Denford Software & Machines

Hi,

I own an ORAC tds/o/r manufactured in 1984, and I have problems with both the Z and X axis movements.
The computer seems to be working fine, as I am able to enter code and all inputs are correctly displayed on screen. However when it comes to X and Z axis actual movements, the screen displays changing co-ordinates of X and Z ( as if the controller is sending the signals) however none of the drives are working.
On opening the front panel, I noted the one driver card has a red LED switched on, while the other card has no LEDs on at all.

I followed the thread named "Orac X-axis troubles" where it is mentioned that the red led's are error signals.
Probably I have some fault on the cards - can anyone help me out interpret the errors being signalled by these LED please?

One of the steppers - X -is energised as soon as I switch on the lathe (ie it cannot be turned on trying to turn the pulley by hand) while the other one - the Z- can be turned easily.
The X drive beeps a signal whenever pressing the X traverse keys, but there is no motion.

Can anyone help me out pls?

Thanks.

Have you checked that it hasn't hit one of the limit switches?

Have a look under the front left hand side sloping bit of the lathe. There should be two push buttons - one is the controller reset, the other is limit override. I think the override is the left hand one. Hold this in while trying to move the axes - make sure you keep it held in.

Cheers

Dave

If you manage to get the X running you will then be able to interchange the x & z drives over to see if the fault foolws the CD20 drive. The overide switch underneath needs to be held in until you have moved off the limit switch.

Hi,

Thanks for your prompt replys.

I checked about the limit switches, but none of the limit switches have been hit.

Even still, pressing the reset button and trying to move in the X or Z directions using the manual X and Z traverse keys still results in no motion.

Any other suggestions please?
Is there a difference between the 3 Red LED's? Sometimes there is one LED on and sometimes two.

Thanks

Looks like we need to find some manuals on these CD drives.....I take it they are not like the Digiplan SD

The axis that has no torque on power up could be a fuse for that axis - have you checked the basics like fuses, broken wires, connectors pulled out, corroded pins etc etc...
The other one showing error LEDS could be indicating a symptom of these possible causes.

Or, like another member recently found, one of the drives is missing !

Whats the history of the machine ? Have you had it working previously ? How long ago ?

How about this ?

https://www.parkermotion.com/manuals/cd/CD20-30.pdf

Thanks in deed for this link. I will have a look at this guide, especially the trouble shooting section.
I checked the fuses and they look fine, same for the connectors.

I am suspecting that I have some fault with the relay. Any suggestion how to replace it without dismantling the whole machine?

- It is very difficult to access the electronic modules though. I am afraid that I will have to dismantle the lathe' s chasis from the bottom plate, and lift off the lathe from the bottom section, to be able to access the electronics ( I am afraid that if I pull out the electronic modules I might pull out some wires).

As for the lathe's history, I have just acquired it as is - i.e. with faulty X and Z drives- and unfortunately have no details of its history.

Thanks for the help and any further ideas.

Firstly - Denford Admin, any chance you could copy this file into the downloads section. Secondly as a thought how about splitting the downloads section for each machine - e.g. General, Orac, Triac etc

Mechanic - I will have the mechanical manual at home that will give the way to get to the electronics. Unfortunately my home computer blew up (literally!!!! ) last night. I will have a look and see if I can suss out how it works. There may be a pull out tray - the Triac certainly has one. You unscrew the backpanel and fold it down, then undo the front and pull it out. Not sure about the Orac - yet to pull one of them apart!!

Cheers

Dave

Hi Mechanic, I hope this attaches OK, you may find this usefull for Orac, I think the stepper controls are Digiplan SD's ..........but I may be wrong? Dave

I'm going to struggle to manage downloads and trying to keep everything in the right place - eg, where to put a drive manual - did it only get used in Triacs or other machines or put it into a drive section ? - don't know what would be best ?

I'll see what content goes in there over next months, and try to arrange it somehow

Hi Andy

Perhaps organise them by machine for manuals, software etc and then a section for electronics/drives for the more general stuff. If you need a hand give me a shout and I can help collate a list of what should go where.

Any news from the D&T show? The laser scanning looks very impressive - I want one!! Just tidying up my starturn at the moment, last jobs to finish it - spindle speed control almost finsihed last night and I now have a touch screen attached to a TFT monitor - bling!

Cheers

Dave