Eagle anilam crusader m cnc ?

[BGHansen]

No , I'm currently getting the pcbs fixed

Jim Dawson will likely chime in. He's "the man" on a modern conversion if you go that route. I bought a BP with an Anilam Crusader 2 controller. He graciously offered to help me upgrade using his controller software. Mine is a 2-axis machine. After learning some rudimentary controls, I craved controlling the Z also. I considered a Centroid Acorn card and a project to add the Z, but went with a used Tormach. I figure if my Anilam bites the dust, I'll use it as a manual mill with ball screws.

Jim has his conversion posted on this site. I believe there's also one from user "Cooter Brown". You might pop over to CNCZone for some tips if you need help.

Bruce

 

[sasanifab]

Jim Dawson will likely chime in. He's "the man" on a modern conversion if you go that route. I bought a BP with an Anilam Crusader 2 controller. He graciously offered to help me upgrade using his controller software. Mine is a 2-axis machine. After learning some rudimentary controls, I craved controlling the Z also. I considered a Centroid Acorn card and a project to add the Z, but went with a used Tormach. I figure if my Anilam bites the dust, I'll use it as a manual mill with ball screws.

Jim has his conversation posted on this site. I believe there's also one from user "Cooter Brown". You might pop over to CNCZone for some tips if you need help.

Bruce

The good news is I have two working sets of pcbs and power supply's. So I'm good to go

 

[FOMOGO]

Sounds like you scored on that one. Cheers, Mike

 

[JimDawson]

Sorry I'm late to this thread. My first recommendation would be: Buy it, but you have already done that. I have the identical machine, except the 2 axis model (now 4 axis). The Anilam controller is a throw away, but if it works, keep running it until it fails. If it doesn't work, there are many upgrade options available.

The Servo Dynamics drives and Baldor motors are pretty much bulletproof. I'm still using mine. But because they are analog velocity drives, it does somewhat limit your options for upgrades. LinuxCNC, Dynomotion Kflop/Kanalog, and my software are good options. In all of those cases the software is free (or included), so you are only really paying for the controller hardware. Dynomotion is the only one that sells hardware, in the case of LinuxCNC or my system, the hardware is purchased from other vendors.

If you wanted to use Mach4, then a motor/drive upgrade might be in your future. It is possible to use your existing drives/motors with Mach4, but requires a Galil controller to do so, my software also requires a Galil controller. Galil controllers are available from Galil, or many used units are available from eBay vendors, you just have to wait for the right deal to come along.

If you choose to upgrade drives/motors then my recommendations would be:

Delta from Automation Direct https://www.automationdirect.com/selectors/sureservo2

LS Electric from Automation Direct https://www.automationdirect.com/selectors/ls-servo

DMM Technologies https://store.dmm-tech.com/

Any of these in a 750W size would work fine. Documentation, support, and setup software is really important when purchasing servo systems, all of the above get an ''A'' in all categories. I have used all of these in various projects and have few complaints about any of them.

You have a nice machine there, we'll need some pictures of it making chips.

 

[sasanifab]

Sorry I'm late to this thread. My first recommendation would be: Buy it, but you have already done that. I have the identical machine, except the 2 axis model (now 4 axis). The Anilam controller is a throw away, but if it works, keep running it until it fails. If it doesn't work, there are many upgrade options available.

The Servo Dynamics drives and Baldor motors are pretty much bulletproof. I'm still using mine. But because they are analog velocity drives, it does somewhat limit your options for upgrades. LinuxCNC, Dynomotion Kflop/Kanalog, and my software are good options. In all of those cases the software is free (or included), so you are only really paying for the controller hardware. Dynomotion is the only one that sells hardware, in the case of LinuxCNC or my system, the hardware is purchased from other vendors.

If you wanted to use Mach4, then a motor/drive upgrade might be in your future. It is possible to use your existing drives/motors with Mach4, but requires a Galil controller to do so, my software also requires a Galil controller. Galil controllers are available from Galil, or many used units are available from eBay vendors, you just have to wait for the right deal to come along.

If you choose to upgrade drives/motors then my recommendations would be:

Delta from Automation Direct https://www.automationdirect.com/selectors/sureservo2

LS Electric from Automation Direct https://www.automationdirect.com/selectors/ls-servo

DMM Technologies https://store.dmm-tech.com/

Any of these in a 750W size would work fine. Documentation, support, and setup software is really important when purchasing servo systems, all of the above get an ''A'' in all categories. I have used all of these in various projects and have few complaints about any of them.

You have a nice machine there, we'll need some pictures of it making chips.

Hey Jim thanks for the info , I was able to fix the anilam system , I replaced a bunch of capacitors and it fixed the system.I'm new to cnc but I'm amazed at how well this system works. It's incredible. That being said .... if I wanted to upgrade the system ... and keep my hardware what exactly do I need to buy from what you described? Can you make a general list of the hardware I'll need ?

 

[Firebrick43]

If they are DC servo's you could use the Centroid All-in-one-dc without changing your motors.

 

[JimDawson]

Hey Jim thanks for the info , I was able to fix the anilam system , I replaced a bunch of capacitors and it fixed the system.I'm new to cnc but I'm amazed at how well this system works. It's incredible. That being said .... if I wanted to upgrade the system ... and keep my hardware what exactly do I need to buy from what you described? Can you make a general list of the hardware I'll need ?

My Pleasure.

What to buy? The answer is: It depends. It depends on what system you would choose to go with, they would all be configured a little differently.

The basic system would require:
A computer
A controller
A few relays
Maybe motors and drives
Maybe feedback devices (linear or rotary encoders)
The specifics would depend on what system you choose to go with, and do you keep your existing motors and drives.

My preferred system, and this is just a personal preference, is:
My software
Any Windows 7/10 computer
A Galil motion controller (40x0 series)
Use the existing motors and drives
Linear magnetic encoders (about $100/axis)
With the right deal on a Galil controller from an eBay vendor, this upgrade could be done for <$1000.

When my Anilam failed right in the middle of a job, I installed the above in about 12 hours and was making chips again. Didn't even take the setup off of the table.

I do see an upgrade in your future. Wait until you want to make a bit of a complex part and have a 1/2 million line G code program. At that point your Anilam controller will just choke.

As an example I made this part yesterday, about 6000 lines of G code total, in 2 setups. The size is about a 2'' x 2'' x 1''. Modern cutting strategies require lots of controller memory, something the old controllers do not have. As a workaround, it is possible to drip feed your Anilam if you can get that to work.

 

[sasanifab]

My Pleasure.

What to buy? The answer is: It depends. It depends on what system you would choose to go with, they would all be configured a little differently.

The basic system would require:
A computer
A controller
A few relays
Maybe motors and drives
Maybe feedback devices (linear or rotary encoders)
The specifics would depend on what system you choose to go with, and do you keep your existing motors and drives.

My preferred system, and this is just a personal preference, is:
My software
Any Windows 7/10 computer
A Galil motion controller (40x0 series)
Use the existing motors and drives
Linear magnetic encoders (about $100/axis)
With the right deal on a Galil controller from an eBay vendor, this upgrade could be done for <$1000.

When my Anilam failed right in the middle of a job, I installed the above in about 12 hours and was making chips again. Didn't even take the setup off of the table.

I do see an upgrade in your future. Wait until you want to make a bit of a complex part and have a 1/2 million line G code program. At that point your Anilam controller will just choke.

As an example I made this part yesterday, about 6000 lines of G code total, in 2 setups. The size is about a 2'' x 2'' x 1''. Modern cutting strategies require lots of controller memory, something the old controllers do not have. As a workaround, it is possible to drip feed your Anilam if you can get that to work.
View attachment 401373

Ok so , I have baldor dc motors ... the option you recommend , linear magnetic encoders... do those replace the anilam dros ?

My Pleasure.

What to buy? The answer is: It depends. It depends on what system you would choose to go with, they would all be configured a little differently.

The basic system would require:
A computer
A controller
A few relays
Maybe motors and drives
Maybe feedback devices (linear or rotary encoders)
The specifics would depend on what system you choose to go with, and do you keep your existing motors and drives.

My preferred system, and this is just a personal preference, is:
My software
Any Windows 7/10 computer
A Galil motion controller (40x0 series)
Use the existing motors and drives
Linear magnetic encoders (about $100/axis)
With the right deal on a Galil controller from an eBay vendor, this upgrade could be done for <$1000.

When my Anilam failed right in the middle of a job, I installed the above in about 12 hours and was making chips again. Didn't even take the setup off of the table.

I do see an upgrade in your future. Wait until you want to make a bit of a complex part and have a 1/2 million line G code program. At that point your Anilam controller will just choke.

As an example I made this part yesterday, about 6000 lines of G code total, in 2 setups. The size is about a 2'' x 2'' x 1''. Modern cutting strategies require lots of controller memory, something the old controllers do not have. As a workaround, it is possible to drip feed your Anilam if you can get that to work.
View attachment 401373

the linear encoders .... what do you recommend

 

[JimDawson]

Yes, the new magnetic read heads would replace your existing glass scales (if your machine is equipped with those) Anilam used 0.005 mm (5 micron) scales. That's the highest resolution the Anilam could read.

I have been using Ditron DMR500 0.001mm units (1 micron) with good result. I buy direct from Ditron in China.

Contact:
sales@dcoee.com
Read Head DMR500, 0.001mm (1 micron)
Magnetic Tape MS200 + Steel cover band, 10mm wide, 2 meter length

Here is my X axis mag reader, that read head is a Renishaw LM-10, but the Ditron units are identical. Been working fine for the last 7 years. I replaced the tape once, a couple of years ago after I spilled some acetone on it and the glue released, and cleaned the face a couple days ago when I started getting some squirrely readings.

 

[sasanifab]

Sorry I'm late to this thread. My first recommendation would be: Buy it, but you have already done that. I have the identical machine, except the 2 axis model (now 4 axis). The Anilam controller is a throw away, but if it works, keep running it until it fails. If it doesn't work, there are many upgrade options available.

The Servo Dynamics drives and Baldor motors are pretty much bulletproof. I'm still using mine. But because they are analog velocity drives, it does somewhat limit your options for upgrades. LinuxCNC, Dynomotion Kflop/Kanalog, and my software are good options. In all of those cases the software is free (or included), so you are only really paying for the controller hardware. Dynomotion is the only one that sells hardware, in the case of LinuxCNC or my system, the hardware is purchased from other vendors.

If you wanted to use Mach4, then a motor/drive upgrade might be in your future. It is possible to use your existing drives/motors with Mach4, but requires a Galil controller to do so, my software also requires a Galil controller. Galil controllers are available from Galil, or many used units are available from eBay vendors, you just have to wait for the right deal to come along.

If you choose to upgrade drives/motors then my recommendations would be:

Delta from Automation Direct https://www.automationdirect.com/selectors/sureservo2

LS Electric from Automation Direct https://www.automationdirect.com/selectors/ls-servo

DMM Technologies https://store.dmm-tech.com/

Any of these in a 750W size would work fine. Documentation, support, and setup software is really important when purchasing servo systems, all of the above get an ''A'' in all categories. I have used all of these in various projects and have few complaints about any of them.

You have a nice machine there, we'll need some pictures of it making chips.

Yes, the new magnetic read heads would replace your existing glass scales (if your machine is equipped with those) Anilam used 0.005 mm (5 micron) scales. That's the highest resolution the Anilam could read.

I have been using Ditron DMR500 0.001mm units (1 micron) with good result. I buy direct from Ditron in China.

Contact:
sales@dcoee.com
Read Head DMR500, 0.001mm (1 micron)
Magnetic Tape MS200 + Steel cover band, 10mm wide, 2 meter length

Here is my X axis mag reader, that read head is a Renishaw LM-10, but the Ditron units are identical. Been working fine for the last 7 years. I replaced the tape once, a couple of years ago after I spilled some acetone on it and the glue released, and cleaned the face a couple days ago when I started getting some squirrely readings.

View attachment 401403