So I wired up the Generator, Phase Converter, and the Rope Machine and turned everything on but nothing happened! The displays on the control panel came on but the machine didn’t do anything! Like OMG, what’s wrong. Did I wire something wrong? I mean I did move all of the electrical connections for the machine into an electrical box for safety and aesthetics but I took a lot of pictures before I started and the wiring didn’t seem that complex. I messed with the controls a bit but eventually had to call it a day. Nothing like walking away from such a big investment worried that it would never work. I sent a message to the manufacturer asking how to get the machine started but never got a reply. Not exactly great customer service! I mean I asked right after receiving the machine for some type of user guide…
Well, the next time I went to the workshop I inspected all of the wiring connections and the safety switches to see if there was a problem. By chance while trying to test the safety switches I opened and closed a gate and the machine finally came to life! I guess to get things going you have to reset the switches by opening a gate and closing it. I might wire in an interrupt switch to accomplish the same task eventually.
Shortly after I got the machine going the counter module started flickering then stopped working altogether. Well I contacted the manufacturer and they recommended that I open the module and inspect the soldering for the transformer. I did so and reported back that everything appeared to be okay. They then said we need to remove the transformer and test it. Umm, no! I’m not a technician and I’m not going to hire a technician to test a 50ยข transformer in a $25 module. I told them to send a new module! They did and I installed it today!
I also cleaned up the wiring with zip ties, cable wrap, and conduit clamps. All of the cables, cords, and wires are secured and neatly organized now.
All of the components of the machine are functioning now and all of the wiring is complete and well managed. There is an issue with the Phase Converter that is caused by the use of the Generator as the source for power but it is something that can be left as is for the time being.
Now, need to finish spooling a lot more test yarn onto cardboard tubes so I can start making adjustments to the machine so it will produce rope that is identical to what I currently make by hand…