This is a gold mine of info for Fadel owners, take a lot of mystery out of these older machines. I have to say your a braver man than me when it comes to diving into the electronics..Thanks again for great content.....Dave
No, the CNC side is to support my own needs and my company. But I'm elbow deep into much more complex control problems along with electronics and power systems. I started playing with electronics when I was 8.
If you're into electronics isn't it obligatory to have your collection of meters, scopes, and analyzers in every background? I think its a law in some states.... :-)
LOL, I'm a LabView guy, I use virtual instruments ;) But in some videos in my office you can see a multi meter. The scope is on the floor most times. For analyzers I use a NI PCI daq card, cRIO, or a myRIO I have.
By the time you are done with your updates you'll have darn near a new machine! I can really appreciate that you are documenting these steps. I wonder how many people you are helping that you'll never know about, sir. Hope your weekend project is going well! Tom Z
I know there are a lot of Fadal's out there still, but who knows. I got the boards for a really good price so I could not pass them up. But yes, I'm ending up with a really good tight machine for sure! Thanks
Hey Tim. Extremely appreciative of all you do, and every video you've put out so far. They have been invaluable to me to this point. Q: what type of air compressor you use? Thnx keep em commin!
Thanks Jared, Its just a run of the mill craftsman oil less 60 gallon compressor. I think it is rated somewhere around 10 CFM ish? It was the first major tool purchase I made out of high school. I was a motor head and ran a lot of air tools building a car. I will never buy an oil less compressor again. It has lasted a long time with a lot of hours on it but man, I think I have lost hearing from it for sure. The tank is still in good shape but I think the compressor is starting to get a little tired. I might buy just a oil compressor and reuse the tank and motor. Then mount it outside at the back of the shop.
Excellent----this really help me and I've owned a 40 20 20 for 21 years. I'm currently having a problem with machine shutting down after 25 minutes -- I may need your help.
You've set quite a demanding schedule for videos, beware of burning out before you've shown all the things you wanted. I'd rather have a leisurely pace than a quick burnout followed by disappearing forever! So, I hope I speak for most of your audience when I say we'd rather have you for the long haul than punishing yourself with a schedule that doesn't allow you to enjoy life and keep going :-)
Na, I wont disappear forever, I like to talk to much ;) I take a week off when I need to, this weekend was so smashed I have not started on the probe yet, so might be another week. If I don't push though I never get things done. I'm the person that needs to keep going or I get stuck in the mud. There is still a lot to talk about.
You should need to remove any motors to change the spindle? Just remove the drive belt, spindle pulley and then the bolts on the top and bottom and the spindle comes out the bottom of the Z head.
Hey Tim, I just found your youtube channel and need to say thanks a lot. Im from Denmark and a happy owner of a VMC 15, like yours. I believe one of your videos you told there was a video showing how to adjust the axes card after installing a new one. I cant find this video. Can you help me finding this ? Wish you a great day and looking forward to see more of your fantastic videos :-) Best Regards Michael
That one is on the list still, I have not made it yet. But it should be coming shortly as I need to do it on my new cards before we do the laser survey video.
Hi At-Man, I really appreciate your videos, I really understand several functions (thanks to you) fadal machines. I have a question for you: do you know about the fails of AC amplifiers? I mean: about the following LEDS: encoder error, hall error, index and the new amplifier GP led, the questions is what it means??? I think is important information to understand about amplifier, is'nt? best regards!
i guess the next video can you show how to do a survey? when i reset my fadal for ram increase they never told me to record the survey just the backlash
Hello, if you just do a ram increase you don't need to reload the axis survey. The Axis survey is stored on the Axis controller card, not the main CPU board.
Personally I use alcohol as a solvent and an acid brush in a large flat pan. I don't soak the boards but hold them over the pan at an angle and then gently splash the alcohol on the board and gently brush to get all the grim off them. You could also use a tooth brush but the acid brush is a little stiffer. Then make sure all the alcohol is evaporated off before reinstalling. You could also use just soap and water, but this requires baking after words and given the age of the boards I did not want to risk that.
I thought alcohol would be what to use from seeing circuit board repair videos. The thought of it makes me kringe with these boards. If a board is working fine should I leave it be or clean the oil film off before it cause components to over heat or other issues?
Hi, I love your videos and I hope you can help me once again :) I have a '98 4020 fadal and i use it only on weekends. Two weeks ago i noticed a strange behavior. In the MDI mode and Jog mode, there are normaly the current coordinates and a list of zeros on the right. When you jog the machine, the zeros on the right change value, until the machine reach the correct coordinates. The problem is that in the x axis I don't have on the zero anymore. I have the constant value of 5 when the machine is still. What do these numbers mean? Any help?
The funny part is: if i power on the machine, there is this problem. I can power on and off several times, and nothing changes. But, if i wait 15 minutes, and then i power on the machine, everything is perfect and that value is zero... i can run the machine all day long without promblems... but the next day that value is 5 again...
And i forgot to mention that i have AC motors with encoders... i can't find any information of how to balance the servo drive. Is it something i can do without specific equipment and knowledge? Did you ever done somethink similar on your channel?
I don't have it on my channel but I should coming soon. I'm readjusting my drives with the Calmotion cards. It is in the maintenance manuals under the axis drive section though
Hello Shem, good to hear from you again, I did it because I got a great deal on some cards and wanted spares. The cards I bought are one rev newer then my current cards. I updated because my cards used a 286 processor and the new cards have a 386 and newer firmware on them. There is nothing wrong with my old cards and they are safely packed away in storage just in case a card fails I can quickly swap in another one.
Sounds like a noise or communication issue on the serial port. See if your software will support using the command "DNCX" rather then just "DNC". This is a more robust protocol that has a retransmit feature to combat noise and communication issues. You could also try a lower baud rate if your programs don't need the high rates.
Hi, ive seen most of your video and they are of great help, but I need to see if you can help me with something, at rapid traverse G0 the machine does not go in a straight line, both X and Y start at the same time abd same speed, but when it gets to the closest x/y rapid it then goes to its final destination, I have messed up so many parts cause of this on the fadal thats its just costing me to much, can you help? could it be just a parameter? thanx
Unfortunately that is just the way Fadal and some other machine controllers work. There is nothing to change to prevent the dog leg rapids. Most CAM programs have a work around where they can replace multi axis rapid moves with feed moves and set the feed rate to max. In most cases the max feed rate is around 50% rapid travel. This solves the dog leg issue at the expense of not having a full rate move when more then one axis is moving at a time.
This is a gold mine of info for Fadel owners, take a lot of mystery out of these older machines. I have to say your a braver man than me when it comes to diving into the electronics..Thanks again for great content.....Dave
Thanks Dave, but not really brave, just have a lot of experience doing it.
Does your day job involve being elbow deep in CNC guts?
No, the CNC side is to support my own needs and my company. But I'm elbow deep into much more complex control problems along with electronics and power systems. I started playing with electronics when I was 8.
If you're into electronics isn't it obligatory to have your collection of meters, scopes, and analyzers in every background? I think its a law in some states.... :-)
LOL, I'm a LabView guy, I use virtual instruments ;) But in some videos in my office you can see a multi meter. The scope is on the floor most times. For analyzers I use a NI PCI daq card, cRIO, or a myRIO I have.
By the time you are done with your updates you'll have darn near a new machine! I can really appreciate that you are documenting these steps. I wonder how many people you are helping that you'll never know about, sir.
Hope your weekend project is going well!
Tom Z
I know there are a lot of Fadal's out there still, but who knows. I got the boards for a really good price so I could not pass them up. But yes, I'm ending up with a really good tight machine for sure! Thanks
I love ur video. I have a Fadal similar to yours which I will put into production in a month or two. These videos are great instructions.
Thanks CJ, good luck with the Mill.
great job my friend
Hey Tim. Extremely appreciative of all you do, and every video you've put out so far. They have been invaluable to me to this point.
Q: what type of air compressor you use?
Thnx keep em commin!
Thanks Jared, Its just a run of the mill craftsman oil less 60 gallon compressor. I think it is rated somewhere around 10 CFM ish? It was the first major tool purchase I made out of high school. I was a motor head and ran a lot of air tools building a car. I will never buy an oil less compressor again. It has lasted a long time with a lot of hours on it but man, I think I have lost hearing from it for sure. The tank is still in good shape but I think the compressor is starting to get a little tired. I might buy just a oil compressor and reuse the tank and motor. Then mount it outside at the back of the shop.
SMART MAN
Any tips on getting the boards out of the slots mine are really stuck in there
Excellent----this really help me and I've owned a 40 20 20 for 21 years. I'm currently having a problem with machine shutting down after 25 minutes -- I may need your help.
Hello Brad, sounds like it could be thermal related as it heats up. Maybe the AT power supply? Don't know what you mean by "shutting down"
You've set quite a demanding schedule for videos, beware of burning out
before you've shown all the things you wanted. I'd rather have a
leisurely pace than a quick burnout followed by disappearing forever!
So,
I hope I speak for most of your audience when I say we'd rather have
you for the long haul than punishing yourself with a schedule that
doesn't allow you to enjoy life and keep going :-)
Na, I wont disappear forever, I like to talk to much ;)
I take a week off when I need to, this weekend was so smashed I have not started on the probe yet, so might be another week. If I don't push though I never get things done. I'm the person that needs to keep going or I get stuck in the mud. There is still a lot to talk about.
ing. podria decirme como puedo mover el paso del motor del eje x tube que cambiar el husillo del fadal mil gracias y saludos
You should need to remove any motors to change the spindle? Just remove the drive belt, spindle pulley and then the bolts on the top and bottom and the spindle comes out the bottom of the Z head.
Hey, i have a fadal vmc1992, i can't see "survey menu" do you know the procedure to old machines? I hope your response.
Hey Tim, I just found your youtube channel and need to say thanks a lot. Im from Denmark and a happy owner of a VMC 15, like yours. I believe one of your videos you told there was a video showing how to adjust the axes card after installing a new one. I cant find this video. Can you help me finding this ? Wish you a great day and looking forward to see more of your fantastic videos :-) Best Regards Michael
That one is on the list still, I have not made it yet. But it should be coming shortly as I need to do it on my new cards before we do the laser survey video.
Hi At-Man, I really appreciate your videos, I really understand several functions (thanks to you) fadal machines. I have a question for you: do you know about the fails of AC amplifiers? I mean: about the following LEDS: encoder error, hall error, index and the new amplifier GP led, the questions is what it means??? I think is important information to understand about amplifier, is'nt?
best regards!
i am so jealous of you... i want to buy a 2016L vmc fadal.... sigh.. i cant find one thats for sale...
They show up at auctions and machine brokers a lot. The biggest issue is finding one in your area. Shipping can cost almost as much as the machine.
i guess the next video can you show how to do a survey? when i reset my fadal for ram increase they never told me to record the survey just the backlash
Hello, if you just do a ram increase you don't need to reload the axis survey. The Axis survey is stored on the Axis controller card, not the main CPU board.
Hey Tim, where did you hook up the ESD wrist band on the cabinet door? I'm swapping amplifiers and I'm not sure where to hook it up.
Any chassis ground works. There was a bonding ground wire between the door and the cabinet I just clipped it there.
Great info! I have a question. With what and how do you go about cleaning the grease oil film of the circuit boards on these things?
Personally I use alcohol as a solvent and an acid brush in a large flat pan. I don't soak the boards but hold them over the pan at an angle and then gently splash the alcohol on the board and gently brush to get all the grim off them. You could also use a tooth brush but the acid brush is a little stiffer. Then make sure all the alcohol is evaporated off before reinstalling. You could also use just soap and water, but this requires baking after words and given the age of the boards I did not want to risk that.
I thought alcohol would be what to use from seeing circuit board repair videos. The thought of it makes me kringe with these boards. If a board is working fine should I leave it be or clean the oil film off before it cause components to over heat or other issues?
I only cleaned them because I was upgrading. Before that, I left them alone.
On a side note. I have the positive air pressure system on my spindle. Do you have this on yours? Not liking that it let's air out the whole time.
Yes, keeps coolant out of the nose of the spindle and provides a small amount of cooling.
Hi, I love your videos and I hope you can help me once again :)
I have a '98 4020 fadal and i use it only on weekends. Two weeks ago i noticed a strange behavior.
In the MDI mode and Jog mode, there are normaly the current coordinates and a list of zeros on the right. When you jog the machine, the zeros on the right change value, until the machine reach the correct coordinates. The problem is that in the x axis I don't have on the zero anymore. I have the constant value of 5 when the machine is still. What do these numbers mean? Any help?
That value is the following error, with no motion it should be zero. If it is not zero you can adjust the balance on the servo motor drive.
The funny part is: if i power on the machine, there is this problem. I can power on and off several times, and nothing changes. But, if i wait 15 minutes, and then i power on the machine, everything is perfect and that value is zero... i can run the machine all day long without promblems... but the next day that value is 5 again...
And i forgot to mention that i have AC motors with encoders... i can't find any information of how to balance the servo drive. Is it something i can do without specific equipment and knowledge? Did you ever done somethink similar on your channel?
I don't have it on my channel but I should coming soon. I'm readjusting my drives with the Calmotion cards. It is in the maintenance manuals under the axis drive section though
Hi Tim, good video as usual, why did you to install new controller cards? did you face any problem? I didn't get it.
Hello Shem, good to hear from you again, I did it because I got a great deal on some cards and wanted spares. The cards I bought are one rev newer then my current cards. I updated because my cards used a 286 processor and the new cards have a 386 and newer firmware on them. There is nothing wrong with my old cards and they are safely packed away in storage just in case a card fails I can quickly swap in another one.
Yes, I am just quiet but it doesn't mean I miss any of your great videos. your channel is my favorite one and I also tell about it to whomever I know.
Thank you Shem, and thank you for all of your support, it is greatly appreciated for sure! Hope all is well.
Tim
I need Serious help about my machine I have a FADAL VMC 15
Hello, if you have a more specific issue I may be able to help.
I also have a question maybe you can help me with. 92 fadal vmc 40 if i dnc sometimes it runs away for no reason however its perfect from memory
Sounds like a noise or communication issue on the serial port. See if your software will support using the command "DNCX" rather then just "DNC". This is a more robust protocol that has a retransmit feature to combat noise and communication issues. You could also try a lower baud rate if your programs don't need the high rates.
i use fadalnc program i will try it ive tried the lowest baud rate and it was the same would just do a random move at random times.
Hi, ive seen most of your video and they are of great help, but I need to see if you can help me with something, at rapid traverse G0 the machine does not go in a straight line, both X and Y start at the same time abd same speed, but when it gets to the closest x/y rapid it then goes to its final destination, I have messed up so many parts cause of this on the fadal thats its just costing me to much, can you help? could it be just a parameter?
thanx
Unfortunately that is just the way Fadal and some other machine controllers work. There is nothing to change to prevent the dog leg rapids. Most CAM programs have a work around where they can replace multi axis rapid moves with feed moves and set the feed rate to max. In most cases the max feed rate is around 50% rapid travel. This solves the dog leg issue at the expense of not having a full rate move when more then one axis is moving at a time.
At-Man Unlimited Machining Well thanx for the tip I will see if I can male my software work around it
Your welcome
Hello Friend How are You
speak spanish i need your help
Best I can do is google translate, unless someone wants to do closed captioning.