Intermittent M12 or M13 (G3 CNC)

This insures that the signal is reliably transmitted from the CNC control to the solenoid valve. If the lights don’t flash then you have a different problem.

If the collet actuates reliably using the push-buttons on the Operator's Station (Palm Box) install an Auxiliary Power Supply Kit (p/n 995-09-004).

If the collet does not actuate reliably with the Palm Box, but the lights on the MAC valve light, the problem could be mechanical, either in the collet closer or the MAC valve.

To verify that the voltage is good, open the spindle electronics cabinet and power up the machine.

With servos on, and DC voltmeter leads on TB1-12 and TB1-13, meter should read at least 11 volts when collet open button is pressed. Move leads to TB1-14 and TB1-15: meter should read at least 11 volts when collet close button is pressed.

If the voltages are correct, and the lights on the MAC valves light, but the collet doesn’t actuate, the issue could be mechanical.

First verify the auxiliary power supply is installed correctly: with servos on, put DC voltmeter leads on TB1-12 and TB1-13. Meter should read about 13 volts when collet open button is pressed. If the voltage is about 11 volts, go back to auxiliary power supply install instructions and correct the issue.

To verify, write a program with eight M13’s then one G04F2 then M30. Run this program in cycle repeat with the spindle cabinet open.

Put meter leads across TB1-12 and TB1-13; meter should read 11.5 volts for two seconds, then zero volts for two seconds as program cycles. If the voltage is 10 volts or less, the driver on the motion card (MC2) is the culprit. Replace U17 (ULN2803; available at DigiKey.com).