Denford cyclone (Fanuc) info

[black8898]

Rob
in the denford manual I have it has the Ladders all printed on to about 10 sheets of A4 paper , I still cannot download the diagnostics parameters so will sit down and copy them , how do I go about writing down the ones that keep changing ? if you want a copy of ladder then let me know and i can copy them and send them to you as PM

[bradders]

LSK means "Label Skip", and you really can't get rid of the display (unless you want to reprogram the CNCs EPROMs)

Fanuc refers to the the "Label" as any man-readable information on the leader of a paper tape. Years ago, people used to punch "man readables" on the leader so you could hold the tape up to the light and read the part number, the program number, etc.. This punched pattern meant nothing to the CNC control because it was not in any recognizable EIA or ISO (ASCII) format. The man-readable leader needed to be "skipped" by the control when you tried to read the tape.

Fanuc's Label Skip function simply causes the control to IGNORE any data it reads until it sees a valid Line-Feed or EOB character. You can punch all kinds of junk on the leader of the tape, and the Fanuc will zip right by all that data until it reads a Line-Feed, then it begins reading the G-code data. Even when you're not using paper tape, the LSK function is effective, that's why any DNC system would have to send at least one Line-Feed character to the CNC before the first block of the program. Otherwise, the first block gets ignored.

LSK only goes off when your reading a program (by tape or by RS232), and the first LF has been read. Once you get to the end of the program, LSK comes back on.

[Steve]

Hi,

The diagnostics are used for things like counters internal to the ladder.

For instance they can be used to toggle the LEDs on the operator panel or to keep track of the spindle override.

I would write them down in the state they are in after you power on the machine.

If you try and input one of the ones that change then it will automatically change to the correct value again once the ladder is running.

Diagnostics can be used to enable different functions in the ladder of instance if a set bit is set to a 1 the machine knows it has a turret fitted if its a 0 then it assumes manual toolchange.

[Lone_Ranger]

In the diagnostics there are parameters that are constantly changing what do I do about them ? do I put a zero or a one down ? also what does LSK mean if it shows in the bottom right corner of screen ?

Alan

The changing diagnostics are ones that are monitoring the "state" of something, for example a servo which is constantly being balanced, they are probably normally 0 by default and change to 1 as things move.
Probably safe enough to write them down as 0s with a note beside them saying they were fluctuating at the time of recording, that would just be a reminder for you!

LSK stands for "Label Skip", here is the definitive answer I managed to find!!

Quote>>
LSK means "Label Skip", and you really can't get rid of the display (unless you want to reprogram the CNCs EPROMs)

Fanuc refers to the the "Label" as any man-readable information on the leader of a paper tape. Years ago, people used to punch "man readables" on the leader so you could hold the tape up to the light and read the part number, the program number, etc.. This punched pattern meant nothing to the CNC control because it was not in any recognizable EIA or ISO (ASCII) format. The man-readable leader needed to be "skipped" by the control when you tried to read the tape.

Fanuc's Label Skip function simply causes the control to IGNORE any data it reads until it sees a valid Line-Feed or EOB character. You can punch all kinds of junk on the leader of the tape, and the Fanuc will zip right by all that data until it reads a Line-Feed, then it begins reading the G-code data. Even when you're not using paper tape, the LSK function is effective, that's why any DNC system would have to send at least one Line-Feed character to the CNC before the first block of the program. Otherwise, the first block gets ignored.

LSK only goes off when your reading a program (by tape or by RS232), and the first LF has been read. Once you get to the end of the program, LSK comes back on. End Quote<<

If it`s flashing your control is "ready to receive" in everyday use context!!

Hope that helps
Regards
Rob


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[black8898]

Rob
when setting tool offsets for boring bars ,drill bits and , I obviously touch the face of my piece of turned metal now what about touching the "X" axis ? also what about parting tool touching on "Z" axis ?

[Denford Admin]

Face off a bar so you know the position of the front, cut a groove part way down and vernier the distance from front of bar to the groove.
Then either vernier the groove width, or assume it is what the tool width is.
Now you should be able to set the Z offset for the parting tool by adding the two numbers together, taking into account the position you faced off at.
Tip: some Fanuc controls let you type in a +ve or -ve number and pressing alter will change the offset by that amount, eg: 2.2 ALTER should add 2.2mm to the offset you are editing...

[Lone_Ranger]

Rob
when setting tool offsets for boring bars ,drill bits and , I obviously touch the face of my piece of turned metal now what about touching the "X" axis ? also what about parting tool touching on "Z" axis ?

Alan

Sorry, not able to help you on this one, I use a different system, my tools are set in the machine tool offsets and unless I change one or need to trim a little more off, nothing changes.

I have the machine set to an absolute "Home" coordinate and I always work from that in my CadCAM, means that as I know the exact length of stock to start with I can use that in the CadCAM as well and then I never have any "touching off" to do, just upload the code, stick a lump of material in and press the green button and it will go to and cut in the right place every time using the tool information stored in the control!!

Simple system for a simple person, works for me!! Now we will have all the "purists" saying that`s not the way it should be done!!
Well, ask me if I care, it`s easy and works for me!!!

For drills no need to touch on the X, at X0 it should be aligned with the spindle center anyway, boring bars will be done using the same method as normal tools using either a DTI or touching off in a known internal diameter.
Parting tool setting is your preference, I always run on the center of the tip and offset half the tip size but some like to use the edge nearest to the turret which would give you the actual true end of job cut or touch off and then measure the tip and add/subtract that amount to/from your tool offset amount so it would move the tool to where you want it!!

Regards
Rob


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[black8898]

Rob
I like the idea of no touching off makes life a lot easier , would you care to explain to me how to do that with my machine ? I use Mastercam I know you said to me that you use BobCad/Cam all these programs are basically the same just that some have a lot more on them , but yes I would rather not touch off if possible , must be honest never heard of doing it like that before
Alan

[Lone_Ranger]

Rob
I like the idea of no touching off makes life a lot easier , would you care to explain to me how to do that with my machine ? I use Mastercam I know you said to me that you use BobCad/Cam all these programs are basically the same just that some have a lot more on them , but yes I would rather not touch off if possible , must be honest never heard of doing it like that before
Alan

Hi Alan

No, you wouldn`t have heard of it before, it is my own weird and wonderful way of doing it on this machine.

My method requires some things to be regarded as "set in stone", for example I have never nor am I likely to change the chuck on the machine very often so it is pretty much the only "constant" I have and I have used that as my "Machine Zero" then clocked off the face of the chuck so I know the exact distance (Travel) in the Z of the machine.

That means that all coordinates are always a positive value as I am just telling it to go to an absolute coordinate and not move an amount, just seems easier to me to reference from the chuck face and the tool home position. I know the height of any/all the chuck jaws I own so it is easy to draw up a job using all the information I already have I can simply set the stock length required in the CadCAM from the Zero plus jaw height and I am pretty much in a position of never sending a tool too far and hitting the chuck!
For example, if I have a set of jaws that are 32mm high from the chuck face then I know this and when I am drawing something and I draw a line that has a value somewhere of less than Z32 (Say 29.5MM) then I KNOW I will hit the chuck so I change the drawing till I have the code right!!!

I often use an M00 at a coordinate and send the tool to a point that is where I want the face of the stock to be, bit of a manual type bar feed, the tool goes to the point and then just pull the material out till it touches the tool and tighten the chuck, program then moves the tool back a mm or so then goes to it`s first cut position, handy if you don`t have a barfeed and a lot of items to make!!
If I am using bigger than the bore then I just cut billet to size and even with rough cuts it`s usually within half a mm or so and I always use a 1mm leadin for jobs so it will not be a problem if the first cut is slightly less or more than set in the Cad/CAM.

Might sound complicated but only the setting up, after that I rarely have to change anything at the machine.

I suppose to be fair it is fine for someone who is the only one ever using the machine, would be difficult to use the system with different operators and/ or moving a program from another machine but as that doesn`t happen here then it isn`t an issue!!!

Regards
Rob

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[black8898]

Hi everyone
does anyone out there have post processor for a Denford Cyclone using Mastercam ?? I use Mastercam V4 but one for either X2 or 3 is the same be most grateful if someone out there can help
Thanks

[Lone_Ranger]

Hi everyone
does anyone out there have post processor for a Denford Cyclone using Mastercam ?? I use Mastercam V4 but one for either X2 or 3 is the same be most grateful if someone out there can help
Thanks

Alan

There should be some Post Processors in the MasterCAM software somewhere or they may still be on your CD, there will be a "Generic" Post for Fanuc OT ? that you will probably have to "tweak" to suit your version of OT (B isit??).

Have a good root around all the folders in your MasterCAM installation, should be in there somewhere.
I know in my software the is a folder named Posts that is subdivided for Mill or Lathe. I can also download Posts for free, have you tried to get one from MasterCAM??
Or do they charge for Post Processors???

Regards
Rob

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[black8898]

Rob
there is a file called posts but they no longer put loads of posts in there , I do have two files one for Fanuc 2x and the other for 4x so not sure if they will do , have always used one of these on my retrofitted Boxford lathe which ran the Mach3 software without any problems but when I try to load a program to the Denford I get loads of errors , have tried without any luck to alter these posts which was why I hoped someone out there had one done , what I will do is look back at the old Mastercam discs that I have and see if I can find one there
Thanks
Alan

[Lone_Ranger]

Rob
there is a file called posts but they no longer put loads of posts in there , I do have two files one for Fanuc 2x and the other for 4x so not sure if they will do , have always used one of these on my retrofitted Boxford lathe which ran the Mach3 software without any problems but when I try to load a program to the Denford I get loads of errors , have tried without any luck to alter these posts which was why I hoped someone out there had one done , what I will do is look back at the old Mastercam discs that I have and see if I can find one there
Thanks
Alan

Alan

What are the errors you are getting?? It may be something as simple as not having the correct start symbol etc, I don`t know what the Boxford used but Fanuc needs a % sign at the start and end of the program, another one off the top of my head is G40,G41 and G42, try to input code with those in and it will alarm out!!
Also doesn`t need anything other than the ; at the end of a line for EOB.

Everybody has to Edit the Posts, either that or get it done by MasterCAM, I would expect one of those Fanuc Posts to be editable to suit your needs. What are they for?? Does it say Fanuc 6T, OT, FanucLathe or anything like that??

Most Post Processors you can open in Notepad, they are usually a type of text file and can be easily modified that way. Or they may need a type of Editor that is normally again somewhere in the software folders!!!

As there is a fair bit of work involved in modifying Posts it`s unlikely anyone will be giving you one for free!!
Mind you there still a few of the old philanthropists about so you might get lucky!!!

If you want to send me one of the Fanuc Posts I can have a look at it and compare it against the Posts I use for the formatting etc, may be able to help a little!!!

Regards
Rob

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[black8898]

Rob
I have tried to attach the post file that I have but the forum will not let it upload , the errors that I get are not the obvious ones that you would get i.e. % that is all in place what seems to happen is that all the code at the begining of my programs is wrong and the Cyclone will not accept it , if you have another mail address I can send you the post that I have
Alan

[Lone_Ranger]

Rob
I have tried to attach the post file that I have but the forum will not let it upload , the errors that I get are not the obvious ones that you would get i.e. % that is all in place what seems to happen is that all the code at the begining of my programs is wrong and the Cyclone will not accept it , if you have another mail address I can send you the post that I have
Alan

Hi Alan

OK, you can send the Post file (Hopefully I can open it, do you know what the extension is??) and a sample of the code it is producing in case I can`t open the Post file so I can check it agains what is required by Fanuc and then at least I might be able to spot the error producing code!!

Send to rob(at)alroracing.com replace the (at) with the @ symbol, best put in the post like this then the "crawlers" don`t pick it up!!

I`ll do what I can, no promises!!! Usual disclaimers, any info is on an "as is" basis, your own risk!!!

Regards
Rob

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[jaycnc]

Hi
I am new to this forum and am hoping that someone can give me some info regarding a Denford Cyclone cnc lathe of 1992 vintage , this machine is three phase and according to the spec sheet the motor is 3Hp /2.2kw it also says 380/415 volts and then 12amps , what I need to know is does that mean 12 amps per phase ?? or is the 12 amps the overall rating ?? if someone could answer this for me I would be most grateful then I can start looking for a suitable phase converter , maybe someone has the same lathe as me and is using a phase converter and could guide me in the right direction
Thanks
Alan

Iv just started using one connected to a 15hp inverter from Drives Direct and have found that im not using it to know where near its capacity and that it uses 7 amp if i push it flat out but the rest of the time it does no more than 3amp but i am now abale to run my Triac at the same time with out any problems .
If your going for an inverter then go to the above as i did a lot of research on this before buying one and my father helped as hes the electrician and we found that the didgital inverter was the best option and as silent as bee buzzing around.

[Denford Admin]

I have tried to attach the post file that I have but the forum will not let it upload

If this happens, then just zip the file up so it has a .zip extension and the forum will then allow it.
It only allows certain file extensions I think for virus/phishing safety reasons

[black8898]

Hi
Not sure if in the right place , I have a Denford Cyclone and am having a problem due to a mistake on my part I wiped the memory I have just input the main parameters which I had a copy including 900/919 I also have a copy of the diagnostic parameters have managed to input 450/459 but cannot input all the others for some reason , is there anybody out there who couls advise me please ,
Alan

[Martin]

That should be it.

The 900 Parameters.
450 Diagnostics
Parameters 0 upwards.

Make sure you set Diagnostic 453 bit 0 to a 1.
It will flash when inputted & return to a 0. (Dignostic Setup Marker)

[bradders]

Diagnostic settings for Fanuc OT-A/B/C controls
Diagnostic
450.0 Pratt type chuck fitted(3 sec air blast)
.1 Leader blind chuck fitted(constant air)
.2 Double foot switch fitted
.3 Single foot switch fitted
.4 Swarf conveyor fitted
.5 Powered quill fitted
.6 2nd coolant pump fitted "B" control[Zeroturn]
.7 Aux 1 used for FMS
451.0 Baruffaldi RH80 fitted
.1 0=6st, 1=8st
.2 Auto door fitted
.3 Handwheel interupt
.4 Machine uses external stop
.5 Collet chuck fitted
.6 Spindle indexing is by M19 to M24
.7 Air pressure switch fitted
452.0 Lube float switch override
.1 Door switch override
.2 Door switch is feed hold only
.3 Program protect key switch override
.4 Data input is by MINP (special DNC function)
.5 Lube float switch is open when empty
.6 Input 2 is used to open the chuck (FMS)
.7 X axis must reference before Z
453.0 Diagnostic setup marker
.1 Internal gripping
.2 Drive transformer thermal override
.3 Chuck uses "chuck is open" & "chuck is closed" input
.4 Tool select switch starts at binary 0
.5 Open macro window to PLC
.6 External stop input is open when active
.7 Auxiliary outputs off with "CYCLE STOP"
454.0 Door override pushbutton enable
.1 Door never gives alarm in auto
455.0 Direct input offset "B" active (probing)
.1 Chucking enable push button used (blank button) ["A"CONTROL -spindle motor thermal not fitted]
.2 Probe cover switch fitted ["A"CONTROL-X motor thermal not fitted]
.3 Index only at home with probe fitted "A"CONTROL-Z motor thermal not fitted]
.4 Door override is not latching (key switch fitted)
.5 Door override does not work in auto mode
.6 Chucking sensors normally open
.7 Chucking sensors issue an alarm
456.0 "A" CONTROL-Sauter toolpost fitted
.1 Auto toolpost fitted (any type) "B,C" controls
.2 Parts catcher is interlocked with door
.3 External stop=NC reset
.4 Hydraulic "A"-not fitted ["A"CONTROL-Toe 80 fitted]
.5 Hydraulic "B"-not fitted
.6 Beacon on
.7 M06 not required
457.0 Chuck open while running
.1 Duplomatic BSV 120 toolpost fitted "B,C" control (Senior)
.2 Duplomatic BD80 toolpost fitted "B,C" control (Senior)
.3 TOE 80 fitted “B,C” control
.4 Zero machine override
.5 Duplomatic BSV100 live tooling fitted "C "control (Senior) [“A “CONTROL spindle drive fault o/ride]
.6 New parts catcher fitted "C" control (Senior) [“A”CONTROL inp2 block delete TU150-P]
.7 Manual spindle lock "C" control (Senior) ["A"CONTROL Door alarm override]
458.0 Door alarm o/ride “C” control (cyclone) [“C”CONTROL senior,spindle shot pin]
.1 Hydraulic chuck fitted "C" Control(Cyclone)