CNC Lathe driver board

[Criz]

I have a microkinetics cnc lathe. One of these: http://www.microkinetics.com/lathe1236/

I went to use it today, and it's broken.  There's no point asking microkinetics for help as they have never replied to any message I've sent them ever. The 'tech support email' on the machine bounces, and the web form on their website never gets a reply. So, er, help me madmodder's you're my only hope.

It has a controller box. (http://www.microkinetics.com/Drakspec.htm) When I take the lid off inside there are 2 power supplies, 2 identical step / direction stepper driver boards, and a 'motion controller' which I assume generates the steps.

The Z axis stepper driver board has an LED lit next to 'fault'. The Z axis stepper motor makes sort of stepping noises (clunk clunk clunk), but no movement happens. When I try to turn the lead screw by hand I can do, so it's not locking up as it should.

I checked the voltages to the Z axis board, and they are correct. As X & Z boards are identical I swapped all the connections over between the boards reasoning that if there was a fault in the stepper motor or the wiring the fault would 'move' to the X board. It didn't, fault remains lit on the Z axis board.

Er, that is the limit of my diagnosis ability, "something is wrong with the Z axis board".

Before I  can anyone suggest what I should do next?

The boards is: http://www.microkinetics.com/motor_drivers/dr8010.htm

No doubt if I contact them and ask to buy one that message will be received. As I don't like giving money to people who won't support their products, can anyone suggest a (hopefully UK) source for a compatible replacement board? Or suggest a nice man who can test / fix my current board?

All suggestions gratefully received.

[John Stevenson]

Might help if you said where you are

[John Rudd]

I have a microkinetics cnc lathe. One of these: http://www.microkinetics.com/lathe1236/

I went to use it today, and it's broken.  There's no point asking microkinetics for help as they have never replied to any message I've sent them ever. The 'tech support email' on the machine bounces, and the web form on their website never gets a reply. So, er, help me madmodder's you're my only hope.


The boards is: http://www.microkinetics.com/motor_drivers/dr8010.htm

 suggest a nice man who can test / fix my current board?

 So, er, help me madmodder's you're my only hope.
[/quote]

Sounds like a plea from Princess Leah...Help me Obewan...

You're in the UK that helps...

Looking at the board from the link you posted it looks like it uses  'off the shelf parts'

I could take a look at it if you want me to with a view to repair.....

I'm on hard times and could do with a break from machining...

Electronics is my second other hobby...

I cannot perform mircacles ( otherwise I'd be a millionaire..)

So over to you.....

[Criz]

Prolly would help to say where I am. Sorry, rubbish at communication. I'm in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, UK.

John Rudd, I'll send you a PM in a min if you don't mind.

[Criz]

My problem has now been fixed by John Rudd of this parish.     

[ibuildstuff4u]

Can you tell us what the problem was?  I would be interested to know.

Thanks, Dale P.