Do we have anyone who maintains CNC lathes on here ? I'm about to open one up and replace a computer component, and just wanted to ask a couple of questions ?

 

I don't work on those (but would like one )

What is the question anyway?

Is it a normal monitor? a multi line display?

Open it and find the panel manufacturer and replace? Or find spec's and get a compatible one? Watch out as on the larger ones there might be an inverter board in there. Might get a shock, never tried and don't fancy testing that theory!

 

Well I have a couple of choices - it's a FANUC with the Mitsubishi Magic Pro controller.

1) I need to fix the panel and was wondering if it was worth repairing or getting a new one.

2) I was wondering how simple it would be to swap out the complete computer controller unit and surrounding chassis, and replace it with a more modern one ? Seems fairly straightforward, looking at the connectors.

 

Doesn't it depend on costs of the replacement screen? How much are they anyway?

Not sure if you can change the chassis? Is it a normal PC? Software compatibility? Hardware compatibility?

The ones I have seen have embedded controllers, not easy to upgrade, depends who supports it...

 

The LCD started to dim one day, and by evening it was just about unreadable - I've read LCD's can be repaired from a situation like this. Replacement would have to be imported, costing time and money.

 

Ah, so it is most likely to be the backlight.

I'm assuming it is a CCFL type and not LED. It could be the inverter that has gone. This is normally a separate board and you might find a match via laptop spares?

If it is the tube, it depends then if it can be removed easily.

I have only changed inverters before, never the tube.

Good luck

 

yep, I diagnosed the same - the panel or the invertor. I've managed to track down a company that can send a different invertor that "does the same job".

1 invertor ordered, £45
1 panel ordered, £75

 

thanks for your help HHxx