[DEAN]

So whats the maximum memory you can squeeze into the earlier model units???

[cadman]

I believe 16mb is the max with version -5.

[nervis1]

-4 and below is 422k. As stated above, 16mb with the -5 systems.

[surface]

Unless the machine is being used for a specific job which requires more memory than than you have. A better investment is some good DNC software.

[DEAN]

What does it cost to outfit a FADAL control with 16 megs?

[cadman]

If I remember correctly, 4 megs cost me $2000.

[nervis1]

16 megs is a little over $4000.00 last time I looked. I got 4 megs for 2k. Doesnt that just make you nauseated.

I (like a million other people) have USB key fobs with 256 megs, that cost 30 bucks. Ugh.

[cadman]

You'll have to look under the seat cushions for a few more dollars; Fadal has 16 megs listed at $4.326.00.
Yes, that is sick.

[DEAN]

Yikes! That is pretty expensive for memory. I'm not a electronic geek, but you'd think that someone could make memory boards that are compatible. Whats so special about it? Is FADAL actually the only one that makes them?

How does one identify whether a control is -4 or -5? Is this reference to a firmware version or a complete board difference?
Can both of these versions be found in both the 88 and 88HS?

I suppose what I am looking for, if someone would be so kind is a little education on the evolution of the FADAL control. What the ideal (and practical) setup would be?

Thanks for the education guys.

JD

[cadman]

-1 through -5 are the different versions of CPU boards. 1400-5 is the -5 board and it is silk screened on the board. If you have a CNC88 controller you do not have -5. I'm not sure when -5 came with the CNC88HS but if you have this controller just look at the CPU board and you'll know.

If you have the CNC88 contoller the best thing you can do is get the -5 upgrade. It replaces the CPU, video, keyboard & sys101 module boards, eproms for the XYZ axis and axis controllers for each axis. A Fadal tech told me it now includes the motherboard. When I had the upgrade done it was $2500 and I also got 4 megs of expanded memory for another 2k.

As far as memory goes, I have a lot of large 3 axis programs and 4 megs is enough for almost all of them. When programs get larger or I don't have time to wait for 3-4 meg uploads to the controller I run in DNC mode.

If you don't have large programs then 128 or 384 megs of memory will be sufficient and cheaper.

[DEAN]

Thanks for all the info guys.

So, the preferred setup would be a 88HS/-5 ?
Is the manual for the control available somewhere in a .PDF?
Memory is bought direct from FADAL?
How about all the other electronics, like driver boards and all the other boards in the cabinet? Wheres the best place to buy replacement parts?

What is so special about the memory that CNC controllers use? I could see that the board layout and pins might be different, but they (FADAL,HAAS,FANUC) use proprietary chips as well??

This might be a ridiculous question, but do all FADALs leak coolant all over the place?? It seems that the several times I have seen them there are those absorbant rolls surrounding them. This of course went along with kitty litter and berms of swept chips, so it could be just really crappy care from the owners!

Thanks,
JD
So.Cal.

[DareBee]

Manual are at Fadal.com
There is NO reason for the custom memory cards except to FORCE us to buy OEM overpriced parts (BTW most newer CNC are using standard PC memory).
My 1994 leaked around the front panel (under the doors) but I took it apart, cleaned and sealed it with high grade RTV. Sometimes you can seal this with a surface bead but usually it looks ugly and only works temporarily.
If you are missing a lot of the boards (or blow up your control) I would replace the WHOLE control with a new retrofit, this would be worth it if you are already in for tens of thousands. Posts referring to this are here in this Fadal forum.

[cadman]

All of the boards, chips, etc... are proprietary and you have to buy from Fadal. There is a place that sells some Fadal parts (cncpros.net) but there aren't the great price breaks that you would expect. As far as OEM prices, ALL machines are the same. Most everything on most all machines are proprietary and expensive and some are more so. I used to have a couple of Makinos in the shop and a new spindle 10 years ago cost 10k. Replacing the different Fanuc boards would have bought a new car back then too. Expensive, yes.

Upgrading the controller to a -5 would be the best thing. As far as memory, I wouldn't get more than 4 megs. Just dedicate a cheap pc to DNC when you need to.

I have leaks too. I resealed the enclosures with a polyurethane sealer.

There is an article in this months Cutting Too Engineering about controllers. Their website is www.ctemag.com and the article might be online if you don't get the magazine.

Good luck.

[cadman]

By the way, to see how much Fadal parts are go to www.fadaldirect.com and open an account (free). Prices for all parts are listed there.

[thdog1]

can u run a 4meg expanded memory on a 1400-4 cpu board? i tried it and the screen goes all green when you power up.we have a 1995 machine with the cnc88 control.the machine had the 422k memory trying to upgrade to the 4 meg having probs

[carbidecraters]

No you cant run that board with a -4 system. The 422K is the largest ram expansion you can use. ITS A HUGE STEP OVER THE 36K