Rybett Controls WebDoc 202 (Copyright 2008) Return to [Index]
The Camstore 1 is an edit and display terminal that connects to older machine tools via a BTR (Behind the Tape Reader) interface. The Camstore 1 is packaged in a rectangular cabinet with a 9" monochrome display and vertically mounted keyboard. A key-switch on the side acts as a power switch and editor lockout. Fan filters and data connectors are mounted on the rear of the cabinet. The Camstore 1 is normally mounted on top of an NC control and connected via a flexible conduit to a uP cable which leads to a BTR interface card. You may browse this sheet or click on any of the following topics: [CRT] [Display] [Keyboard] [BTR]
Camstore 1 CRT displays have a horizontal video driver card with small pots for adjusting size, brightness, vertical and horizontal sync just like your TV set. Many minor problems can be corrected by turning pots and wiggling connectors to clean contacts and adjust settings. You can center and rotate the display by moving tabs or rotating the coil on the neck of the picture tube.
BEFORE WORKING ON A CRT DISPLAY, TURN OFF POWER. ALWAYS STAY AWAY FROM THE FLYBACK TRANSFORMER OUTPUT WIRE TO AVOID SHOCK. THE FLYBACK TRANSFORMER LOOKS LIKE A BLACK OR RED RUBBER CASTLE.
The Camstore 1 display is a window on many possible failures. The following is a list of common symptoms:
The display is wavy: The 12 volt power supply may be out of regulation. Look at the diodes on the AX11 card under the CPU module. Check the tall capacitors and metal regulators.
The CRT is filled with nonsense: There is no data communication to the CRT controller card. The CPU has probably died. Replace the 3850, 3853 or 3861 computer chip.
The CRT looks like termites are eating the left columns: The 96364 CRT controller chip on the AX180 card is probably unstable and should be replaced.
The CRT jumps and dims sporadically: A loose solder joint on the card may be the problem. Solder all connector and transformer pins.
The CRT is smoking: Check for burnt components such as the focus pot or arcs from the high voltage flyback diode.
Camstore 1 built-in CRT displays and may be placed in a terminal emulation mode by pressing <Break> and then <Ctrl> T. (Just hold down the <Ctrl> or <Shift> keys and press the letter T at the same time.) When in Terminal Mode, any key pressed is sent out the serial port and any character received is displayed to the CRT. If you jumper pin 2 to pin 3 and pin 4 to pin 5 on the serial port connector behind the CRT, any key pressed should be displayed. As a first step in repairing a bad serial port, try replacing the 1488 and 1489 RS232 line driver IC chips on the AX186 UART card.
Camstore 1 keyboards are of two varieties: classical push-button and flat membrane. Replacement push-buttons may be scavenged from unused key positions in the lower right hand corner of the keyboard. Or, you may order push-buttons from Rybett. A cracked or torn flat membrane keyboard may be protected with a vinyl notebook cover sheet placed between the keyboard and the front panel.
The keyboard controller IC (KEY028) can sometimes collect charge on internal parasitic capacitance. If the keyboard simply stop working, unplug the Camstore and try placing aluminum foil on the PCB pads of the 40 pin keyboard IC socket and let sit overnight. In the morning, remove the foil and repower the unit. You might be surprised.
All Rybett BTR (Behind the Tape Reader) products are designed for easy installation and removal. The heart of our BTR is an interface card and harness adapted to your specific machine control model.
The Camstore 1 may be placed in a Bypass condition whereby the tape reader interface card may be monitored. Simply press <Ctrl> B on the keyboard and then R to activate Reader Bypass. Place a tape in the reader and operate the machine tool. All data should pass through the Rybett interface yet be monitored by the Camstore display. If everything seems to work in Bypass, the interface (and most of the Camstore 1) are probably good.
If Reader Bypass gives you trouble, you can further isolate the interface card by disconnecting the Camstore 1 cabinet from the machine tool. Replace the flexible conduit at the uP bulkhead connector on the NC control with our round (military) Deadhead cap. When the Deadhead is in place, the machine should operate from the tape reader as if the BTR was never there. If the deadheaded interface works with tape, there is no need to repair it.
If the interface card does not work in a deadhead state, remove it entirely and replug the original machine tool wiring. Test the machine tool with all BTR parts removed to see if the NC tape reader logic is working properly. Make sure you understand the proper procedures for operating your machine from tape.