Camdex Control

The ACS Controller was originally designed and created to serve as the brains of an updated modern PLC control unit for older Camdex Machinery, as our primary client had well over a dozen of these machines, and fixing problems with contactors, high control voltages running around on the machine were a safety concern both as an explosion as well as fire and electrocution hazards, plus the absolute lack of configurability.

The current generation of the ACS Control is compatible with the JS-6300 and 2100 series models, however the models are not interchangeable, utilize different firmware and different hardware. We are slowly working as quickly as possible to make this system compatible with all Camdex Models.

ACS Features

The ACS uses large tactile buttons for control, and displays errors and alerts on an LCD screen on the front of the controller. There is a menu pad from which system options can be set, allowing enabling and disabling of checks in case the machine is being used to load blanks or dummy rounds. All of the control voltages are <5VDC eliminating the possibility of possibly fatal electrical shock.

ACS Requirements

ACS requires 110VAC power to drive the motor, and needs ~1A of 12VDC power internally, and <1CFM of 100-120PSI shop air to drive pneumatic systems.

JS-6300 Upgrade Features

The ACS upgrade for the JS-6300 comes as a complete kit, as it completely replaces all of the control circuitry, and much of the mechanical control of the machine. This upgrade replaces:

  • Case Check - This machine originally did not have a case check system. Our upgrade case-check requires the use of a Dillon Precision type size die with the large-hole. Our case-check stem screws into this, and will let the ACS system know if there is an obstruction in the case, such as a rock, dirt, or a berdan primer. This will stop the machine and alert the operator to the problem.*
  • Automatic Jam Detection - All automated loading machines can jam, and if not detected, the camdex will continue to run the motor and wear out the friction clutch on the drive motor. The ACS system is designed to detect this, and will automatically stop the motor and alert the operator.
  • Primer System - The priming system is now driven with pneumatic cylinders and the stand is replaced with a quick-change no-spill unit, this makes the system fast and easy to remove, for cleaning, change or adjustment without spilling primers. The start and stop positions are adjusted with set screws. No more fiddling with that obnoxious cable. The case may also belled by the hold-down die.
  • Powder System - Much like the priming system, the powder system is a complete unit, this allows quick change of powder bushings, and no-spill change of powder. The cam bar on the back of the machine is completely removed. A missing case sensor is placed behind the powder die, and the system will not drop powder if no case is present.
  • Hi/Lo Powder sensor - Our powder check system is integral to the ACS system, and rather than using rocker switches that wear out over time, or require manual reset ACS uses a fiber-optic level sensor, along with our no-spill die body. This allows very precise measurement of the powder level, and since mechanical force is not required, there is little worry of the powder check rod becoming bent which can cause alerts to become erratic. The no-spill die body prevents powder from being knocked out of the case by the check rod, which keeps the machine cleaner and running longer between maintenance.
  • Bullet Feed - The bullet feeding system much like the primer and powder system relies on pneumatics, and is easily adjusted using set screws. There is also an additional jam sensor on the feeding system. The feed shuttle assembly is easy to remove without affecting positioning adjustments, and is self-cleaning to remove debris such as tumbling media that can often result in costly down-time to remove when a bullet becomes jammed in the feed system.
  • System Braking - One of the major negatives of Camdex machines has traditionally been over-travel when the motor is turned off. ACS includes a DC-injection braking system that will stop the machine in milliseconds. This enables two features, emergency braking if there is an error, and also allows the machine to be stopped at Top Dead Center (TDC) when the stop button is pressed, or the Jog button is released.
* The case-check system cannot detect split cases or certain other defects due to limitations of the JS-6300 design. This check simply makes sure an obstruction that may cause an explosion in the primer seating station will not occur.

2100 Upgrade Features

The ACS upgrade for the 2100 comes as a complete kit, as it completely replaces all of the control circuitry, and much of the mechanical control of the machine. The differences between the 2100 and JS-6300 kit include mounting brackets, and switches. Some 2100s are equipped with a vacuum pump that is attached to the priming system. Please let us know before ordering as there are a few extra components required. This upgrade replaces:

  • Case Check - This machine originally did not have a case check system. Our upgrade case-check requires the use of a Dillon Precision type size die with the large-hole. Our case-check stem screws into this, and will let the ACS system know if there is an obstruction in the case, such as a rock, dirt, or a berdan primer. This will stop the machine and alert the operator to the problem.*
  • Automatic Jam Detection - All automated loading machines can jam, and if not detected, the camdex will continue to run the motor and wear out the friction clutch on the drive motor. The ACS system is designed to detect this, and will automatically stop the motor and alert the operator.
  • Primer System - The priming system is now driven with pneumatic cylinders and the stand is replaced with a quick-change no-spill unit, this makes the system fast and easy to remove, for cleaning, change or adjustment without spilling primers. The start and stop positions are adjusted with set screws. No more fiddling with that obnoxious cable. The case may also belled by the hold-down die.
  • Powder System - Much like the priming system, the powder system is a complete unit, this allows quick change of powder bushings, and no-spill change of powder. The cam bar on the back of the machine is completely removed. A missing case sensor is placed behind the powder die, and the system will not drop powder if no case is present.
  • Hi/Lo Powder sensor - Our powder check system is integral to the ACS system, and rather than using rocker switches that wear out over time, or require manual reset ACS uses a fiber-optic level sensor, along with our no-spill die body. This allows very precise measurement of the powder level, and since mechanical force is not required, there is little worry of the powder check rod becoming bent which can cause alerts to become erratic. The no-spill die body prevents powder from being knocked out of the case by the check rod, which keeps the machine cleaner and running longer between maintenance.
  • Bullet Feed - The bullet feeding system much like the primer and powder system relies on pneumatics, and is easily adjusted using set screws. There is also an additional jam sensor on the feeding system. The feed shuttle assembly is easy to remove without affecting positioning adjustments, and is self-cleaning to remove debris such as tumbling media that can often result in costly down-time to remove when a bullet becomes jammed in the feed system.
  • System Braking - One of the major negatives of Camdex machines has traditionally been over-travel when the motor is turned off. ACS includes a DC-injection braking system that will stop the machine in milliseconds. This enables two features, emergency braking if there is an error, and also allows the machine to be stopped at Top Dead Center (TDC) when the stop button is pressed, or the Jog button is released.
* The case-check system cannot detect split cases or certain other defects due to limitations of the 2100 design. This check simply makes sure an obstruction that may cause an explosion in the primer seating station will not occur.

What's Included

The ACS upgrade includes:

  • Case Check Stem - this is compatible with all Dillon Precision pistol size dies. A dummy die can be provided if you are using new brass.
  • Mounting hardware and switches for monitoring press state (TD/BDC)
  • Replacement Primer System - It's compatible with your existing primer shuttles, we also sell replacements.
  • Primer hold down/Bell Die - Caliber specific
  • Replacement Powder System - Just bolt it down and connect the air lines (specify caliber)
  • Hi/Lo sensor and no-spill die - Slip it into the 3/4" hole where your current die is, tighten the set screw, and connect the wire
  • Bullet Feed System - You will need to remove the existing bullet funnel, and may need a helical feed magazine
  • The ACS Computer - This is the core of the system, it comes pre-loaded and tested with firmware appropriate for your machine. It replaces the existing contactor.
  • Pneumatic Unit - This consists of a pressure regulator, and all of the electro-mechanical switching components

Contact Us!

  • Cell: (626) 348 6059
  • Phone: (360) 243 7975
  • E-mail: drew@ammomfg.com