With that being said, can anyone link the latest revision of the 1440 vfd install? Also is there a BOM for an inside the headstock install?
I am not for sure what you mean by an "inside the headstock install," but let me assume that you mean inside the original lathe cabinet where the current control relays etc are installed. I did not want to add an additional cabinet to hold a VFD etc.
I did just this and documented the installation and all of the parts. Have you seen my posting? If not you can find it here.
VFD conversion using solid state electronic components.
The document you might want is the fifth attachment of the first posting (far right on the screen) and the title of it starts out as "PM 1440GT Part 2 VFDDescript...." This installation essentially included all of the bells and whistles I could think of at the time. I even added a few things that most people do not even use like a revolution counter. So one can just leave these out if they do not want them. Anyway, lots of folks have downloaded this document, but I am not for sure how many folks have used it. I built a solid state logic control to eliminate most all of the big relays etc. (To sort of quote
@ptrotter, ... what the heck, why would I need all of these big non-modern electronic relays etc if I am installing a solid state VFD anyway.) That saves more than enough space to allow me to get everything in the back of the lathe stand, where the original controls were located, and the front switch control panel , including a braking resistor of my own construction. I used the Hitachi VFD that Mark was recommending at the time and its installation and operation went smoothly. The document even encludes the VFD programing I used. It has been working without any problems for a long time now.
Even though I tried to explain, in detail, how the electronics function, for many folks building the electronics by point to point soldering probably is a discouraging thought. So if you do not have electronics skill this maybe a turn off. I know that, while he was also implementing an ELS ,
@ptrotter took my design and modified the layout etc. to run his PM1340 .
I have been working on the Clough42 ELS on my PM-1340GT lathe and decided that if I am going to be using solid state electronics for the lead screw, than I might as well build solid state controls for the spindle. After all the VFD is a solid state device itself. Here is what I have so far:
Since doing the project I did spend time laying out my electronics in a pcb and even though it had a wire routing error a little soldering fix it and it worked for
@bdstark .
Very nice - I just ran through testing the PCB myself. The VFD simulator board is a great addition and very helpful. I have been hanging resistors and LEDs off the connectors and was thinking of making a similar board.
Since I am still interested in this and might still replace my point to point soldered board with a pcb, I would be willing to re-layout the pcb board, have it made, and ship you one if you wanted to try my install. I am sure this would make it much easier. I might even having the pcb manufacturer install the electronic components (transistors, resistors, etc.) This way one would just have to install the board, VFD, etc. on a backer plate like I described and connect the wires . Getting these boards made is very inexpensive, so cost is not an issue. Also, the board componets are essentially free. The last time I did it I got 5 boards shipped to me for less than $30. By the way, at the back of the document write up I did list all of the components/parts and sources that I used and while the internet links I provided are probably broken by now, finding the parts should not be a problem since for the most part they are very common.
Are you interested in doing this? Anyone else?
PS. I only offer to do this to help folks out. I am retired and get some joy out of solving problems and helping others out. For me, this is indeed a hobby.
Dave L.
