I have recently purchased a used tormach PCNC1100 with serial number 1189, built 10-2007.  I have had no luck with getting the spindle to spin, though pathpilot appears to be functioning correctly and shows the motor spin up (i.e. 0, 250 rpm, 500 etc to RPMs selected)

The main control board and VFD APPEAR to have been recently replaced, along with all three stepper drivers and stepper motors.  The machine came with a box with all those old parts as spares.  All wiring connections to and from the VFD have been verified and appear correct.

It appears that upgrade kit 31999 was recently installed along with the VFD control board, stepper motors and drivers, all appear new and all old components were included with the mill.

https://tormach.com/series-3-motion-upgrade-kit-for-pcnc-1100.html

In addition:

  • Pathpilot was updated to the latest version.
  • Computer is connected via ethernet via the tormach adapter kit.
  • Pathpilot is fully able to control the X,Y,Z axes.
  • The spindle does not spin.
  • The machine has no control panel, with the remote upgrade e-stop and start switch.  This appears to be the tormach kit.
  • Operation of the spindle door lockout is functioning correctly.
  • Operation of contactor C2 has been verified after “FWD” is selected the contactor clicks and 246VAC is supplied to L16/L26
  • Motor resistance 400-401, 400-402 and 401-402 is 3.5 V
  • Resistance from ground to 400, 401, 402 is infinite.
  • Speed voltage (S1 to S2) seems correct as follows:
  • 1200 RPM 1.25 VDC
  • 2000 RPM 2.25 VDC
  • 4000 RPM 4.25 VDC
  • Direction is 0V in forward, 5V in reverse.

These seem to be issues.  Tormach recommended replacement of control board 31045

E1 has zero voltage in all cases and same for J1-4 and J1-5.

E2 has 1.5 Volts when enabled

Many Photos and vids here

Summary:

240V Power L16 L26 246 VAC Contactor clicks when “FWD” is selected at 1100 in high mode
Motor 400 401 3.4 Ohms
400 402 3.4 Ohms
401 402 3.4 Ohms
400-401-402 GND Infinite resistance on all three
At 1200 on high L16 L26 246 VAC
ON enable E2 S1 1.5V
S2 S1 1.25V 1200 RPM
2.26V 2400 RPM
4.25V 4000 RPM
E1 0V Always
DIR 0V FWD
5V REV

 

Here’s a troubleshooting video

 

Newer control board in machine, older, schematic and state of machine.

New board installed
Old board came with machine
VFD Schematic
Current state of machine
Power distribution for newer VFD