Denford Software & Machines

Ok guys/gals

Just got a secondhand microrouter v4, No software only the machine and the power/data cables
1st question is whats the best software to use with this machine? must add, new to all this, nearest thing I have done to this is 3D printing
2nd 2004 model, is there anything I should do/check out before using?
No dout there will be more questions later, just want to get it up and running/axis moving

Ian

Ok 1st thing open up the side of the cab, take some pics of the control board included the sticky labels on the top of the chips. We need to know that so we know what control it has onboard (many have been upgraded from what the plate says on the side).

If you just want to get it up and running you need to buy the denford software (VR Milling), doing that will mean you can then control it as it stands (move it about and a bit more... later on that)
As you do 3d printing you should be used to CAD design software and then taking the stl file and putting it into something like CURA to 'slice it' well thats actually post processing, which means to take the drawing, the spec of the machine, cutters and material and generate the machine paths in G code. This is the file you would load into VR milling.

Now if you use something like fusion 360 for your designing and you are doing full 3d drawings you will find there is a denford post processor available so you can post process with in Fusion (you will need to set up all your feeds and speeds etc)

If you don't design in Fusion but some other software that doesn't have a built in post processor and your are doing full 3D profiles you will need to buy denfords quickcam to do this.

What do i mean by a full 3D profile, say half a bottle on it's side and you want to machine it out. That is 3D.
Now if you are doing 2.5D which is a 2D drawing so line paths eg engraving, but you may have one line that is at one depth and another at a different depth its not '2D' because you have depth, but its not a constant varying height on a path which is 3D, it's in between hence the term 2.5D. if you are doing that you can export DXF files out of your CAD software and import them directly into VR milling v5 and select the paths, cutter, depths inside out side line clearance cuts etc.

So that is using the denford software, it cost money, BUT it works (I have been using for about 20yrs within education and personally as I bought my own machine too).

The other option some go down the route of is to gut the machine of the control and buy into Mach3 and then work out how to get it all going. Probably works out the same cost BUT hours of time setting it up and it may offer more user control in the long run. I'm no expert but I have helped countless kids through exam work with them and have one myself.

Without VR milling you can't do anything with the machine as it stands. If you get the software there is a very good instruction manual within the help section. You may be able to Dload the current version from the main Denford site and access the help without having a licence but i am not sure on that as I do have a licence i've not tried.

You will need a lead, depending on the control board you may have to use RS232 get the lead from denford to save heart ache on different wiring standards (does it have a 25pin D type on the case) If it has the 25pin Dtype on the case you may be lucky and it has had an upgrade, if so the control board may actually have a USB port on it so you would just need to sort out a USB direct from your PC to that. If not and you don't have RS232 on your PC or lap top you will need a USB to RS232 converter. However if it is a PC in a case flip the lid off, look up the mother board and you will find there is actually RS232 on most mother boards still they just don't put the connector on the case anymore, you have to buy it separately. I would recommend using a PCs onboard RS232 over a USB to RS232 as there have been many people who have struggled to get them running right.

Drop me a message if you need anything else.

Pete

Hi Pete
Thanks for the reply. Attached are some photos.
I would like to keep the original electronics but unable to purchases a licence as Denford is shut until further notice due to covid19.
It would be nice to see if everything works as it should before getting a licence as it would be an expensive job is any off the electronics needed replacing.
I have Fusion360 (must get to grips with it) started out on DesignSpark Mechanical and yes I know it was a bad mistake but we live and learn.
I have hooked the machine upto my laptop via a serial to usb converter but laptop don't seem to see it, even when running easy upgrader.
Could do to know if everything works as it should before buying a licence. Going to dig out an old laptop this evening with a serial port (if I still have one) and see if it connects


Ian

ok you have a next step RS232 card so you will need to ensure your PC has an RS232 port, it doesn't need to be anything high spec unless you are doing the CAD on it. I tend to do the CAD in the house and take the file to the garage but inevitably found i have had to modify things so upped the spec, Its just an old Dell dual core. You would be able to run VR5 to control the machine.

Providing the electronics are all OK the only thing they normally need is a good clean out, easier to point and say whats needed than to type.
If it has the portacable router motor, it's worth popping it out of the mount and checking the brushes aren't worn. I would replace if getting down to about 5mm, does it have the vacuum bed?

Where are you? if not a million miles away I could pop with my pc and run it up. Drop me a private message.

Pete

Hi Pete
Just trying to put a old pc together but just my look I cannot find then manual for the power/reset etc etc to finish it off.
Does need a good clean, sounds like the bearings are dry when turning by hand.
Not sure on the spindle motor.
No suction bed but the pump is still there
Near Wakefield

Ian

Hi Pete
Sent a message this morning via laptop by phone says there were non sent, can you check and see if you have received one

Not sure if it’s a newer motor or not but this is the motor on it

that looks to be the later of the 2 types fitted, the aluminium base holding it is just a clamp with an allen key, loosen it off and you can lift the motor out (unplug) use a coin or large screw driver to undo the 2 plastic covers (slowly) the brushes are in there, bit of a fiddle but they just pull out, you can check the length then for wear. Should look like this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Porter-Cable ... 3331950151
so you get an idea of how much use they have had.

Pete

Thanks Pete
Already removed from the machine, Will check them when I get home

Don’t look bad

Hi Pete
Have sent you some PM's
Unsure is your not receiving them or your just too busy?

Ian

Anyone know if the z axis motor as been modified?
Don’t show the extra part on top in the manual

thats a brake, rather than relying on the stepper to hold the height, not fitted to all machines.

Pete.

Thanks Pete
Makes sense why I can't turn the motor by hand

Cannot thank Pete enough for all his help today.
Your a true star

I learnt about the brake so win on both sides.

Here is the speeds n feeds denford document

Thanks Pete

Been looking for a vacuum bed but the Trend one used are no longer made so Im looking for a suitable alternative with out busting the bank, came across this

https://www.vacuumtables.co.uk/st-serie ... -vt5030-st

Theres 2 pipes going to it (not sure why) would it be suitable ?