I have 8 MR-J2S-40B drives. I'd like to convert them so I can use them with my Step/Direction controllers.

The first thought was I could swap an IC or two to convert to the 40A version:

Is this a matter of firmware changes? Swapping a CPLD? I am comfortable with component-level work. This is not an option, however, if it's hard to get the parts.

I could also talk to the controller directly:

1. Is there a hardware option by Mitsubishi or another manufacturer to convert Step/Direction to the SSCNET directly?

2. I have a big rack of Mitsubishi PLCs that originally controlled the drives, but I don't want to spend a lot of time learning how to program yet another PLC. Is it straightforward or not worth the hassle?

Your assistance is very much appreciated!

Aaron