Member postings for Matt Harrington

Jack, I have a Rocketronics system on my S7 and I am enjoying getting to grips with it (not much spare time during the summer months) .

Albeit only metric, a simple division by 25.4 will create the imperial threads you want.

My only gripe is that the entry level unit is slightly different to the PRO version (which I have). The PRO version does not have the auto pause facility when threading if you only motorise the Z axis. It was initially a pain as I wanted to thread before I motorised the X axis.

I'm happy to post pictures etc for my installation.

I initially implemented the Atomic ELS system but wanted to fully automate threading - the Atomic ELS only supports Z axis implementation.

Matt

Grand - you'll be knee deep in swarf soon!

Matt

I have replied to your message. You need to connect the spindle encoder in the bottom left of the photo - ie section 'spindle encoder'. If using the RJ45 then use a line driver. If not line driver, then the connector.

There is some more info on this page:

Rocketronics line drivers

Matt

Dell,

If you connect the encoder to the ELS box using the screw terminals, then you don't need a differential line driver but if you decide to use an RJ45 (shielded ) cable to connect to the encoder to the box then you do. The diff. line driver staggers the signals to reduce any chance if interference. (my description!!)

I made us a neat little inline RJ45 connector using Rocketronics line driver so I could easily connect up the encoder. (as per photo below)

Great progress. Have you fitted a differential line driver to the encoder or does it have one built in?

Matt

The cluster gear to spindle is also 1:1 (The tufnol gears have no effect on the ratio) Matt

Yes, the two pulleys are the same diameter - 1:1

Matt

This is the S7 gearbox encoder mount:

And this is the mount on a non-gearbox S7:

I have thinner pulleys to use for the non-gearbox setup but will fit later. The bracket is such that the encoder is flush with the inside of the housing.

Matt

Edited By Matt Harrington on 25/04/2023 18:22:14

Dell, I'm sure you can get the encoder to fit within the gear cover on an ML10. I will photo the arrangement for a non gearbox S7 machine and a gearbox one for reference. The encoders have such little resistance to turning that thin bracketry is only required. Matt

The idea of an eccentric lever is an elegant one. Once my 'proof of concept' is working, I think that setup in place of the coupling would be a decent upgrade.

Matt

Well, the warmer weather has allowed me to carry on with the ELS project. One point to note - if you choose the Rocketroincs system the software for the PRO4 version is not the same as the BASIC system. The basic has a facility for threading if you only have the Z axis motorised. (auto pauses for retracting and feed in) The PRO version does not. (although the website at the time claimed the software was identical)!!

Anyway, on with the update. This photo shows the general layout. (I'm using the standard screw for the moment)

This shot compares the standard cross slide 'v' the modified.

The next shot is the underneath. The bracket needs a little work here. Initially to give a little space for the screw. I will 'hog' out the underneath as well should I need extra travel for the dovetail. (I can't remember ever having to use the cross slide so far forward.

The screw was extended using 10mm rod - this cleared the leadscrew nut. It has been dowelled and will be loctited into place. Whether it needs pinning, we will see later.

I will probably turn the stepper adapter around to reveal the oldham coupling and allow me to easily unclamp when assembling. Still a bit to go but it gives you an idea.....

It would appear that half of the issues from MEW 2011 are not on the archive. Is there a reason for this? Typically I wanted to look at issue 177 but that is not there.....

Matt

Thank you - just what I needed to hear. Mine is quite a few years old as well, so no issues with warranty etc.

Matt

I'll get the drill out in due course and see what manifests inside! Alas, the speed control is on the NT cabinet.

Matt

Whilst developing my Myford to accept it's improved ELS system (was Atomic ELS, now Rocketronics ELS PRO 4) I was wondering if anyone have taken a Newton Tesla inverter box (CLx50) apart? I was wondering if they used a standard inverter inside the case. I ask, as I want to control the lathe for variable surface speed and hence need to tap into an inverter. I don't want to drill out the NT rivets if some has opened one up to find the inverter bespoke.

Matt

I was interested to see that Golmatic made a CNC machine. I only ever knew them for their universal machine that was in the same market as the Meyer Burger UW1. (I bought the latter)

This is a spec sheet of the MD24 : **LINK**

Matt

I found this article and it looks to be along the right lines for my install - at least for my cross slide. I already have the Z stepper installed as is the encoder.

Myford S7 ELS4 install

Matt

Yes, I agree Mike. Let me experiment first and then I'll see which direction I go in.

John, Thanks for that - a starting point for me.....

Matt

Any thoughts on the power required for the cross-slide stepper - not much I suspect?

Matt