VFD Powewrmatic 3520a VFD problem

Re: VFD Powewrmatic 3520a VFD problem *LINK*

Dave Paine

Try looking at this recent thread. The original poster has not updated so we do not know if any of the suggestions worked.


http://www.woodcentral.com/woodworking/forum/turning.pl/md/read/id/489334/sbj/sick-jet/

Re: VFD Powewrmatic 3520a VFD problem

Harvey Meyer in Atlanta

What is the error code?

I replaced the VFD on my 3520A about a year ago. Also replaced one on a buddy's 3520A a few months after doing mine and then I counciled another friend on how to replace the one on his 3520A. I can tell you where to get a suitable replacement for a fraction of the cost, and how to wire and program it. But first we have to be sure your VFD bit the dust.

Did you press the reset button? Did you unplug the lathe for a few seconds and try it again? We need the error code.

Re: VFD Powewrmatic 3520a VFD problem

Ted okolichany

I have tried the unplug and plug many time to no avail. Left it off all night, still the same in the am today. The error code is OCC one time 10.40 was showed there too. I have reset many times. On reset, Run, stop, flash on and off on the read out. also, stop and forward stay lite without flashing. I notice that when I turn the speed control know, I can read the increase in RPM's. Still, the lathe will not turn on. Thanks for your help. I am in Cashiers, NC.

Ted

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

Is VFD bad or the control circuitry? Test.

Doc Green

You can do a simple test to be sure the control circuitry is not causing the problem. All you have to do is connect a shorting wire between two of the control terminals inside the door of the VFD. The details are given here:

http://www.docgreenwoodturner.com/pmcontrol2.html

About 1/3 down in the article .. . a red shorting wire, etc.

I've been told but have not seen it first hand that a loose connection on one of the three motor leads will cause that same error code. Wouldn't hurt to check.

Good Luck,

~Doc

Re: Is VFD bad or the control circuitry? Test.

Ted okolichany

Thanks Doc for your response. I will ask my friend to check it out.

Ted

Re: Is VFD bad or the control circuitry? Test.

Harvey Meyer in Atlanta

I won't disagree with Doc - You should eliminate all possibilities before replacing the inverter. However, I have seen 3 inverters go bad with OCC faults in the last year. All were about 12 years old. I have also seen a few other problems that called for new inverters. All were about 12 years old. I think that's telling us something. I sent the info to you Ted.

Re: Is VFD bad or the control circuitry? Test.

Dick Hines

I sent the information Doc posted to my friend. I have not heard back from him yet.

The information Doc sent covered about everything that would cause a starting problem on a Jeg or PM lathe.

Re: Is VFD bad or the control circuitry? Test.

Ted okolichany

Thanks. I did get a email from Doc. Working on to evaluate everything right now!

Thanks,

Ted

Re: Is VFD bad or the control circuitry? Test.

Ted okolichany

I am looking at all the info now.

Thanks Harvey.

Ted

Re: Is VFD bad or the control circuitry? Test.

Dick Strauss

Once you've exhausted other options and if you know someone that is handy with a soldering iron, you might want to try to re-solder the big caps (cylinders) that are mounted on a small board separate from the main board.

A older friend had the same Occ error issue with his 3520. After checking all connections and swapping out all switches and speed pots, etc, he didn't want to wait to see if I could repair the VFD. He asked me to order one for him (Galco VFD015S21U not the OEM one). Unfortunately the VFD-S has a fan that runs constantly and is not able to be shut off according to the manufacturer. Even though it is a little annoying, it runs the lathe just fine. I installed a switch for him next the 220V outlet so that he can shut it off when he is done turning.

I decided to take a look at his old VFD and figured nothing lost if I break something in the process. I noticed nothing burned or needing re-soldering on the main board. However, I noticed some of the solder joints were failing on the caps. I re-soldered them and am now using it on a 1hp DP at the moment. I plan to move it to my 1.5 hp lathe next (at the time I installed the re-soldered VFD on the DP, the 1.5hp lathe was in the process of being rebuilt). If it works fine on my 1.5hp lathe, it may go back on the original 3520 lathe.

Re: Is VFD bad or the control circuitry? Test.

Ted okolichany

Thanks for your response Dick. Still trying to sort stuff out before I spring for a new VFD..

Ted

Isolation is a good safety habit

Geoff Whaling

"I installed a switch for him next the 220V outlet so that he can shut it off when he is done turning."

Isolating power to the lathe (and all other machines) when you are finished for the session is a very good safety habit / practice to develop. I know the VFD's on my lathes remain powered continuously even though the lathe is "turned off."

Isolation saves power, reduces potential fire hazards/risk, and is a much safer habit to develop when performing maintenance work on components of the lathe or even changing face plates & chucks.

Even makes it more difficult for curious or helpful others to inadvertently start machines.

Re: Isolation is a good safety habit *LINK*

Brad Vietje

... and probably better surge protection, too.

BTW: here's a link to a very good surge suppressor that can be used to protect one circuit or your entire electrical system. This is a page for dealers, who would buy these in case lots, but check with your local electrical supply house; these are the best available today.

Safe spinning,

Brad Vietje

Newbury, VT


Midnite Solar Surge Protection Device

Re: Is VFD bad or the control circuitry? Test.

John K Jordan

>some of the solder joints were failing on the caps.

It's surprising how often solder joints are bad. I don't do all that much electronics repair but I have still fixed two auto air conditioners, a Kurzweil synthesizer module, a car battery charger, power supplies, amplifiers, etc. by remelting cold solder joints. The hard thing is finding them! Sometimes a can of freeze spray will isolate the joint on an intermittent problem but usually it just needs a good magnifier.

Thanks for the hint. I think I will check the caps on my sometimes flaky vfd.

JKJ