Spindle speed control board

[dubliner]

I know you can fab these on your own - RS 485( thanks Gene Buckle ) but I never got around to it. I learned today that Shopbot has them for sale. Has anyone installed the SB one & how difficult is it? TIA Dubliner

[paco]

I have one. It's plug & play. Work very well.

[dubliner]

Thanks Paco, I ordered one. Looking forward to it. Is meebo still going, I miss chatting, but I couldnt get to it last time I tried. Dubliner

[paco]

The room is still up and running... but I must admit that users (including me) are not very often logged in... It's there (http://www.meebo.com/room/shopbot/).

[dubliner]

cool, I'm going to visit again & often.

[dana_swift]

If you like the chat format, why not use IRC instead of meebo? The forced videos are beyond annoying, and not SB related.

D

[dubliner]

My controller arrived, "No more bending over like a caveman" :-), Can I plug the usb into the hub? I have a 2.0 hub and the included 10ft cable on the spindle controller is a wee bit short to go to computer. TIA Dubliner

[knight_toolworks]

yes that would work. I want to get one. but I am still recovering from the remote buttons and three collet nuts.

[pfulghum]

What is the cost of this USB to RS485 control board?
-- pat

[knight_toolworks]

195.00

[harryball]

So... for $195 plus SH and some elbow grease my PRTAlpha can have the spindle RPM's set without me pushing the little button on the VFD... it'll be like magic right?

/RB

[srwtlc]

You can have the file control the spindle speed throughout the file. If you need the speed changed here or there for different operations (rough cut followed by finish cut etc.), you can do so with the TR command (TR,12000 etc.)

You can also automate your warm up routine by making a file that you call up with a C#.

[3imoh]

Does anyone know if adding this mod will still allow you to control the spindle with the keypad? I added a remote yaskawa keypad that has a knob to control the spindle speed and it has worked out really well. I would not want to give that up to add S/W control, but it would be nice to have both...

thanks,
Howie

[knight_toolworks]

you can still control it manually so that should work too. you don't looser the display either.

[paco]

It work both ways. When I change the RPM without the VFD keypad, it change on the screen as well.

The only thing that doesn't work (for me) is to type TR, ##### and to get the change. It work when read in file but not as a direct command. Whenever I type TR then a number, nothing happen.

[srwtlc]

Paco,

I'm sure that you probably already know this, but you can change the RPM on the fly with Shift + or Shift -. You can also change the increment that it changes by.

Yeah, typing TR, just opens the spindle control program (Virtual Tool).

You can however double click the RPM window and type in the desired RPM and then hit enter (Although not while running a file).

[scottbot]

Hi,
I get a little window that pops up (Spindle Control) when running my ShopBot but haven't been able to figure it out. It doesn't display a speed, it just says 'Preview'.
I have a PRSalpha with a 4HP HSD spindle.
Do I need to get additional hardware to control the spindle speed from the computer?
I've checked ShopBot's web site and can't find a spindle speed controller for sale anywhere.
I'm hoping that it's part of the PRSalpha package so I don't have to spend the $195 mentioned earlier in this thread :-)

Thanks
Scott

[dubliner]

Hey all, got it working although I think the shift on the fly needs help ( could be me though )anyway its pretty cool not having to reach for the panel. It does work through the hub as Steve said & its an extra charge of $195.I'll have to break down & learn how to write a warm up routine. Scott, that preview is a feature of 3.66 & later in preparation for the release of the RS485 control board. Now I just have to relocate the reset & start buttons by the computer and I'll be all set.

[srwtlc]

Scott,

Here (http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/messages/312/26959.html?1201661250) is another thread on this subject and a link to a RS485 board that you can use to make your own spindle control. When it's all said and done, you might save a little, but not a lot. Besides the board, you would need an enclosure, two strand wire (like the brown belden wire that may have came with your Bot, and a USB cable (can be purchased with the board).

[scottbot]

Thanks Scott,
I doubt that I would tackle that as a project.
I've got enough going on right now.
I'll probably purchase one when I get caught up on things.

Scott