Spindle Auto On/Off

[nat_wheatley]

I've read over the archives but still can't figure this out. Can someone explain to me (in beginners terms) how I can setup my spindle to automatically turn on/off at the beginning/end of each program? I have a 4HP spindle, and a spare relay on the relay board that came with my air drills, if that factors in. Thanks.

[srwtlc]

Nat,

Do you have the spindle control board that communicates with the VFD that Shopbot sells or one you can make with a RS485 board from here? (http://www.rs485.com/fullphotos/iusb24at006full.html)

If you do, then all you need to place in your files is SO,1,1 for on and SO,1,0 for off. If you're using PartWorks or VCP, then there's a post that will do it for you.

[nat_wheatley]

Scott,

I'm embarassed to say, I'm not sure if I have the control board or not. I'll take look tommorrow, (with the help of a schematic!).

[Gary Campbell]

Nat...
I use a relay connected to output 8 that is a parallel switch to the START button. You can hit [ALT] [8] and switch it on for the file, for the day or enter it on and off when needed into any file or your Vectric PostP.

PS... turn OP8 on before the OP1 line in the parts file.

Dont get to liking it too much as you will soon run out of relays!

Gary

[nat_wheatley]

Gary,

I should know, but how would the wiring run on that?

Between that and the new solenoids for the drills, that pretty much eats up the relays. What about the dust collector, vacuuums... Fine line here between making things easier/complicating things. We'll see how it goes.

[Gary Campbell]

Nat...
I am out of outputs... jonesing for the new board with a few more...

Put 2 wires into the connectors of the start button. 1 alongside each of the existing. Run these 2 wires to the 2 NO (normally open) (May be a common and NO connector) connectors of your selected relay. If you have the SB board, select the output you wish to operate the relay with by the jumpers.

Thats it.
Gary

[nat_wheatley]

Gary,

I've attached a pic of the relay board. Do I run wire from each of the start switch wires to each of the termainals on a selected relay? Also, I'm not clear on the jumpers. I had thought that each relay was already assigned a given output. The only jumper I see being used brings power to the relays. Thanks for the help.

-Nat


198

[Gary Campbell]

Nat...
Occording to Eds article ( http://www.shopbottools.com/getting_started.htm ) there is a bank of jumpers next to each relay that you use to select which output operates each relay. Look at the 2 that operate your drill. One will be on 5 and one will be on 6. Set an unused relay to 8. then hook the 2 wires from the start switch to the 2 terminals on the relay.

Sorry about the earlier confusion, I have another brand of ttl board that has different (3) terminals on each relay.
Gary

[nat_wheatley]

Thanks Gary. I'll take at the article and also take a closer look at my relay board tommorrow.
Happy New Year.

-Nat

(Can I trade you the 10" of snow we just got, for some time in sunny Fla!?)

[Gary Campbell]

Nat...
You Yankees couldn't handle the weather.
Happy New Year!

199
Gary

[coach]

This Yank is handling it. And lovin' it.
(From north of Boston until 6 yrs ago.)

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!!

[nat_wheatley]

'Low 67' Just not right...

[Gary Campbell]

Nat...
Remember.. this is winter! It rarely gets below 80 from mid May to mid November. This is also known as Hurricane Season. There is only one thing worse..... That is Tourist Season!
Gary

[nat_wheatley]

The 10'x10' overhead door for the new shop seemed like a good idea at the time, but having to open it to load/unload on days like today (high of 30) make me think I may need to adjust my pricing to cover my heating bills! Stay cool.

[wberminio]

Gary
Just got in from shoveling wind driven snow.
30+mph wind gusts /15 degrees.
One advantage-no bugs!

At least,my 15 hp regen. blower really does help heat my shop!
I love NY winters

Nat-don't leave your door open too long


Erminio

[nat_wheatley]

I cringe anytime we need to open the door for any length of time in the winter. Same feeling I was getting when I was putting gas in my truck at $4.- gallon.

Mission accomplished with the relay, its working as it's supposed to. The jumpers are right next to the relays, I hadn't seen them before. Thanks for the help.