,

Will I still need the DMM breakout board?

I'm not sure what that is. You will be responsible for the connectors and cables between devices. You might see our wiki here.

Is there anything else I am likely to need?

One thing I failed to mention is that Kogna only has 4 24V Opto-isolated Outputs and no Opto Isolated Inputs. So normally a Konnect is added for 48 Opto Isolated IOs. Its not clear if you have your own opto isolation.

Kanalog includes 8 24V Opto Isolated Inputs and 8 24V Opto Isolated Outputs. If you wish to change your order email sales@dynomotion dot com. I asked them to hold your order until you respond.