Measuring the Spindle Analogue voltage on a NextStep

[Mr Magoo]

Hi guys,
I'm working with a guy whose spindle wont run on a MicroRouter.
With the spindle relay energised I've got power to the spindle drive but no output.
I don't have any 0-10v analogue going in.
I'm trying to determine if the NextStep is faulty (no analogue output) or if it's a faulty drive pulling the analogue output down.

My question is, does th NextStep need the drive connected in order to generate the 0-10v output or should I be able to measure the analogue output without the drive connected?

Hope all's good back in Blighty....

Mr Magoo

[angel-tech]

You can isolate the analogue signal from the spindle board and measure it with a multimeter and it should give you the 0-10v signal when you command a spindle speed.

[angel-tech]

to check the spindle board is working connect a 9v battery in place of the 0-10v signal, being carefull to keep any exposed wiring safe as there are high voltages present at this input. The battery will act as an isolated voltage supply, when you enable the spindle.

Do not touch the exposed wiring on the signal input, as it is at mains potential.

[Denford Admin]

I'm pretty sure it still outputs with just a meter connected.
There is that old analogue design fault on the bottom board, which seems to only show up outside the Uk..will have a look for info tomorrow

[Denford Admin]

Yep see this post:
viewtopic.php?f=54&t=325&hilit=Analogue+bottom

[Mr Magoo]

Cheers Guys,
I've bypassed the spindle drive for now so the spindle only runs at full wack! (but at least we can make cars)
The NextStep was replaced last year - not sure of the version # but it had black connectors (not orange). Does this mean it's a new type board with the mod?

[Denford Admin]

Yes the black connector bottom board will have the fix on it.