EX Control, CNC12, and CNC depot s40 Having issues

[Joshuabenji]

avid details.pdf (3.0 MB)

the CNC general specs are listed below

4’x10’ table

CNC Depot Spindle 40 size

EX Controller

Rotary axis

I recently switched over to the ex control and have been having issues with the draw bar actuation. After setting things up, I needed to limp the machine along to finish jobs in the backlog. Now that things have begun to slow down, I need to trace the current problems.

I’ve attached a PDF of the current setup of the machine and the wiring of each box.

1: 1:the case pressure is non-existent and not actuating. It’s my understanding that it’s one of the first G-codes specified on any cut to ensure it runs the entire length of the job.

2: The draw bar currently can only be actuated by a button relay in the program, making things both unsafe and inefficient.

3: I purchased a power relay connected to a single communication wire to enable me to command my compressor and my dust collector. This is pictured in the PDF attached.

4: I’d like to add a manual tool release button that’s either physically mounted to the spindle or elsewhere to make setting up a little easier and give me options down the road.

I’ve seen several threads about fixing the issues I’ve mentioned above; unfortunately, I still cannot seem to fix the issues I am having.

I’ve worked with the AVID team across the board, and I’ve also been working with Alex from CNC Depot to fix these problems. Everyone has been phenomenal to work with.

I just wanted to see if anyone could offer advice on anything I’m not seeing or simple fixes that could alleviate my current dilemma.

thanks in advance.

[Eric]

I am assuming you’re running our software here…

Let me see if I can respond to some of your points here:

@Joshuabenji

1: 1:the case pressure is non-existent and not actuating. It’s my understanding that it’s one of the first G-codes specified on any cut to ensure it runs the entire length of the job.

If you’re running a CNC Depot spindle the case pressure is turned on via a separate air line. On some of the CNC depot VFDs I’ve seen them use pnuematic valve to send air pressure there. I believe that valve is either tied to the spindle cooling fan relay, or needs to be manually activated.

If the former, check to see if that solenoid comes on when the spindle fan is on, if the latter you’re going to have to find a relay in the EX control box to wire it too.

Relay 6 is used for “Torch on” on plasma systems so you could hijack that one. Here’s a schematic of how the Acorn and relay board work: https://www.centroidcnc.com/dealersupport/schematics/uploads/S14938.r2.pdf

If you don’t have a laser (and aren’t planning on getting one) you could use relay 1 too.

This exact relay board is in your box, and you could unplug what’s there and connect your case pressure solenoid in there.

@Joshuabenji

2: The draw bar currently can only be actuated by a button relay in the program, making things both unsafe and inefficient.

I take this to mean that the controller can actuate the drawbar, this is good. If you want to make a manual button for this there are couple of ways you can go:

You could use an input on the EX control box and wire in a button, then configure that button for “unclamp tool” and then set an output (another realy) to “drawbar actuate”

Upsides to this configuration is that you are using the logic of the controller to release the drawbar, meaning it won’t let you do it when it’s spinning at 24k RPM.

Downsides are that it’s more wiring, and you gobble up an input.

Another way you could do this is to wire a button right up to that CNC depot VFD box. Some of those I have seen have an interlock in them to prevent the drawbar from being opened when the spindle is running, Alex could guide you on that.

@Joshuabenji

3: I purchased a power relay connected to a single communication wire to enable me to command my compressor and my dust collector. This is pictured in the PDF attached.

Great! Those are pretty slick. In the wizard you can set when those relays come on and off.

@Joshuabenji

4: I’d like to add a manual tool release button that’s either physically mounted to the spindle or elsewhere to make setting up a little easier and give me options down the road.

See my answer above.

@Joshuabenji

I’ve worked with the AVID team across the board, and I’ve also been working with Alex from CNC Depot to fix these problems. Everyone has been phenomenal to work with.

[Joshuabenji]

Thank you for the quick response, I know I’ve tried several things you have mentioned but let me run through it more methodically and see if I get different results.

What is the model of the pin green pin connector so I can proper let wire the jumper cables on the board instead of just getting they to stay on by friction.

[Eric]

Are you talking about these connectors on the relay board:

You should have a set of 8 already on your relay board. If you’re missing some I can point you to where they are.

Please do not do “friction fit” wiring. That can cause a lot of problems.