Technical Support and Service - FAQ
What information should I have available when contacting ECM Service?
How can I find the model and serial number of my machine?
How can I tell what kind of Machine Control system I have?
What is this PMAC card I have heard about?
Where can I find more information about the PMAC card?
Why would I need to reset the PMAC card?
How do I tune the axes of my machine?
What information should I have available when contacting ECM Service?
In order to answer any questions you may have about your piece of equipment, certain pieces of information should be readily available to you when you contact ECM's service personnel.
At a minimum you should have the model number and serial number of the machine. Without this information, it is difficult to accurately answer your questions.
Additionally, it is helpful to know what kind of machine control system your machine uses, how many axes the machine has, and any unique features it may contain. Being able to supply this information along with a good description of the problem encountered will facilitate identifying a solution.
Back to TopHow can I find the model and serial number of my machine?
Through the years, ECM has used several different model and serial number formats. Sometimes, the serial number may be referred to as the job number. These can be found on the machine information plate that is mounted on the machine. This plate may be found on the main power disconnect, the control panel or headstock box. To open a view of sample information plates in a new window, click here.
In some cases, your machine information plate may contain 2 or 3 different numbers in the serial number field. This is an indication that the machine has received some type of retrofit or control system upgrade in the past. If this is the case, please provide all the numbers found. Serial numbers may be in any of the following formats:
- 10123
- EN010123
- 40123 or 50123 (represents a retrofit)
- 123 (represents a CMC built machine)
- ECM01023
Back to TopHow can I tell what kind of Machine Control system I have?
Historically, there have been 6 different control systems offered by ECM and it's precursors. They are (in order of antiquity):
- Wimacs
- HyperChain
- EasyWinder / Hypermax
- WiMaxII
- CMC1
- ECM1
All these systems (with the exception of EasyWinder) have a software based user interface. This software will determine which control system you have. You can check the specific software by either watching the software as it starts are looking at the Help/About menu selection on the menu bar.
Back to TopWhat is this PMAC card I have heard about?
The PMAC card is a microprocessor based motion control card supplied by Delta Tau Data Systems, Inc. This specialized piece of computer hardware forms the basis of the control systems provided by ECM.
The WimaXII and EasyWinder control systems currently supplied are specially designed by ECM to take advantage of the features of the PMAC card.
Back to TopWhere can I find more information about the PMAC card?
The best place to learn more about the PMAC card is to research the documentation from Delta Tau, which was supplied with your machine.
You may also obtain information by visiting Delta Tau Data Systems, Inc. Look for their download section, where you will find downloadable copies of their documentation.
Why would I need to reset the PMAC card?
Like any microprocessor based control system, the PMAC card can occasionally become corrupted. Simply powering off the system, then powering back on (like re-booting a personal computer) will usually correct the problem.
However, there are times when a simple re-boot will not correct the corruption. At this point, resetting the PMAC card through other means is needed. To learn about resetting the PMAC card, download this PMAC Reset Procedure.
Back to TopHow do I reset a PMAC Card?
There are 2 special procedures that can be performed to reset a locked up PMAC card. To learn how, simply follow this link to download a PMAC Reset Procedure.
Back to TopHow do I tune the axes of my machine?
Proper tuning of the servo controls for each axis will ensure smooth running and reduce problems with winding. An properly tuned axis is critical to maintaining accuracy when winding.
As the machine ages and things begin to wear, the tuning values created when the machine was new may not be sufficient any more. Replacement of servo components such as motors will also require retuning of the affected axis.
To learn how, simply follow this link to download an Axis Tuning Lesson.
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