That's good news.Chips wrote:Hi guys,
I have been able to get the D&M 4 machine running using all the original parts and computer.
The first problem is the battery on the old 386 computer is dead, but I managed to get around it for the moment.
The first order is to verify what is usable and what is not before putting hand in pocket.
After I had given it a clean and a bit of oil, I ran a simple program (original DOS program is ok but not standard G code).
Second problem: It looks to me like there is a problem with the steppers as it is loosing its place during movements.
I am imagining that it is missing steps and loosing its position.
I am going to remove the steppers one by one, and ensure there are no tight spots in the travel.
Also I am missing the Estop button.
Chips
You need to decide if you are going to try and run with the old software or upgrade to something more standard like Mach3.
I would choose the latter route. Most any Pentium PC (not laptop) with a parallel port and small hard drive can run Mach3.
In your case, you need a Breakout board, Speed Control Board and a perhaps an index pulse board. I like to use CNC4PC.COM
Here is a link to a LABVOLT 5300 lathe that I converted. It likely uses the same DM4 stepper drivers which you can reuse.
https://picasaweb.google.com/marty.esca ... abvolt5300
Otherwise if you want to change the stepper driver and not have to buy those boards then go to a Gecko G540. Pretty mch a one stop solution. I think you can retain your old spindle motor DC controller as it likely uses 0-7VDC input to control it.
You could get this done for under $200 in hardware from CNC4PC. While you can download a demo version of MACH to test with, its license is only about $149.