I used an Automation Direct GS2 VFD. They offer up to 3hp with single phase input. LinuxCNC has a component to control the VFD via modbus. Add an encoder and a breaking resistor and you have rigid tapping.
I had planned on having rigid tapping. How would I go about hooking that up, just take one of the serial lines form the mesa card and wire it to the input of the VFD? I like the sounds of that other using the traditional analog method. I would think I could maybe get a little better control and feedback. I am guessing that you have had good luck with Automation Direct GS2 VFD?
I am also looking for what encoder to use for the spindle, so advice would also be very helpful.
It _might_ be possible to do this without a large investment of time, _if_ the serial communication
protocol is standard or at least documented. Do you have documentation of the protocol?
Like most things there is a short and a long answer. The short is no not really. There is some information about the protocol call in the service manual but nothing that useful. The EAF board is what the home switches are connected to so I am thinking that I will just replace it outright with other board(s). After some reading the only thing I could gain from it would be using the relays for coolant and mist. Not a real big gain. The SFP is where I would spend my time. It is not required to get the machine running and making chips also so no time constraint like EAF board. I am certain with time and a logic analyser and maybe a universal programmer I could figure it.
Where do you recommend starting for the PC side of things?
