Another spindle won't start

[dmidkiff]

I have read and reread a lot of the help given here and the instructions, but the spindle still won't start. The cooling fan comes on when the control box is turned on but nothing else. There are no error messages. The steps I take are: K - for keyboard, toggle switch #1 to on (#4 is already on), push the blue button for reset, push green button to start. I even remember to turn the key on the control box when nothing happens. Then go through the steps again with the key turned on and still nothing happens. I know this is something simple that I am missing. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[knight_toolworks]

did you toggle #1 before using keyboard? thats the sequence toggle one then k and it should bring up the spindle start dialogue.

[dmidkiff]

Not sure how to toggle #1 before using keyboard. Will give it another look. Thanks.

[srwtlc]

Double check the 110/220 connection and verify power to the VFD/spindle. Check the small brown cable (between the control box and VFD) for connection on the spindle 1 connector (black F1, white C1) and also inside the VFD.

Alt-1 to toggle output 1.

[dmidkiff]

Thanks Scott will go out and try now.

[dmidkiff]

Brown Cable in VFD White connected to SC Black connected to S1 In control box both were connected to VFD 1 White on left and Black on right. Will attempt a couple of pics.
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=27396&stc=1

http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=27397&stc=1 Hope these will show enough. Thanks Dave

Turned on key - Alt-1

Keypad Active
Tool Ready to Move
Caution
Active (flashing)

Hit Green button

Same as above

Hit blue reset button and green again

Same as above.

[knight_toolworks]

Not sure how to toggle #1 before using keyboard. Will give it another look. Thanks.


alt +1 does it. I mean alt 1

[srwtlc]

Assuming you have power being sent to the VFD, it sounds like you're not getting the control circuit to work. Check the connections for the green Start button too. Make sure that circuit works too. Could be a parameter setting in the VFD for external control. Can you start the spindle with the Run button on the VFD?

[dmidkiff]

Only tried the buttons once and no. Should there be lights on the VFD?

[srwtlc]

The digital display should be lit up. If it isn't, make sure you have power on both sides of the contactor in the control box. If the control is box on and reset, there should be power in and out to the VFD. If you're not comfortable with getting in there with a test meter, call an electrician to check it out. Give that contactor a little rap to see if it's stuck.

You stated that #4 is on...did you mean input 4 is lit? If it is, reset your E-stop button. If it is reset (popped out) and input 4 is lit, then you may have the setting for the E-stop set wrong. VN switch #4 stop type should be 0 Nm Closed Stop (assuming you have a later model).

[dmidkiff]

Well, I knew I was missing something. I never turned on the breaker for the VFD. Had power to the spindle because fan was turning so it never occurred to me that there was not full power. Just happened to check while waiting on return call from shopbot. While talking to shopbot, can't remember his name, he said they had a meeting and he would send special instructions to warm up a spindle that has been setting for a long time. It is after hours there now so it will probably be tomorrow before I hear from them.

Thanks for all your help and maybe will have it sorted tomorrow. Will let you know.

[srwtlc]

Good to hear!

While there's a warm up routine in the software for everyday use, if it's been sitting for a long time and maybe on it's side too, if it spins freely, you could try this.

Start the spindle at 20% of its max speed and run for 30-60 minutes. Then increase speed by 10% and run for 30-60 minutes at a time until you reach the max speed. This procedure should properly spread the grease inside the bearings.

[dmidkiff]

Thanks Scott, been trying to find the lowest RPM but was not able to find. Max is 18000 so 20% should be 3600 RPM. That sound like a reasonable starting place. The VFD had 15.0 on display and the pop-up in the SB3 said 15000 so I assume I would make the display read 3.60. If that is correct, will do that tomorrow and spend the day warming up. Thanks again Scott and Steve for your help.

[srwtlc]

The low might be 4000. I do run mine at 4000 for some drilling now and then. Yup, 15.0 is 15000.

[dmidkiff]

Thanks, will try it in the morning.

[knight_toolworks]

I use 3k drilling with a 1/16" bit to keep it cool.

[dmidkiff]

We have lift off!!! Started at 2.2 and took it down to 1. Let it spin until it shut off. Restarted at 1 and let it go until it shut off again. It's like the keypad is timing out. Managed to get it to 3.0 before lunch. Will start at 3 again after lunch. It sounds good and can only hear it running at 3.0. The fan and VFD make more noise so far. Does anyone know how to avoid the keypad from timing out?

[dmidkiff]

Just checked and the keyboard timing out has to do with the RPM. Spindle was still running after lunch @ 3.0. Cranked it to 4.0. Seems lower than 3.0 something times out @ 15 - 20 minutes. Still sounding great!

[srwtlc]

Yeah, the keypad times out after so long with no activity. If you toggle on output 1 and then click the keypad (K), at the message to start the spindle, just start it, but don't OK it. Just leave it at the message. Sounds like you're good to go though, just use the standard warm-up routine and make some chips. ;)

[dmidkiff]

Thanks Scott. Wanted to get it going before Austin Camp. I think I will run another very conservative warm-up this afternoon and tomorrow will use the standard warm-up.

[Sevy]

howdy!
I've the same problem but with some variations,
the spindle runs but when it begins the job (about 1 second), it stops automatically, just the spindle, the displacement in X/Y runs again
the electric powers are Ok, no Overload.
have you a solution! I've trying to search a solution but I don't find?

[dmidkiff]

Sevy, I am not the best person to answer but the others may need more info. Does the spindle run through warm up? As much info as you an give will help with an answer. If you cant find results here you should contact Shopbot support. They will walk you through any trouble shooting needed.