Another Biesse Rover 322

Hey guys,

I recently got a Biesse Rover 322 with CNI RT480 Control, which I plan on converting to Mesa cards. I saw the machine milling at the previous owner, but the old CRT screen died (with sound and light effects!) a couple of days after I got it to my shop. So, the machine shall get its Linux treatment a bit earlier than anticipated.

Fortunately, it seems I have full documentation of electrics, spare parts and everything else.

I found and read the other threads about 322 retrofits but I thought another won't hurt.

I will post updates to this thread once I gathered all the I/Os needed and figured out which MESA cards to use.

I'm thankful for any info that other users have gathered while retrofitting these machines - glad if you could chime in.

Talk to you soon

Stefan

I am pretty sure which machine this is. I have done a few Biesse's. This one is pre 1995I believe so it should have relay modules and not rs485 relays modules. This is good because the individual outputs come from rt480 control. These you can connect directly to the 7i77/7i71 outputs. 
I used the same cables and make a connector that connects to mesa outputs. 

Mesa lineup should be something like: 7i92M-7i77/7i74 with a 7i70 and a 7i71. This should be enough i/o dep[ending on what you want to keep on the machine.
If not enough, just add 7i84's as needed.

To turrn on this machine it uses a start button and a green light. The machine wont turn on without it. This loop runs through all the safety switches etc.... I would keep this as it works nice. This is before Biesse started using safety switches. 

They used a few different drives for the dc servo's but I believe all used +-10v velocity. 

These are fun machines to do. I don't know if you have 2 spindles and however many drills on drill bank but this is done through remap of M6.
These machines were usaually 600 volt in. 

Encoders go directly into 7i77 encoder inputs after supplying them 5vdc.

They have three phase bridge rectifier that supplies 24vdc to the system for relays, inputs and it has a great set of contactors and breakers. I suggest leaving all this in tack. 

IF you have all the schematics, this is great. Biesse did great drawings and wire labels on these machines. I suggest studying the drawings to see where what is where. Everything should be labled. And if you feel enthusiastic, you can scan the schematics and I can help if you send me copy of the drawings....lol  I did the 322 with no schematics, much harder deal.

Sorry for the rant, I love doing Biesse machines....lol
 

Wow this is great - I really hoped you would give your two cents. Now it's a whole rant - even better!

Perfect, I will check if it really doesn't have the rs485 modules. That would be great, as I wouldn't have to tear apart the machine too much and the re-wiring concentrates on the rack. The machine is from 1995 though, maybe an early model.
Not sure if there are really no safety switches, I'll have to look into that. There are some yellow modules in the back of the rack which I suspected being safety stuff - afterall, the machine has pressure detecting floormats in front of it and a door switch for a cage. No light barriers though.

I had started and jogged the machine with the old RT480, already in my shop. It's connected to 3 phase 400 V.

I will post pictures of the machine, rack and documentation tomorrow. I also was impressed with the labeling of the wires. So far, all seemed to correspond with the schematics.

Yes, it has two spindles (identical, except the right one has a c-axis for rotating a horizontal saw blade tool holder), but only one VFD.
"However many drill banks" is exactly right, haha - would be fun if they could were usable, but I'm not convinced I'll actually use them.

Really so glad you immediately replied, gave me a great boost to keep working on the machine.

Bevins gives way more than 2 cents, wayyyyy more !

tommylight wrote:

Bevins gives way more than 2 cents, wayyyyy more !

I noticed image missing /media/kunena/emoticons/laughing.png Great stuff

On a sidenote: Which grease do you use in the central lubrication system? Biesse recommends Klueber PARALIQ GA 3400.

ehb wrote:

tommylight wrote:

Bevins gives way more than 2 cents, wayyyyy more !
I noticed image missing /media/kunena/emoticons/laughing.png

I have the mobil eq of what Biesse suggests at my shop. I'll get back to you with this.
If it is 1995 which I assume, then it probably has the relay modules. If it has the rs485 modules then you replace the ones in the machine with 7i84's. That takes up I/O that doesnt go back top the control cabinet.

Included with the safety stuff, re: rope, mats etc is a ton of breakers and thermo switches on the breakers and spindles, so you really should keep that loop. Easy to follow on the drawings.

The drill bank is easy. One motor turns all the drills, every other one turns in the opposite direction so you will need right hand and left hand drills. With that there is an air solenoid for each drill, which means you would need an output for each drill. I created a tool for each drill and a tool for group of drills and used the offsets off the first spindle. Each spindle has an air soleniod so when you go to use it you need to fire the one you want to use. You could remap M6 and depending on the tool# select the spindle or drills etc..... Getting way too excited...... Need to take a breath.

Back to the control, there is one wire in the connector that you add a ground to and it will enable your drives. and the analog +-10v signal, you just need to remove and connect it to the 7i77.

Here's another three cents worth.... lol

Bob