[bill4807]

That's precisely what I wanted to try and do, but the optic cable from the beta I/O link would have to plug into a spare optic port on my main servo/PSU drive which only has one optic port (being used by the 3 axes)

Would be nice if I could swap out the logic board for one that has it, but I'm sure there's no way that would work either.

An i/o link drive does not use FSSB/fiber optic.
It communicates using I/O link. So it would be hooked to your fanuc I/O string.
Of course custom logic would need to be written.
The easier way would be to use a tsudacoma package, and control it through m-codes for indexing or RS232 for table execution.

[MaxWeber]

An i/o link drive does not use FSSB/fiber optic.
It communicates using I/O link. So it would be hooked to your fanuc I/O string.
Of course custom logic would need to be written.
The easier way would be to use a tsudacoma package, and control it through m-codes for indexing or RS232 for table execution.

Interesting. Shows how little I know about this. I would definitely be interested in adding an I/O link drive. Hell, I'd even enjoy building my own rotary using a fanuc servo and off the shelf gearbox if that wasn't too crazy of an adventure. I've seen a few guys do that on YouTube with decent results. I think I'd just have to calibrate it to match the positioning after the gear reduction.

[bill4807]

Interesting. Shows how little I know about this. I would definitely be interested in adding an I/O link drive. Hell, I'd even enjoy building my own rotary using a fanuc servo and off the shelf gearbox if that wasn't too crazy of an adventure. I've seen a few guys do that on YouTube with decent results. I think I'd just have to calibrate it to match the positioning after the gear reduction.

Yeah that seems like an adventure.
But could be done cheaper than a rotary, tailstock, and base plate from a known supplier.
If you do that you should build some type of pneumatic table lock as well.

[MaxWeber]

Yeah that seems like an adventure.
But could be done cheaper than a rotary, tailstock, and base plate from a known supplier.
If you do that you should build some type of pneumatic table lock as well.

If you have any more information about hooking up an I/O link I'd like to know more about doing it. Are there any resources for this kind of stuff? I guess just the manuals for the drive I suppose.

[zavateandu]

there is also an option to hook up the beta I/O LINK,need to check that first,if you have it activated .i am just saying...

[MaxWeber]

there is also an option to hook up the beta I/O LINK,need to check that first,if you have it activated .i am just saying...

Do you have any experience with beta I/O links? I would love to keep it simple with that if possible. So I just get the drive and connect it to the I/O on the control and im good to go? Match it with an appropriately sized beta servo? Sounds great. I guess the devil is in the details because the Galil controller seems to be well supported with software and PC interfacing, automatic tuning etc. What am I going to run into if I end up going with the all-Fanuc setup?

[bill4807]

Do you have any experience with beta I/O links? I would love to keep it simple with that if possible. So I just get the drive and connect it to the I/O on the control and im good to go? Match it with an appropriately sized beta servo? Sounds great. I guess the devil is in the details because the Galil controller seems to be well supported with software and PC interfacing, automatic tuning etc. What am I going to run into if I end up going with the all-Fanuc setup?

I do not know about galil.
But i was just making suggestions on how you could get a 4th axis. If you are looking for a DIY or do not have extensive fanuc knowledge and plc advanced programming skills i would not tackle the beta drive option. This an integrator could guide you through. Because you may buy all hardward and be at a standstill.

The tsudacoma TPC jr. Controller i would suspect could be an option, not knowing your price range.