Omron MX2 VFD, struggle/PSA

Spindle/VFD (Aftermarket)
1

This is both a PSA and gripe-fest of suspected 1st-world problems.

My 1F has been running great with a Centroid Acorn controller, Huanyang VFD and 2.2kW 220v spindle. Don’t mess with it! some might say, and they wouldn’t be wrong. In my quest to rebuild my 110v router lift with a 220v VFD/spindle and my original 1F Z-slider, I need an additional VFD/spindle combo. I figured it was a nice opportunity to upgrade my 1F’s VFD and use the HY for the router lift. Easy, right?

The Omron MX2 has been recommended in other threads here by the most knowledgeable person I know of on this topic (Aiph5u), so I went for the 3G3MX2-AB022-EV2 after careful consideration. I received the wrong model (an AB002), sent it back and intercepted the package containing the right one at the post office by chance, since the vendor kept printing the address label incorrectly- a process that took over 2 months. I wired it for a bench test, initializing and setting all the parameters- many times at this point. The VFD just comes to a screeching halt with an overcurrent error code. Tech support suggests sending it back to have its firmware updated. Thankfully, the vendor is accepting it back for a full refund.

https://youtu.be/zfIdJuNYA5c

I ordered another one from a different vendor (TME). Hopefully better luck this time. So far, it’s a rather expensive headache.

Here’s the PSA part: if you set one up, know that parameter A003 “base frequency” for this version of MX2 has nothing to do with mains frequency as some Youtube videos for the previous version of the MX2 suggest. A003 is the spindle’s frequency specification (400Hz in my case). Also, if you want to take advantage of the VFD’s USB port and set the parameters conveniently from your PC, Omron CX-Drive is not available for download their website as I rather falsely assumed. You have have buy it on disc from a vendor. Here’s the response from Tech Support on that:

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Yeah, not confusing at all, sir. Also, it costs about $200 to purchase. Tempting, but… also confusing. And, no.

MX2
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Also, this thing has a big ol booty on it. It’s longer front-to-back vs the HY, and my enclosure barely fit the HY with the front control panel removed. I’ll have to mount it on the side wall, buy a larger enclosure and start again, or perhaps even better… cut the door panel to fit around it for that “hot rod” look.

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That is the newer MX2 version 2 - the new jog wheel is one thing different from the MX2 V1.

I purchased a Hitachi WJ200, which is essentially the MX2 V1 with fewer native communication protocols. When you compare the manuals they are virtually identical. I believe Hitachi makes the Omron under that branded name. I would have bought one but when I started my CNC journey years ago it was during the Covid days, and vendors could not guarantee a shipment date.

You are correct in the base vs mains frequency being often confused. Best to trust the manufacturer’s manual, unless you are very confident in the video creators’ knowledge :grinning_face: , better yet, use the manual :grin:

I think you will like the functionality of your new VFD. All the best with your machining once you get it and are up and running.

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