On 2020-01-21 11:31, bari wrote:
On 1/20/20 11:55 PM, Rafael Skodlar wrote:
That's fine. You can experiment with software/HW any way you want. I
was pointing out what makes sense and what not. You can try running
X-windows over PPP connection through 56k modem over the phone line if
you want.
I would rather "experiment" with headless CNC machine located in EU
from my GUI front-end on Linux workstation in CA. Modern bandwidth
would allow for video from a camera mounted above CNC machine.
- headless LinuxCNC core with USB for keyboard and simple text display
needed for basic OS installation, configuration, or troubleshooting
- GUI fronted for machine operator; platform independent (i386, Arm)
- API for special additions and future development
How will the CNC machine operator at the remote location with the GUI
(many miles/kilometers away from the machine) handle loading the
material and unloading the parts from the machine? How will they handle
issues with chatter, worn or broken tools, etc etc?
That's a matter of $$$. It's possible to handle such tasks already. In
case of LinuxCNC is not easy to provide remote support. Lets say LCNC
architecture with headless controller allows a VPN connection to API to
see or manage the machine remotely or collaborate with operator that's
not familiar with Linux. Some surgical robots already make this
possible. I bet that's way more critical RT system than a CNC machine
which ends up with broken router bit when "oops" happens.
Is this for some sort of fully automated manufacturing plant in the future?
Well, future is here and I get very excited just reading about it:
https://www.universal-robots.com/
CNC machines are robots in a sense.
However, we should not forget how we made it to where we are. I do
support and participate in efforts to restore old computing equipment in
computer museum for future generations to admire. It's a lot of fun when
you meet people who programmed those machines when or before some of us
were in diapers ;-)
What exactly are the problems that need solutions or that you want to solve?
I would like to see low cost solutions based on LCNC for hobby or small
business users so that they can do their work more productively and
perhaps grow to the point to be able to buy more advanced robotic systems.
It's my intention to put together a small CNC to be able to do more than
what I can do with not very accurate Grizzly lathe/mill combo. I don't
mind paying some $$ for components to put a simple CNC machine together.
If those components were built by members of this list we would all
benefit. Software and HW QA, feedback, and promotion elsewhere.
One possibility for motivating software developers would be to help them
buy industrial grade embedded computer/electronics set that they could
use for writing code and quick test. That could cover upgrade for long
list of existing machines or help you build new machines. This has been
done before by HW manufacturers that needed drivers for their products.
I see Mesa covers a range of components that could be used that way but
it's showing it's age and it's only a single source.
Other times such efforts end up as products, open software and hardware;
example: https://ardupilot.org/
Generic PC motherboards with multi-core CPUs, GBs of RAM, for CNC use
make no sense anymore.
Aluminum extrusions make it possible to make all kinds of machines that
don't exist yet. It's perfect material for people with small work space.
I spent a lot of hours researching this subject on the Internet or
talking to people at different trade shows but they all seem to sell
full expensive solutions with proprietary software. Nobody showed any
interest in LCNC.
I found interesting snap cnc-designer which needs some work but it's the
only CNC related piece of software in Linux containers space that I'm
aware of.
Following this mailing list for very long I have yet to see a discussion
about flexible cables for CNC machines; specific types, wire sizes,
brand names, etc.
Thanks for not kicking me around ;-)
--
Rafael Skodlar
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