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Thread: Precix HELP!

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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Posts
    13

    Precix HELP!

    I have a used Precix 10500 table with Perske 5.5 spindle and
    have finally hooked it up.
    The X axis is punky, I read here the belts might need adjustment after
    sitting so long,it moves but not consistantly then stops.
    Also when I start the computer(QNX system) it hangs on an F1 error then boots and asks for date & time. when I try to enter a date & time that window disappears and goes into the software?
    When I check for errors it say I think "Travitity error?" also date shows
    as 1997, I was emailed a servo & stepper PDF manual for the
    machine, I have the servo version, I think a 2001 model?
    Is there anyone with video for setup basics or any PDF files
    beyond the basic servo manual anyone could send me?
    I am very close to using this machine but I have no one to show
    me the basics and how it translates from what I am used to on
    my AYXZ router.
    I still haven't cut a part with it and I'm anxious to get it up and
    going, anyone please help in anyway you can.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Posts
    7
    What exactly are you looking for
    i might be able to help or know some one who does

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Posts
    13
    I've addressed the Date error in CMOS...must be a dieing MoBo battery.
    The improper date & time make the software unusable, this is fixed
    I also had an x axis that would not power, i pulled the the power strip out
    and plugged the 110 direct to outlets...this worked and I thought it fixed
    the x axis but now it is back to no response.
    Haven't pulle the card yet but all the connections seem tight , maybe a
    loose card or maybe bad?
    Also I would like to install a network card as all it has is a 3.5 floppy.
    Precix states in the manual that the network card is proprietary?
    Is that true? or can I use any network card?

    Thanks for your reply Junkdog!

    Keane

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    107
    Did you check the drive belts that are under the cover on the right side gantry . It's the cover with the round cylinder sticking out of it. I have a 2003 model 9100 (4x8) Precix with QNX. Those belts break easily. I replaced mine with urethane belts to reduce the problem. I have a spare new motherboard from Precix (Made in 2003 but not used) that I can sell you if you need it. If your controller box is the same as mine, I have new control board and new daughter board available, Also unused 5.5 hp Perske from 2003. Removed Perske when machine was new and replaced it with 8 HP Fimic spindle. I'm in the middle of modifying the Precix by raising the gantry adding a vacuum pod aluminum table and removing the Y axis belt and replacing it with a ball screw. Post pictures of machine, all sides of control box and inside of control box. I may still have the book on mine.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Posts
    7

    network card

    if you can find the version of the cotroller system
    check the about box i can confirn the network card but
    the one i use and have conversation with the guy who built the controller
    is that they us a card that uses a realtek with a 8029 chipset
    he also says that a 8139 will work as well

    the 8029 has a single bnc connector as well
    the 8031 has only cat port

    if you want pictures i can do that

    your best bet is e bay unless you have a computer guy somewhwere in your area tha has a lot of old stuff

    ps what is your motherboard and processor
    and do have 2 controll cards in the computer


    if yes depending on the card those controll cards are made in victoria bc
    custom order no less and i think they run about 1200 can
    but i think they have trade in deal i will have to talk to my tech friend

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Posts
    13

    Yep the belts are good!

    Thanks for the reply nwrepair1!
    The belts are good, the x axis won't home I took a power strip
    off the 110 connects and it homed and then I was able to
    run programs (after I changed the cmos date) the software
    didn't run correctly until the date was changed current as I
    think the mobo batery is dead.
    Thought the X was fixed but the last time I powered up... the
    same X axis problem, THE X CAN BE PUSHED WITH POWER ON!
    it trys to home but sputters like power loss??
    I am interested in picks of your mods and I will post picks of
    my machine when I can get back to it.
    I am also interested in the cost of your parts if the do in fact match.
    I think my machine is 1999 or 2000?
    I do think I have and extra controller card and a couple cards I'm not sure
    of....I post picks of those as well.
    Did you change to a Windows controller?
    Quote Originally Posted by nwrepair1 View Post
    Did you check the drive belts that are under the cover on the right side gantry . It's the cover with the round cylinder sticking out of it. I have a 2003 model 9100 (4x8) Precix with QNX. Those belts break easily. I replaced mine with urethane belts to reduce the problem. I have a spare new motherboard from Precix (Made in 2003 but not used) that I can sell you if you need it. If your controller box is the same as mine, I have new control board and new daughter board available, Also unused 5.5 hp Perske from 2003. Removed Perske when machine was new and replaced it with 8 HP Fimic spindle. I'm in the middle of modifying the Precix by raising the gantry adding a vacuum pod aluminum table and removing the Y axis belt and replacing it with a ball screw. Post pictures of machine, all sides of control box and inside of control box. I may still have the book on mine.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Posts
    13

    Thanks again Junk Dog!

    Can't find a 8029 but I have found several 8139 for cheap!
    Is there any trick to installing on QNX or is it plug and pray?
    I'll have to check the machine again on the controller and boards,
    I'll pop the cap in a couple of days (the machine is 30 miles away)
    Thanks Junk Dog!

    Keane

    Quote Originally Posted by junkdog View Post
    if you can find the version of the cotroller system
    check the about box i can confirn the network card but
    the one i use and have conversation with the guy who built the controller
    is that they us a card that uses a realtek with a 8029 chipset
    he also says that a 8139 will work as well

    the 8029 has a single bnc connector as well
    the 8031 has only cat port

    if you want pictures i can do that

    your best bet is e bay unless you have a computer guy somewhwere in your area tha has a lot of old stuff

    ps what is your motherboard and processor
    and do have 2 controll cards in the computer


    if yes depending on the card those controll cards are made in victoria bc
    custom order no less and i think they run about 1200 can
    but i think they have trade in deal i will have to talk to my tech friend

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Posts
    7

    network card

    my tech guy said that 8029 chipset is the way to go it should just autodetect it from the network panel

    but the 8139 will need to have drivers installed and some file edits to work
    if you cant find a 8029 chipset and have to go with 8139 let me know and he said he would write out a method to do this (this could some time he is pretty busy)he said he should also have those drivers

    look high and low for 8029

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    107
    I think I'll stay out of this for awhile. Junkdog seems to have an inside track on a Precix tech. (By the way, if it's Dave from Precix,tell him thanks for not coming to see the modified vacuum table last year I did here in California. Anyway, I'm traveling to two sections of the East Coast to look at 2 Flexicam machines I may buy and repair. Will check your progress on Friday. PS: open controller box and swap out X axis drive with another drive in controller box. If nothing changes, put it back to original position. Go to motor wiring in back of controller, swap X with Y and start her up. Keep your hand on stop button in case you need to shut down. Start homing. If the Y axis is now a problem, the motor may be bad. Definitely change the three capacitors in the control box (big blue things). they are to old to smooth out the electric after 9 years, will cause you all kinds of drive motion problems. I'm installing a Cleveland Motion Control AMC controller that is $3500 (my dealer cost). It is a self contained true 3D interpolated controller with full function remote keypad (another $1,500).

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Posts
    7
    Quote Originally Posted by nwrepair1 View Post
    I think I'll stay out of this for awhile. Junkdog seems to have an inside track on a Precix tech. (By the way, if it's Dave from Precix,tell him thanks for not coming to see the modified vacuum table last year I did here in California.
    it is Dave the precix office is about 10 min from my house and i talk with dave somewhat regularly as i have one of there machines that was one of two built as prototypes

    there is another guy Russ from one off who has a site http://wefixprecix.com
    he used to run there production he knows those machines pretty good as well

    i hope you can find a nic card

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Posts
    13

    Capacitors

    Are the capacitors easily had or are they Precix parts?
    Have fun out east & if you come through Grand Rapids
    Michigan I'll buy the drinks!
    I would like to see pics of your modified Precix too!

    Quote Originally Posted by nwrepair1 View Post
    I think I'll stay out of this for awhile. Junkdog seems to have an inside track on a Precix tech. (By the way, if it's Dave from Precix,tell him thanks for not coming to see the modified vacuum table last year I did here in California. Anyway, I'm traveling to two sections of the East Coast to look at 2 Flexicam machines I may buy and repair. Will check your progress on Friday. PS: open controller box and swap out X axis drive with another drive in controller box. If nothing changes, put it back to original position. Go to motor wiring in back of controller, swap X with Y and start her up. Keep your hand on stop button in case you need to shut down. Start homing. If the Y axis is now a problem, the motor may be bad. Definitely change the three capacitors in the control box (big blue things). they are to old to smooth out the electric after 9 years, will cause you all kinds of drive motion problems. I'm installing a Cleveland Motion Control AMC controller that is $3500 (my dealer cost). It is a self contained true 3D interpolated controller with full function remote keypad (another $1,500).

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Posts
    13

    The quest for the 8029

    I'll put my best geek on it!
    I'd rather not screw drivers in QNX...
    but don't be surprised if I bug ya back
    about the 8139 procedure.
    Thanks again Junk Dog!

    Quote Originally Posted by junkdog View Post
    it is Dave the precix office is about 10 min from my house and i talk with dave somewhat regularly as i have one of there machines that was one of two built as prototypes

    there is another guy Russ from one off who has a site http://wefixprecix.com
    he used to run there production he knows those machines pretty good as well

    i hope you can find a nic card

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    107
    Dave installed my machine in California. No pictures of vacuum top till I get back. I made it on the machine. It's 1" thick K100s cast aluminum ($2,000). Similar to Nemi vacuum table. I originally used 1" richlite phenolic but the reference table and my Becker vacuum pulled air through the slotted gasket areas. Seems to me that my controller box has a network card with BNC. Might be that card you are looking for (8029). I'll sell it to you if you want. I'm going to strip all the electronics except the motors from that Precix. My spare motherboard has a new CPU in it. Capacitors can be bought from Mouser or Digi-Key cheaper than Precix. No more info until I get back Friday. Again: Junkdog! Say hello to Dave for me. (Steve from Northwest Repair)

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Posts
    13

    mtrobregado needs a controller board?

    Hope I'm not cutting my own throat??
    This guy in in Asia needs controller parts... on the forum under
    mtrobregado
    See ya when you get back!

    Thanks again Steve!

    Keane

    Quote Originally Posted by nwrepair1 View Post
    Dave installed my machine in California. No pictures of vacuum top till I get back. I made it on the machine. It's 1" thick K100s cast aluminum ($2,000). Similar to Nemi vacuum table. I originally used 1" richlite phenolic but the reference table and my Becker vacuum pulled air through the slotted gasket areas. Seems to me that my controller box has a network card with BNC. Might be that card you are looking for (8029). I'll sell it to you if you want. I'm going to strip all the electronics except the motors from that Precix. My spare motherboard has a new CPU in it. Capacitors can be bought from Mouser or Digi-Key cheaper than Precix. No more info until I get back Friday. Again: Junkdog! Say hello to Dave for me. (Steve from Northwest Repair)

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Posts
    13
    Oh yeah!
    how much for the network card?
    Keane

    Quote Originally Posted by Underground NC View Post
    Hope I'm not cutting my own throat??
    This guy in in Asia needs controller parts... on the forum under
    mtrobregado
    See ya when you get back!

    Thanks again Steve!

    Keane

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    107
    Why are you in the Canadian club section? You should move this post to the US section. You will get more attention to your problems and you are going to have them with that Precix. Our machines are belt driven and people in the US are always interested in an all belt driven CNC. Hope a moderator reads this and moves your post.

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Posts
    13

    Post is fine?... isn't it?

    Where do you suggest I go!
    Seems I originally posted elsewhere but the Canadians
    where responsive so somehow I ended up here?
    So how's about the prices on your old boards & such?
    Especially the 8029 card?
    Thanks Steve!

    Keane

    Quote Originally Posted by nwrepair1 View Post
    Why are you in the Canadian club section? You should move this post to the US section. You will get more attention to your problems and you are going to have them with that Precix. Our machines are belt driven and people in the US are always interested in an all belt driven CNC. Hope a moderator reads this and moves your post.

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Posts
    107
    I will go to the shop today. If it is what you want-$25 plus postage.

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Posts
    13

    How to pay?

    If it's the 8029 than just tell me how to pay you!
    I want the Network card.
    Keane
    Quote Originally Posted by nwrepair1 View Post
    I will go to the shop today. If it is what you want-$25 plus postage.

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Posts
    5
    I am that asian guy Underground NC was mentioning. I am the tech guy for a friend who owns this old precix machine bought 1995. In fact he is Filipino born but now a canadian citizen and a good friend of the owner of Precix. He has a sign making shop based in the Philippines. Precix has a SMC-10 Controller board for Precix 9000 but its priced at $1750.
    The owner wants to go with a cheaper option. Maybe someone in this forums has one, even if its used its okay as long as its working. My friend might be interested in buying it

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