Search query: «Powermatic 3520A inverter»

My inverter appears to need the codes and settings reinstalled.  All of the functions of the system have been checked by an electrician and found to be within specified parameters But, the system will not carry a load.  It will run all day and any speed with no load but as soon as loaded to 6 amps it kicks out.  Once "RESET" this cycle can and will repeat over and over.  Are the driver/inverter codes the problem or something else?  Where can I acquire the Codes, Settings and descriptions along with access steps if the inverter is my problem?

Thank You, Jerry Thackery

Re: Powermatic 3520b inverter settings

John K Jordan

I think at one time Doc's PM and info was a 3520a. Some of the VFD control wiring was different from the "b" but I don't think the settings in the VFD are different. If you run into any problems check back or send me a note. I have an XLSX file of the settings, I think from Harvey Meyer. I can't read it on this computer but I could send it to you if you can read it. I also have a PDF about programming the VFD. I could check some of my settings too if needed.

JKJ

Re: powermatic 3520A electrical problem

Clifton C

My go to guy is Doc Green, http://www.docgreenwoodturner.com/pmcontrol1.html

One of the first steps is to tighten all the screw terminal connections in the inverter. Not sure how/why but they seem to get loose over time. Here's hoping it's an easy fix, as always, unplug and observe electrical safety procedures, i.e., don't become part of the circuit...

cc

powermatic 3520A electrical problem

kurt anderson

I have been having a problem with my lathe "shutting down" from time to time and have needed to reset the button on my inverter. It has happened more and more lately and yesterday, it shut down and will not reset. The manual that came with the lathe suggests that if the spindle or motor stops, replace the motor. I fear there are a lot more electronic parts that come into play - like the inverter. How can I determine if it is the motor or the inverter that has the issues? The inverter is coding 000. Anyone know what that means? Thanks.

Re: VFD Powewrmatic 3520a VFD problem

Harvey Meyer in Atlanta

Ted - you have the same problem I had. OCC is over current fault and indicates that your inverter is ready for the graveyard. You have options...

1 - Buy an exact replacement from Powermatic - about $600

2 - Buy a compatible substitute like I did for about $225

3 - Have your VFD repaired

I only included option 3 because it can be fixed. If you know Doc Green (he's also in NC) he knows someone who can repair these.

If you want to do option #2, I can help you. I'll tell you where to buy the replacement for about $225 and I'll give you installation, wiring, and programming instructions. It will take about 2-3 hours for you to do the job. This assumes you're comfortable handling wiring and making connections, etc. It's not that difficult.

If you want option 1 - contact Powermatic help desk

If you want option 2 - we can go to email - him1951@bellsouth.net

If you want option 3 - contact Doc Green - cgreen2@triad.rr.com

Let me know how you want to proceed.

Harvey

Re: Powermatic Inverter = Dead  ???

robo hippy

When I had to replace the headstock bearings in my old PM 3520A, I got the parts, a new belt, and had it replaced at a local tool shop for less than I could get the parts if I went through PM.

robo hippy

Re: Powermatic Inverter = Dead  ???

Chuck Engstrom

I suspect that what Powermatic wants to sell him is a brand new identical drive already programmed like the original. It may well be that just like a computer motherboard, these things really can't be repaired, since the innards hold so many integrated circuits that finding the one item that brought it down is just not sensible.

Other suppliers sell the same box, of course, at much lower prices, but then you've got to get the proper programming into it for this application. My 3520A has a Delta VFD015B21A, with manufacturer's info, including link to PDF of the manual, at http://www.deltaacdrives.com/delta-vfd015b21a/. The manual does have a discussion of how to read off the existing programming (you'll need to find one that's still working) and how to put it into the new one (be vary careful!) These drives seem to be referred to as Delta VFD-B AC drives in the sites I looked at. And I did get the impression somewhere that they are being superseded by newer design, C2000 series.

Best wishes for a quick fix -- Chuck

Re: Powermatic 3520A inverter problem

Hal Taylor

Tony, I had to replace the inverter on my 3520A about a year ago. If you have to go that route please get in touch. I have some wisdom for you.

Re: Powermatic 3520A inverter problem

Harry Robinette

Tony

If you have to get a new inverter,I just bought a new one to upgrade my General it was only $251.00. I believe when talking to the tech's they have one that will replace the Powermatic/Jet.

automationdirect.com

Re: Powermatic 3520A inverter problem

walta

With the fault decoded as a ground fault in the motor or its wiring.

Be aware this drive may contain large capacitors that store a charge for a long time do not touch or measure any connection unless the unit has been unplugged for 20 minutes .

Try disconnecting the motor wires from the drive.

With an ohm meter check from each lead to the motor case.

You should get a reading of over 100K ohm.

Also look for any place where the wires may be cover with grease or oil.

If you get a reading under 100k try again at the motor with the leads disconnected.

If you still get the reading it may be a bad motor.

If you readings are 100k to OL look at the drive.

It seems like a thermal problem that you may be able to pin point with freeze spray and a heat gun.

Walta

Re: Powermatic 3520A inverter problem

Mavdad55

Tony, hello; I also was an electronic tech in the Air Force, long ago, and later on designed Computer memory for large systems. So here is a suggestion to eliminate a phase winding in your motor from being your issue. The reason I mention it is that winding coatings, when bad react to heat, so if a few to many windings are starting to short then I would think you would also get the Ground fault indication.

First, please make sure you unplug the lathe from your 220v source.

This is a 3 phase motor. If you can disconnect the phase lines to the motor from the inverter and use a low ranging ohm meter to check each phase lead to the neutral wire. If they all measure the same then your motor is likely ok. If one lead measures say 10-20% off from the other 2, then the motor may be bad. If you suspect it, have a motor rebuilder check it out.

Re: Powermatic 3520A inverter problem

Tony Reynolds

Thanks so far for all the replies. No joy in Mudville so far. I've checked all the wiring, cleaned and tightened all the contacts, checked my main wiring and breakers.

The weird thing is it will run for ten to 30 minutes after it has been unplugged for an half hour or so. Having made my living for 20+ years as a troubleshooting electronics tech, this doesn't sound like a wiring issue. It sounds more like an intermittent problem with the inverter itself.

The inverter isn't running warmer than normal and Robo, mine doesn't have the fan, but thanks for the idea. The PM tech says he is sure it's not the inverter, he says they usually don't function at all if they go out. That doesn't sound quite right to me but I haven't any experience with them.

I hate to shell out $500 -$ 600 for a new inverter only to find that's not the problem. Still working on it....

Re: Powermatic 3520A inverter problem

robo hippy

I had an older A that had a tiny fan under the converter. Seems a lot of chips found their way down the heat baffle on the back ans stopped the fan. I put some screen over the top of the heat baffle and that stopped the problem.

robo hippy

Re: Powermatic 3520A inverter problem

Chuck Engstrom

Hi Tony -- I have not had this problem but I did, some time ago, download the manufacturer's manual for the AC motor control. Mine is a Delta VFD015B21A, which seems to be the one typically supplied on the PM lathes. It's available at http://www.delta.com.tw/product/em/drive/ac_motor/download/manual/VFD-B_manual_en.pdf. It's 239 pages, 4.9 megabytes, and very dense going unless you're a real EE, but it does show the error codes.

Page 6-4 says GFF is a "ground fault" problem with these comments:

"When (one of) the output terminal(s) is grounded,

short circuit current is more than 50% of AC motor

drive rated current, the AC motor drive power

module may be damaged.

NOTE: The short circuit protection is provided

for AC motor drive protection, not for

protection of the user.

1. Check whether the IGBT power module is

damaged.

2. Check for possible poor insulation at the

output line."

I hope this is of some use to you. Could be a wiring problem, as PM suggested; in any case be sure to unplug it before you go digging around inside it. Hope you find a fix pronto --

Best regards -- Chuck

Re: Powermatic 3520A inverter problem

Bob Holcombe

Tony, we had a stretch of above average heat and humidity here in NE Kansas a few weeks ago. My 3520A is in my garage and twice at the start of a turning session I shut down with a GFF code. It took a few resets to get it running again.

I don't know if this relates to your inverter problem , but I've been running fine since.

Powermatic 3520A inverter problem

Tony Reynolds

Hi all,

My 3520A has ran fine for years but now in the last couple of months I have been getting a GFF display on the inverter which shuts the lathe down.

When it first started doing this, I could unplug it and it would reset and run fine for a week or so until it did it again. Now it is in GFF mode all the time. I called Powermatic tech and they said I must have a short in the wiring causing this.

I'm continuing to inspect all the wiring for problems but thought I'd ask if any other 3520A owner has had this problem and figured it out.

Thanks,

Tony

Re: Looking for a larger used lathe

Brad Vietje

Hey Roy,

Looks like a used Powermatic 3520 A or B would be right up your alley. If you find a 3520A (headstock is rectangular, w/out beveled corners, and tool rest banjo is not offset), be sure to check out the metal disk (about the size of a hockey puck) that clamps the sliding headstock to the bed. These were originally made of cast iron, which can break, and allow the entire headstock to come off the lathe! The newer ones are steel, which corrects this problem. This is an easy upgrade, and I'll bet Powermatic would rather give you the new one than face a lawyer representing the owner of a disembodied headstock with broken body parts -- just a guess, though.

I also think the Nova 3000 and DVR lathes are a pretty good value, though they are a little lightweight, and need to be bolted down to a heavy & rugged bench or stand to really work with larger chunks of wet wood. If you are good with machinery, you could also keep an eye & ear out for older cast iron lathes that were common in trade school shop programs, and are now sometimes on the used market. A Powermatic-90 can make a real good workhorse, and General Machinery makes a pretty good full-sized lathe, too. The really old cast iron industrial lathes are often valuable for woodturning as long as the bearings can be replaced. Good names are Oliver, Blount, etc...

BTW: providing 220V power to a lathe is a very simple matter if you have typical grid power from a local utility. If you don't know how to wire the circuit, check with any local electrician, for whom this will be a very easy assignment. 3-Phase power is another matter, but there are inverter solutions for that, too.

Safe spinning,

Brad Vietje

Newbury, VT

Re: Powermatic 3520A speed problem

techsan from Japan

I have a same experience with my friend’s Vicmarc VL300. In his case the input circuit of the inverter was broken. So the potentiometer didn’t work at all. Please make sure whether the inverter is broken or not. At first you switch off your 3520A and pull out of the power supply cord and wait 5min. to reset the microcomputer of the inverter. And then you can switch on again and make sure whether the problem remains or not.

Re: Powermatic 4224 wiring

Chuck Engstrom

>Mine doesn't seem to hum (I have a 3520A but believe that it uses the same Delta inverter as your 4224).

I'm sorry I can't offer any help on the lathe display, which the 3520A doesn't have. You seemed to indicate in your first post that it lights up; what is it not doing properly?

Best--

Chuck

Reply from WMH Tool Group on stopping Powermatic

eliot d

>This response came from Technical Support at WHM WHEN I asked them the same question I asked on this site, namely whether to use the speed dial or the red button (e-stop) to start and stop my Powermatic 3520A during the normal course of turning:

"I use the e.stop as the on off switch for a couple of reasons. First, when it is in the off position, there is no chance of bumping the potentiometer and turning the late on. (that could be a bad thing). Second, because the inverter is so advanced, it will allow you to leave the dial at the desired rpm and turn the machine on and off with no damage. It ramps up the speed automatically. Both ways will work...but the e-stop is safer."

Powermatic Interference problem solved

Mike Nelson

>Powermatic (WMH Tool Group) sent a EMI filter to 'test' on my 3520a. It works great! A couple of small problems, screw holes only line up on one side or other of inverter, top screws to lathe line up, bottom ones are off. It still connects solidly to the lathe. I have very little to no interference, unless I put the radio directly behind the lathe, I have it about 5ft to the right now and it works fine. We talked about this a while back and I thought PM owners (and Jet?) would like to know. The folks at WMH were very helpful with solving this, I delt with Rick', ext5868.

Inverter for 3520A

S. Harris

>The Inverter on my Powermatic 3520A stopped working recently and I would like to know what Inverters are available and for the best prices?

Help! I'm losin it Powermatic

ken chase

>Every call to Powermatic support has been a nightmare and I do not trust anything they say.

They can not answer the most simple question.

My brand new 3520A stopped as a result of hitting a knot. Is there a reset button? I know there is a reset on the inverter and it did not yield a result.

I unplugged....waited....replugged......Nothing

The tech at Powermatic is going to read the manual and try to figure out what to do and call me back.

I feel I will be better served on this board.

Your help will be greatly appreciated

Ken Chase

Re: Inverter is always on???

Earl

>As I have a 3520A, I thought this deserved an "official" response. I e-mailed Powermatic to get their answer and I'll post it as soon as they respond.

Earl

Inverter is always on???

Frank

>Got my new lathe last week (Powermatic 3520a)and have VFD for the first time. I've noticed that the Inverter is always on, even when the lathe is not, and is slightly warm but not hot. I've been assured that this is normal, but I'm curious what general practice is. Do I just leave it on in all of the time, or should I unplug or otherwise cut power when not using the lathe?

thanks, frank