Purpose
This guide is intended for customers with CNC Depot ATC spindles who are upgrading to an Avid EX controller from a previous version of controls.
Overview
CNC Depot spindle systems utilized specific wiring within Avid’s previous generation of controllers that has changed slightly within newer Centroid-based EX models. To accommodate this, minor changes to Avid’s EX controller are required to set up drawbar functionality within CNC12 (The EX Controller’s Centroid-based software environment).
The easiest way to make these changes is by ordering kit “EX-CNCD-02” from Avid CNC - from our contact page you can request this kit and we’ll send you a quote and a payable invoice.
Changes to CNC Depot VFD Controller
A previous version of this guide provided instructions to modify CNC Depot VFD controllers to remove the need for a separate relay for spindle case pressure, thereby preserving all of the functionality of the EX controller except for the plasma torch output.
However, there are several different versions of CNC Depot spindles, some of which are not compatible with this modification.In that light, this guide has been updated to repurpose two relays in the Avid EX controller, one for drawbar functionality and a separate relay for case pressure. Modifying the EX controller in this way means that no physical updates should be required to the CNC Depot VFD controller.
There are recommended parameter programming changes to the VFD controller. Newer Centroid-based EX control systems have been configured to interpret the spindle fault signal differently than previous CRP800 control systems. The spindle fault signal on your VFD controller needs to be configured as a “normally closed” signal under non-fault conditions to work with Centroid-based systems.
This configuration has the benefit of stopping machine operation if the VFD controller is not turned on or operational for any reason. This helps prevent the unintentional engagement of a non-spinning tool with your workpiece, which could cause tool breakage and strain on machine components.
Steps for reprogramming Delta based VFD systems (EL, MS300 or rebranded Delta VFDs sold by Automation Direct) can be found here:
https://www.avidcnc.com/support/instructions/electronics/ex/manual/ex_vfd_update/
Note: For technical support with parameter changes or other specific aspects of your VFD controller, please contact CNC DEPOT.
Changes to Avid EX Controller
The changes to the Avid EX Controller repurpose a relay normally used for firing a plasma torch (Relay 6) for use as a drawbar signal, and the secondary general purpose relay (Relay 4) for case pressure. See wiring pictures and instructions below. Note, pictures are shown on a controller subassembly for clarity. Your setup will vary based on options and will include additional wiring and components, but the pictures below show where these terminals are located in both stepper-based systems and servo systems (inside the red box):
Stepper System
Servo System
Start by removing the brown wires normally used for plasma torch from both the relay board and the CRP5210-01E interconnect board:
Next, remove the black wires from relay 4 (general purpose relay Output 2):
Next, plug in the provided connector with 5V jumper wire to the indicated positions on the CRP5210-01E interconnect board, and connect the ferruled points to the common terminals on relay 4 and relay 6:
Next, we will need to move the orange and black wire and green and black wires from the plasma torch output terminal to the Normally Open terminals on Relay 6 and Relay 4 respectively. This wire first needs to be disconnected from the 4-pin pluggable terminal near the main gland plate of the controller:
Once this is completed, you will need to re-plug the 4-pin connector with the solid green and orange wire back into it’s original position.
Lastly, we need to connect the black and white wire from the 14-pin panel mount connector to GND (5V common). This wire will be in a small zip-tied bundle of unused wires from the 14-pin connector. You may need to cut the zip tie holding this bundle to easily access the wire.
GND is most easily accessed through open terminals on the CRP5210-01E interconnect board. However, the terminal to use depends on whether you have a stepper or servo EX system. In either case, you will be wiring the black and white wire into the provided 2-pin pluggable connector.
For Stepper EX Systems, you will start by connecting the black and white wire to the right side of the pluggable connector, as shown:
This will then plug in to the connector on the far side of the CRP5210-01E interconnect board:
For Servo EX Systems, you will start by connecting the black and white wire to the left side of the pluggable connector, as shown:
This will then plug into the indicated plug on the CRP5210-01E interconnect board:
Software Setup and Tweaks
For the software installation you will be required to manually update your profile with some custom scripts. The steps are described in this video. It is highly recommended that you “export” your profile before proceeding. This export will serve as a backup should you need to revert “back to stock” for any reason.
Here’s a video on how to setup your software:
Here’s the the download link for the software: CNC Depot EX Tool Change Scripts.zip - Google Drive
**Drive Fault Errors Note!
Our new EX controllers have a feature that will prevent you from using the machine unless you have your VFD turned on. This can prevent you from starting a job and accidentally forgetting to power up your spindle. This requires your VFD to be programmed a certain way. VFDs that come directly from Avid are pre-programmed. CNC Depot VFDs are not. You will need to bypass this warning or you will not be able to home or use your machine.
On a stepper system you can go into the Wizard and disable the “spindle fault” warning:
On servo systems we tie all of the drive faults AND the VFD fault into one input. To bypass the fault you will need to alter the dip switch on the servo board. The servo board is located inside the EX control box directly behind where the 8 pin servo control cables connect to. On that board you’ll see a set of dip switches. To bypass VFD faults switch move the VFD switch to the ON position:
Case Pressure
Since we are now hijacking one of our general purpose relays for case pressure you can activate case pressure from the main screen of Centroid by flipping on Relay 2:
If you want to automate case pressure coming on with a job you can do that in the wizard:
If you set relay 2 to “start and top with job” case pressure will come on at the start of a G Code file, and stop when the file is done.
