Coming from the Onefinity (1F) world which I once thought was an open-source technology. My experiences are similar to some folks here: what I needed wasn’t in their business model. Now (4 years later) I can’t take advantage of technology improvements because I strayed from that model. Recently I explored their Redline Controller, because it’s supposed to be better than BuildBotics yet less of a learning curve than Masso. Importantly, that purchase also adds Closed Loop Stepper motors. However the company line is that their controller only runs their VFD and their spindle (so they suggested I replace mine with one that lacks elements I need).
I last looked at the PwnCNC forum a year ago. I’m checking back to find out whether this is a better fit for me because 1F is evolving into a ‘closed ecosystem’.
Current equipment:
Onefinity Journeyman X-50 with BuildBotics controller. Just got its last (ever) firmware upgrade. (No Tech Support with a recent problem…controller wouldn’t stop spindle despite G-code line for it)
Mechatron spindle. Water-cooled, and with a port for purge air (keeps brass dust out of my bearings). Hitachi VFD
Current work: CNC is an adjunct to traditional woodworking. Making clock faces (brass) and substrate for veneered clock moldings. I’ve also embellished a few pieces with 3d bas reliefs and made matching pieces in larger assemblies. Not one single cutting board or sign.
I’m looking for:
- Better controller. [Edited from an earlier post]. It appears the PwnCNC Conversion Kit (Core vs Advanced) does everything the Redline Controller upgrade does. Daniel’s video appears to clearly say that (unlike the competition) PwnCNC doesn’t resent attaching to other makers’ machines.
- Upgrade the motors. Again, that seems to be what the Conversion Kit is specifically intended to do.
That was an awesome video. It left me with just a few questions:
Is there any reason to think that I can’t get this kit to integrate with my current spindle (Mechatron) and VFD (Hitachi)?
Has anybody who used the Conversion Kit for a Onefinity machine encountered a challenge I should know about?
The Core version costs $800 less than the Advanced. Setting aside inflation, what would it cost to later add the features that aren’t in the Core?
Knowing onefinity, they want you to run their equipment, with the accessories they provide… that being said, i highly doubt masso compares to redline.
Having spoken to Masso several times, they were very helpful when it came to their equipment. Onefinity refused to answer questions about their equipment if it wasn’t in their pervue.
On that note, i doubt you’ll find any help with your Hitachi vfd here, however i did find this.
I found this on massos site Hitachi VFD.
Daniel’s converted a few onefinitys with his conversion kit. I’m sure your experience will be pretty seamless.
I know there’s a difference between the core and advanced but i don’t know how much that’ll cost. From pwn, there’s hardware changes too, like there are no quick connectors on the core masso setup, but the advanced comes with quick connectors I believe spindle control is on advanced, but don’t quote me on that.
I did find this
If you found this information helpful, use my promo code to save a few bucks (chriss)… if you decide to do a pwn conversation
I wonder if PWNcnc will confirm if the new redline controller will work with their spindle. I’m currently still on the bb controller, and I just bought a PWN spindle about 2 weeks ago. I would really love to update to the Masso but too expensive, so the redline would be the way to go for me right now. Onefinity refuses to give a clear answer on whether or not their controller will work with any other spindle. When purchasing a spindle on PWN’s site, Redline configuration is also an option. I’m just not sure if Onefinity has completely removed any compatibility with their latest redline firmware.
I think you’ll find the situation is a blessing in disguise. Masso is an excellent controller. I doubt you will have any trouble with the learning curve if you have been running a machine for 4 years.
Chris, I looked at the entry page described in the link. The link appears to help a new owner make the connections, but (it seems) one does have to be an owner before they can make or use an account. While I’m certainly considering the Masso as part of PwnCNC’s Conversion Kit, my version of “due diligence” is to read enough about the process to be confident that I can make it work. As an example of my method (obsession?) I read Masso’s instructions for attaching to the Hitachi NE-S1. But I have an S1. The instructions speak of connections such as “O/OI”, “A1” and “P24”. Those don’t exist on my VFD. But there are terminals labeled 24+ and COM. Other users understand the terms and abbreviations. Google AI tells me of terminals with identical purposes but different labels. I could try that but would prefer to read a manual that tells me which terminals to connect before I commit.
I’m not following you referencing needing to be a subscriber to use an account.
I understand your need for information. Its more likely than not, not a matter of if it’ll connect and work, but how. Both on the wiring and vfd configuration.
Masso utilizes a 10v pwm signal for spindle control. I haven’t heard of a vfd that isn’t capable of this method.
I might have mis-read the site, but when it asked for my username and password, I didn’t see an option to ‘register’ or ‘sign up’. Since it referred to, “customer” I just assumed that was the missing piece.
The Masso guidance, when connecting to Hitachi, uses terminal labels that are on the NE-S1. Mine is the Hitachi S-1 (where most labels are different). Cross-referencing a bunch of replies on various forums, I think I understand a couple things and am confused on two others.
I think I understand the parts in regular font (please correct me if wrong)! I’m confused on the parts in italics.
Masso Terminal 1 connects to Hitachi AI2. This sends 0-10v into the VFD to specify speed. A parameter instruction in the VFD is required.
Masso Terminals 2, 3 are not used. 6 and 4 are linked.
Masso Terminal 4 (aka 6) receives 24v power from the VFD. The proper terminal in the VFD is either the one labeled +24V or the one called COM (different answers at two sites).
Masso Terminal 5 connects to Hitachi S1. This tells the spindle to run forward. Parameter settings required.
Masso Terminal 7 connects to Hitachi S2. This tells the spindle to run backwards. Parameter settings required.
Hitachi terminals PLC and P24 should be bridged.
Masso says to connect the negative Power Connector terminal to “L”. We already learned that “L” on the Hitachi NE-S1 is the equivalent of either +24V or COM on the Hitachi S-1. Is this just another reference to the fact that Masso power comes from the VFD? Or does it mean that a second wire from Hitachi’s 24V power goes to the “-” terminal on the Masso? (and is that Hitachi the “+24” or the “COM”? Are they actually duplicates?
The sign up/login is probably for their forum… which you should be able to sign up as easily as signing up here.
The masso side connectors sound correct as I’m pretty sure all vfds wire on the masso side the same, however i can’t confirm or deny correct wiring on the vfd side for you