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Quad Feeder Programming - ThinPRO 2mm Index

Quad Feeder Programming - ThinPRO 2mm Index

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I recently purchased some used ThinPRO precision feeders for... - May 16, 2016 by rx8pilot

Press both buttons simultaneously. Press black button 3 tim... - May 17, 2016 by bobpan

Thank you Bobpan - I tried that sequence but instead of LED'... - May 17, 2016 by rx8pilot

You should get hold of Automation Technical Services and se... - May 17, 2016 by bobpan

I spoke with a very pleasant gentleman at Automation Technic... - May 17, 2016 by rx8pilot

Tom Nisbet from PPM contacted me on the phone yesterday to h... - May 19, 2016 by rx8pilot

According to their feeder brochure the 2mm feeders are liste... - May 25, 2016 by Steve

rx8pilot

#75739

Quad Feeder Programming - ThinPRO 2mm Index | 16 May, 2016

I recently purchased some used ThinPRO precision feeders for my Quad IV-C (PPM 4000C). They are in great shape, but I do not know how to program them to index at 2mm

Does anyone have experience with these that know how to program them? I can only go as low as 4mm with the instructions I have.

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bobpan

#75742

Quad Feeder Programming - ThinPRO 2mm Index | 17 May, 2016

Press both buttons simultaneously. Press black button 3 times. Led will flash then go solid.

This will toggle the pitch between 2mm and 4mm.

have fun.

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rx8pilot

#75743

Quad Feeder Programming - ThinPRO 2mm Index | 17 May, 2016

Thank you Bobpan - I tried that sequence but instead of LED's flashing - they were solid and it remains in 4mm mode. After looking closer at the feeders, it appears there are 'SlimPRO' and 'ThinPRO' versions. The ThinPRO version is what PPM manufactures/sells and the SlimPRO version is from Automation Technical Services.

I have the ATS SlimPRO feeders (based on pictures I found), which may have a different programming technique. It's odd that the manuals are not available as an easy find on the internet.

Mike Wylie at PPM sent me the written directions for the ThinPRO that they sell/support - which seem to be the same as what you wrote. Wonder what the differences are in capability.

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bobpan

#75745

Quad Feeder Programming - ThinPRO 2mm Index | 17 May, 2016

You should get hold of Automation Technical Services and see if they can tell you how to change to indexing. If you find out....post it on here to help others. I myself have never used ATS feeders (just never ran into them anywhere).

Bob

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rx8pilot

#75747

Quad Feeder Programming - ThinPRO 2mm Index | 17 May, 2016

I spoke with a very pleasant gentleman at Automation Technical Services. We were able to determine that my feeders are not the modified versions that are capable of 2mm pitch. They are only capable of 4mm. They offer a feeder that is the same basic hardware, but is upgraded for higher precision and 2mm indexing. These feeders can be identified by the red colored anodize on the cover tape roller and the tape guide on the entrance.

Now I am saving my money for the new precision feeders so that I can do 0201 from 8mm tape. They are only $375/ea so it's not an pipe dream to get 25-30 of them. The PPM 'ThinPRO' feeder lists for $1885 on their website which is not worth it - I would just as soon buy a different machine before putting that kind of money into a very old Quad machine.

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rx8pilot

#75755

Quad Feeder Programming - ThinPRO 2mm Index | 19 May, 2016

Tom Nisbet from PPM contacted me on the phone yesterday to help me understand the various feeder options for small parts. Fantastic surprise phone call that was inspired by this thread.

I explained my business strategy and financial restrictions and he was helpful in teaching me some tips and workarounds that I can use until I am able to afford the more advanced feeders. Those tips will get me by with 0402 parts, but not 0201. We also got to the point where the ThinPRO feeders can make financial sense. I have a path planned now to grow toward the 0201 as a normal part of our process.

Onward and upward.

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Steve

#75772

Quad Feeder Programming - ThinPRO 2mm Index | 25 May, 2016

According to their feeder brochure the 2mm feeders are listed at $650. Still not very cheap, but not un-obtanable.

http://www.goppm.com/8x2mm-feeder.php

Or is the pro version a different feeder? BR, Steve

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