DMC2 Mini Mill - Another build and review

[Feeop]

Is there no silkscreen on the old board to cross-reference to the new board?

Hi David
Not that I can read in the instructions. They'll probably send me a mapping diagram later today. Their support has been really good so far.

 

[Feeop]

Day 8

Got the board connections sorted out. They are there but in a slightly different location. So I got those connection sorted and moved on for a couple more steps, just to discover I am missing a lot or wiring (like a parts bag is missing). Another email off to the company and wait for parts.

Happy, happy, joy, joy

 

[Feeop]

Day 9

Still waiting on the wiring to show up (hopefully today), but in the meantime, the machine has found its final home and the mechanical build is complete. Add old laptop and touchscreen and things are starting to shape up.

 

[Feeop]

Day 10

Electrical box attached to the frame, internal components installed and wiring started. Just need some clarification as the motor wire colors are different between the motors and instructions.

 

[David]

Day 10

Electrical box attached to the frame, internal components installed and wiring started. Just need some clarification as the motor wire colors are different between the motors and instructions.

Steppers are pretty simple. Usually 4 wires, which make up two pairs. To figure which are pairs, connect any two motor wires together and try to turn the motor. If it doesn't turn, that's a pair. If it does turn swap one of the wires out and it should not turn.
I can't tell of those are closed loop steppers but even if they are the motor wiring is the same.
If they are closed loop steppers the encoder will need different wiring but this diagram might help.

Wiring Diagram for Closed Loop Stepper Motor

For STEPPERONLINE's closed loop stepper motor with a GX-16 and DB-15 connector, the wiring sequence is as follows:

help.stepperonline.com

 

[Feeop]

Day 11
Machine build complete.
Electrical went smoothly (once I had all the wires).
Next up pre checks, Mach3 and initial run up.
Wiring is a little nasty right now but that'll be sorted when I complete the power panel.

 

[Mike R]

Nice, I have a question or 2:
Where did you get the drip tray? Its a better fit than the Costco one I got (but was only $9).
And what are you planning on doing for work holding? I made a little fixture plate, but I want a vise type device as well, either modular jaws for the fixture plate or a low profile vise. Just looking for what others are thinking.

 

[Feeop]

Nice, I have a question or 2:
Where did you get the drip tray? Its a better fit than the Costco one I got (but was only $9).
And what are you planning on doing for work holding? I made a little fixture plate, but I want a vise type device as well, either modular jaws for the fixture plate or a low profile vise. Just looking for what others are thinking.

The tray came from Amaz. WirthCo 22x22. A bit pricy but it'll last. My Machine came with a vise and pins to hold it in place, but I'm planning on a fixture plate as well.

 

[David]

Looks good. Are you ready to make chips?

 

[Feeop]

Looks good. Are you ready to make chips?

Not just yet. I did the wiring pre checks and didn't like what I saw. Might have a bad connection so I'll get my electronics guy to double check. Meanwhile I'll get Mach3 all setup and ready to go.

 

[Feeop]

So time for some assistance from anyone who has built this machine and just in general (especially if you know Mach3).

I finally got the machine to the power up stage. Yesterday I had a good connection to the machine but no DMC2 Mini settings. in Mach3. After a clean reinstall of Mach3 and the DMC software, I now have all the settings in Mach3, but no machine connection. Physically, nothing has changed so I would expect it all to work (somewhat). Any thoughts are appreciated.

Cheers

 

[Feeop]

Today I'm lookin for a little assistance with the electrical. Everything is installed, but I'm having issues getting the Y and Z axis to work. X is working just fine from the PC and MPG.

-I've installed furrels on all the wires to eliminate the crimping of the wire casings.
-The 36v S-400-36 power brick is only putting out 34v which I'm not sure is enough, although X is working fine.
-All connections that need it have 34v at their input connections.
-One driver has a flashing green LED on it's board regardless of which axis i put it on.
-switched all the wires around and finally found the right combination to make X work. All the rest SHOUL be the same, but I have tried alternat combination with no luck.
-The Pg Up/Dn keys on the PC work fine, but it does nothing for the Z axis like it should.
I've tried switching the drivers around and get the same result. X=OK, Y=No, Z=No
The Y motor will spin a tiny amount but then it trips.

The board is the newer 2.4 ver and the motors (I think) are 23HS40-5004D-E1K-1M5. The only info on the outer case is in the
pics

I've attached a couple of pics for reference.

Thanks

 

[Mike R]

34v is fine,

I think I've spotted a difference in the wiring of the encoders, the one in your hand is black-ground, red-vcc. the other 2 look like white-ground, red-vcc.

 

[Feeop]

34v is fine,

I think I've spotted a difference in the wiring of the encoders, the one in your hand is black-ground, red-vcc. the other 2 look like white-ground, red-vcc.

Yes, I discovered a couple of wiring issues. All fixed. X, Y and Z all work. Now to tackle the Spindle, VFD and tool height gage. Good thing I'm retired or this machine wouldn't be ready until December. Lol

Thanks

 

[Feeop]

And it's alive. Finally after a ton of electrical troubleshooting.
I tried to post the startup video but it's too big. Got the bed leveled today.

Thanks to everyone who assisted.
Cheers