Re: [Emc-users] Axis File Open
Thanks Jeff I did not find a section [FILTER] so I added to my stepper_inch.ini file and it worked. I did find a reference in the user manual to [FILTER] Now it shows the following filters: All machinable files (*.[nN][gG][cC],*ngc) rs274ngc files (*.ngc) rs274ngc (*.[nN][gG][cC]) All files (*) Where do the other filters come from? Thanks John Date: Sun, 19 Aug 2007 14:46:09 -0500 From: Jeff Epler [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Emc-users] Axis File Open To: Enhanced Machine Controller (EMC) emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii On Sun, Aug 19, 2007 at 02:41:55PM -0500, John Thornton wrote: Is there a way to change the file open dialog in Axis to see .ngc files without regard to case? In the inifile section [FILTER], add a line that reads PROGRAM_EXTENSION = .[nN][gG][cC] rs274ngc gcode file you can add any other extensions you like in this area. - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Axis File Open
In one of the other sample configurations (sim/axis), the [FILTER] section looks like this: [FILTER] PROGRAM_EXTENSION = .png,.gif,.jpg Grayscale Depth Image PROGRAM_EXTENSION = .py Python Script png = image-to-gcode gif = image-to-gcode jpg = image-to-gcode py = python When you select a .png, .gif, or .jpg file it's sent to image-to-gcode http://linuxcnc.org/docs/2.1/html/gui/image-to-gcode/index.html and the gcode produced by image-to-gcode is then loaded into emc. When you load a .py file it is executed, and the lines it prints are treated as gcode. Jeff - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Interactive machining
Jeff Epler [EMAIL PROTECTED] In emc, there are lots of ways to interact with the running system besides using gcode. . The problem is not that emc is not customizable and extensible in a wide variety of ways -- the problem is a lack of documentation and examples that are accessible to the typical user. Jeff Thanks for the info. I stopped at Borders yesterday and bought a Python book, and I have saved your message. I'm going to dig around in this for a while, it would be a very interesting project. ron ginger - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] EDM question from a noobie at it
On Monday 20 August 2007, Jon Elson wrote: Gene Heskett wrote: Greetings everybody; I was working on the frame for my new z axis drive for that micro-mill, and have managed now to break off not one, but 2, 6-nc32 taps in the holes drilled into the edge of a piece of 1/4x1.5 steel bar. I now have the work insulated, a copper wire in the chuck bent to wobble about enough to cover the ends of the taps, and tried a 50 volt AC supply for about 20 minutes, but the transformers were way too puny and have already smoked. I have an air jet blowing on the work, and the wire running about 200 rpm. While it worked, I'd guess I got rid of 5 thou total, from the work and the electrode wire end, so its not gonna be exactly a 5 minute job unless I can get some more effective firepower into it. Figuring that DC, with a current limiter of sorts and a storage capacitor to hold more bang will probably work better, I've resigned myself to building it. The question then is, for an air quenched lashup, what is a suitable voltage, and a suitable current limit in terms of average milliamps, that I should try and build? Googleing doesn't seem to spit that sort of info out readily. Look at my info at http://jelinux.pico-systems.com/edm.html You need a current-limited supply of DC to a film-type capacitor to deliver the current pulses that do the EDM work. Also, I think a dielectric fluid is really important to make the difference between welding and EDM. I run 30 V at about 1 A, mostly due to the parts in my EDM power supply. I found alum-tap (an aluminum tapping fluid) works great, although it is flammable. I only keep a couple drops of it in the hole at a time to reduce the risk of a big fire. (I did get it to flash once, but it did not sustain a fire, so it must have some fire retardant or vapor suppression in it.) Water won't work unless it is really pure. Some people have reported plain distilled water works well. Jon Thanks Jon, that is about what I was looking for. I noted that the wiki seems to indicate an rf generator is often used, with frequencies around the 500 khz range. That almost sounds as if it would setup a plasma that would never be quenched. And while that might cut at a higher rate, this sounds a whole lot simpler. Is the quality of the capacitor that important? I see you wrote film in the text, but showed paper on the drawing. I can borrow a big oil filled can with 8 or 10 uf, rated at 8 to 10kv from our transmitter spares. My motor psu is 29 volts, and if I can cobble up a suitable limiting resistor, and in this case a 100 watt light bulb comes to mind as it will also light dimly to show the short status, then that home-made psu can serve as the current source. It can certainly spare that portion of an amp. I don't have anything that looks or sounds like aluma-tap, but I can certainly source a gallon of distilled water, or I have a quart of ACE hdwe thread cutting oil which will probably work, and has already contaminated the area. I didn't have any plastic rod to hold the wire, a hunk of 14 gauge from some handy romex, so the work rather than the electrode is insulated, a couple pieces of scrap formica are padding the vise jaws a small strip of cherry under the bottom edge. No leakage that I can measure. Slightly shocking to the touch though, I allowed my sweaty arm to lay on it at one point. :) The wire is currently rotating with a small clip lead attached, which seems to work but shows some wear where the clip sits already, but I like the idea of the much stiffer brass, so I'll see if I can src a hunk of smallish brazing rod while I'm out doing the honeydo's this morning. What I have on hand is too big, 1/8 IIRC, so I didn't even think to dig it out. 3/32 would be ideal I'd think for a 6-32 taps web diameter. But with the depth I have to go, probably nearly 3/4 for one of them, the cleanout will probably have to be done with an air hose after I get down the first 1/8. Might even have to rig a stinger from a wd-40 can somehow and get right into the hole. Fun and games... With an air jet and 50 VAC with no capacitor, I was only able to go with a f0.0003 feed. If I can get 0.010/min out of it, that would be great in comparison. Thanks Jon. -- Cheers, Gene There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order. -Ed Howdershelt (Author) There's a fine line between courage and foolishness. Too bad it's not a fence. - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net
Re: [Emc-users] EDM question from a noobie at it
Gene - I think that if you were to build a dam around the part with modeling clay and fill with kerosene might help speed things up. Keep in mind that kero is flammable so take care. Just my 2 cents worth - I've never done it. By the way, I submitted an article to Digital Machining describing my stepper motor resonance damper. Don't know when or if it gets published at this point. Jack Ensor Gene Heskett wrote: On Monday 20 August 2007, Jon Elson wrote: Gene Heskett wrote: Greetings everybody; I was working on the frame for my new z axis drive for that micro-mill, and have managed now to break off not one, but 2, 6-nc32 taps in the holes drilled into the edge of a piece of 1/4x1.5 steel bar. I now have the work insulated, a copper wire in the chuck bent to wobble about enough to cover the ends of the taps, and tried a 50 volt AC supply for about 20 minutes, but the transformers were way too puny and have already smoked. I have an air jet blowing on the work, and the wire running about 200 rpm. While it worked, I'd guess I got rid of 5 thou total, from the work and the electrode wire end, so its not gonna be exactly a 5 minute job unless I can get some more effective firepower into it. Figuring that DC, with a current limiter of sorts and a storage capacitor to hold more bang will probably work better, I've resigned myself to building it. The question then is, for an air quenched lashup, what is a suitable voltage, and a suitable current limit in terms of average milliamps, that I should try and build? Googleing doesn't seem to spit that sort of info out readily. Look at my info at http://jelinux.pico-systems.com/edm.html You need a current-limited supply of DC to a film-type capacitor to deliver the current pulses that do the EDM work. Also, I think a dielectric fluid is really important to make the difference between welding and EDM. I run 30 V at about 1 A, mostly due to the parts in my EDM power supply. I found alum-tap (an aluminum tapping fluid) works great, although it is flammable. I only keep a couple drops of it in the hole at a time to reduce the risk of a big fire. (I did get it to flash once, but it did not sustain a fire, so it must have some fire retardant or vapor suppression in it.) Water won't work unless it is really pure. Some people have reported plain distilled water works well. Jon Thanks Jon, that is about what I was looking for. I noted that the wiki seems to indicate an rf generator is often used, with frequencies around the 500 khz range. That almost sounds as if it would setup a plasma that would never be quenched. And while that might cut at a higher rate, this sounds a whole lot simpler. Is the quality of the capacitor that important? I see you wrote film in the text, but showed paper on the drawing. I can borrow a big oil filled can with 8 or 10 uf, rated at 8 to 10kv from our transmitter spares. My motor psu is 29 volts, and if I can cobble up a suitable limiting resistor, and in this case a 100 watt light bulb comes to mind as it will also light dimly to show the short status, then that home-made psu can serve as the current source. It can certainly spare that portion of an amp. I don't have anything that looks or sounds like aluma-tap, but I can certainly source a gallon of distilled water, or I have a quart of ACE hdwe thread cutting oil which will probably work, and has already contaminated the area. I didn't have any plastic rod to hold the wire, a hunk of 14 gauge from some handy romex, so the work rather than the electrode is insulated, a couple pieces of scrap formica are padding the vise jaws a small strip of cherry under the bottom edge. No leakage that I can measure. Slightly shocking to the touch though, I allowed my sweaty arm to lay on it at one point. :) The wire is currently rotating with a small clip lead attached, which seems to work but shows some wear where the clip sits already, but I like the idea of the much stiffer brass, so I'll see if I can src a hunk of smallish brazing rod while I'm out doing the honeydo's this morning. What I have on hand is too big, 1/8 IIRC, so I didn't even think to dig it out. 3/32 would be ideal I'd think for a 6-32 taps web diameter. But with the depth I have to go, probably nearly 3/4 for one of them, the cleanout will probably have to be done with an air hose after I get down the first 1/8. Might even have to rig a stinger from a wd-40 can somehow and get right into the hole. Fun and games... With an air jet and 50 VAC with no capacitor, I was only able to go with a f0.0003 feed. If I can get 0.010/min out of it, that would be great in comparison. Thanks Jon. - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your
Re: [Emc-users] Interactive machining
Do you mean something like: http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/emcinfo.pl?G-Wiz The idea of this is that a GUI would let you generate calls to predefined gcode subroutines. Ken [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mark Kenny Products Company, LLC 55 Main Street Voice: (888)ISO-SEVO (888)476-7386 Newtown, CT 06470Fax: (203)426-9138 http://www.MarkKenny.com -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Ron Ginger Sent: Monday, August 20, 2007 9:37 AM To: emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net Subject: Re: [Emc-users] Interactive machining I am not for a second suggesting Interactive machining should replace conventional CAD-CAM, Gcode generation. As Stuart describes there are large complex machines for which Gcode is the appropriate tool, and EMC works very well. However, I see application for the much simpler Interactive work. My example would be a 3 axis mill, om which I want to do a simple set of tasks like face off some stock, drill a bolt circle, then maybe mill a couple circular pockets around it. Yes, one could go to the CAD system, draw it all, then process it to Gcode, then load and run that. But with a simple Interactive screen I can simply fill in a couple fields, like length and width and depth of cut, then press a 'DoIt' button and the machine does the job. Using the wizards in Mach I have often demonstrated such a sequence in a matter of a minute or two- faster that I can walk from my shop to my CAD computer and back again. The Gcode with parameters and subroutine that lead into this thread is an example of trying to make a universal gcode program for some repetitive task. But editing that parameter list and getting it to run correctly would be much slower that a screen that let you simply enter the appropriate parameters, in a nice graphical view that looked like the part, then just run it. Interactive machining is NOT to replace Gcode, its for a different class of work, and there are a lot of shops that could use it very productively. Jon, Ray, some others may recall Ive been beating this drum for years, starting back at NAMES several years ago with my Win 3.1 VB code to mimic the Acurite control. ron ginger - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Interactive machining
At 09:06 AM 8/20/2007, you wrote: One of the things that often happens in these parts is that some folk are much more comfortable with software programming with it's loops and jumps and fancy maths and find g-code to be awkward. I don't have a problem with that and supported the O word as an extension to the interpreter even though there was no precedent/equivalent in the world of g-code. But there is precedent and equivalent in the world of g-code, it's called MACRO-B and is and option available on most any control. And it makes possible things EMC has not even come close to yet. http://www.gefanuc.com/literature/pdf/gft-321.pdf __ Andre' B. Clear Lake, Wi. - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Interactive machining
Ron, What I have been playing with is using Gambas (a VB like language for linux) http://gambas.sourceforge.net/ to generate a .nc file. My Gamabs code creates a Conversational application that can run right with EMC running. I can then append or over write the .nc file depending on what I want to do. When I have a completed .nc file I simply browse for the file. This file could be the default file that gets loaded when EMC starts. If I make changes to the file I can just refresh it from AXIS. This method eliminates the need for direct hooks into EMC. Gambas is much easier to create GUI's for me than Python because I have a VB background. I only have a couple crude pocket routines written at this point. I will share that code with anyone that is interested in it. Mike On Mon, 2007-08-20 at 10:29 -0400, Ron Ginger wrote: What I do find disturbing is the attempt to bypass the interpreter entirely. My thoughts here will be old hat to many readers. I'm really bothered by some scripting language telling to machine to go to x3000m without testing that command to the limits of the device as recorded in a configuration file somewhere. At the same time there is no regular error feedback to tell the operator to f*6k off. For my use I don't see bypassing the interpreter. I would be happy to issue simple G code commands from the Script language. I don't mean to keep pushing the Mach model, but all VB can do from Mach is issue g code commands to the interpreter. With that dozens of 'wizard' screens have been written to do a wide range of tasks, from simple facing, to text engraving, pocketing, and hole arrays. I'm going off to read my new Python book, and follow some of the references Jeff offered. Maybe someday I will have an example of what I'm talking about. ron ginger - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Interactive machining
I beg to differ. From the Language Features in that pdf. I see only 2 missing from emc2: - conversion functions (BCD to BIN, BIN to BCD) and - Printing of values to a serial port Additionally, I'm not sure what System Variables to read and write a variety of CNC data items and generate alarm messages means. Regards, Alex At 09:06 AM 8/20/2007, you wrote: One of the things that often happens in these parts is that some folk are much more comfortable with software programming with it's loops and jumps and fancy maths and find g-code to be awkward. I don't have a problem with that and supported the O word as an extension to the interpreter even though there was no precedent/equivalent in the world of g-code. But there is precedent and equivalent in the world of g-code, it's called MACRO-B and is and option available on most any control. And it makes possible things EMC has not even come close to yet. http://www.gefanuc.com/literature/pdf/gft-321.pdf __ Andre' B. Clear Lake, Wi. - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.484 / Virus Database: 269.12.0/961 - Release Date: 8/19/2007 7:27 AM - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Interactive machining
EMC has most of the functionality shown on the link you provided. Language Features YES ? Local Variables for passing parameters and for intermediate calculations within a macro YES ? Common Variables shared by all macros ??? ? Permanent Common Variables that keep their values even when power is turned off ??? ? System Variables to read and write a variety of CNC data items and generate alarm messages YES ? Standard operations (add, subtract, multiply and divide) YES ? Trig Functions (Sin, Cosine, Tangent and their inverse) YES ? Math Functions (SQRT, ABS, ROUND, FIX, FUP, LN, EXP) YES ? Logical Bitwise Operators (AND, OR, XOR) NO ? Conversion Functions (BCD to BIN, BIN to BCD) YES (IF-THEN) ? Branching (IF-THEN and GOTO) NO (GOTO) YES ? Conditional Operators (equals, not equals, less than, less than or equal to, greater than, greater than or equal to) YES ? Loops (WHILE-DO-END) Planned ? Variety of calling formats with parameters including defining custom G-codes and M-codes To a log or error message ? Printing of values to a serial port Ken [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mark Kenny Products Company, LLC 55 Main Street Voice: (888)ISO-SEVO (888)476-7386 Newtown, CT 06470Fax: (203)426-9138 http://www.MarkKenny.com -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Andre' Blanchard Sent: Monday, August 20, 2007 11:20 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Enhanced Machine Controller (EMC) Subject: Re: [Emc-users] Interactive machining At 09:06 AM 8/20/2007, you wrote: One of the things that often happens in these parts is that some folk are much more comfortable with software programming with it's loops and jumps and fancy maths and find g-code to be awkward. I don't have a problem with that and supported the O word as an extension to the interpreter even though there was no precedent/equivalent in the world of g-code. But there is precedent and equivalent in the world of g-code, it's called MACRO-B and is and option available on most any control. And it makes possible things EMC has not even come close to yet. http://www.gefanuc.com/literature/pdf/gft-321.pdf __ Andre' B. Clear Lake, Wi. - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Interactive machining
Ron: I didn't fully understand the intent. You're aiming for tools to do relatively simple tasks while at the machine. This would be handy during manual machining, i.e. additional functionality along with jog and MDI. What you would like is a simple menu driven CAM package. In this you select, for example, make countersink. The package brings up a menu asking, 1) center (default current x-y), 2) diameter, 3) depth, 4) tool diameter. A more menu might set parameters normally defaulted, feed, speed, tool offset, finish cut, etc. A GUI might show the tool path. The CAM package then generates G-code for this countersink. The G-code is loaded into EMC for execution. The scripting language would be the basis of extending the CAM package, what new menu items are written in. Would this work? Is it more in line with what you were thinking? For functionality this CAM package could be linked tightly with EMC. The CAM package could draw on EMC defaults and automatically load generated G-code into EMC. I'd still suggest thinking of this as a separate CAM package that generates G-code. It is very handy to see what the machine will do next and single step unproven code. This requires viewing a known language as it's run. I, along with Dale, don't want to learn a new G-code like language, Learning G-code is a skill I can apply at any CNC, a new language would be specific to EMC. I have enough trouble reading G-code without reference material at hand (bad memory). Such a CAM package may be useful in general, to other controllers, if not too tightly linked to EMC. This would require a post-processor scheme though. My thinking is in line with what Mike described. However, if made part of the EMC project and rules developed for how to program each feature module more people could contribute additional features. Thanks. On Monday August 20 2007 6:36 am, Ron Ginger wrote: I am not for a second suggesting Interactive machining should replace conventional CAD-CAM, Gcode generation. As Stuart describes there are large complex machines for which Gcode is the appropriate tool, and EMC works very well. However, I see application for the much simpler Interactive work. My example would be a 3 axis mill, om which I want to do a simple set of tasks like face off some stock, drill a bolt circle, then maybe mill a couple circular pockets around it. Yes, one could go to the CAD system, draw it all, then process it to Gcode, then load and run that. On Monday August 20 2007 8:31 am, Mike Cinquino wrote: What I have been playing with is using Gambas (a VB like language for linux) http://gambas.sourceforge.net/ to generate a .nc file. -- Hugh Currin Klamath Falls, OR USA - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Interactive machining
??? ? Permanent Common Variables that keep their values even when power is turned off Actually emc2 does have that, as a somehow hidden feature. If you put a parameter in your .var file, the interpreter will save the last value on shutdown, and reload it the next time emc2 runs. All the user has to do, is add the parameter he wants to the end of the var file. Regards, Alex - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Interactive machining
At 10:39 AM 8/20/2007, you wrote: I beg to differ. From the Language Features in that pdf. I see only 2 missing from emc2: - conversion functions (BCD to BIN, BIN to BCD) and - Printing of values to a serial port Additionally, I'm not sure what System Variables to read and write a variety of CNC data items and generate alarm messages means. Regards, Alex That page is not a comprehensive list of Macro B, look at the programmers manual for a Mit. or Fanuc control for more. The O word sub call gives an implementation much like a G65 call but there is no G66 equivalent. The work offset numbers are available in EMC but, how to access the tool table values in EMC? These move around a lot on different machines but are usually around #2000 or #1 depends on if you have type I or type II offsets. I do not believe EMC makes modal code status available to the macro code, normally starts at #4001 and #4201, I do know the list of modal codes on the display is not accurate with the running program. Machine position information. Preceding block endpoint, #5001,#5002, etc.. Current machine coordinate, #5021,#5022, etc.. Work coordinate, #5021,#5022, etc.. Skip coordinate, #5061,#5062, etc., these I think EMC may provide with the probe stuff. And tool position, #5081,#5082, etc., which is the work coordinate plus the current applied tool length offset. The system I/O bits, usually start at #1000, all inputs can be read and some can be written. And while EMC can do some of this the syntax is often very different making running a program written for a Fanuc on an EMC machine a challenge. Also gives part programmers one more reason not to like EMC based machines, which makes them less likely to get purchased in the first place. Now if the goal of EMC is hobby level stuff fine but I get the feeling it was intended for more. __ Andre' B. Clear Lake, Wi. - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Interactive machining
butting in here.. isn't this leaning towards robotics? You'd want to issue a command, like 'face end'. The control program then sends generated G-code and receives feedback to/from the lathe to find and measure the workpiece. It then selects a tool, speed, and faces it off until there's a clean surface. Just like you'd do. Wrong track? On 18/08/07, Ron Ginger [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: There are a couple threads here that I think could be tied together with a simple programming language linked into EMC. First the fiber winding, second the intelligent probing and third the macro programming of Gcode,. If some simple language, TCL? (or Visual Basic in the windows world) can issue basic machine movements then all these applications become rather simple. I dislike the term 'conversational' because that has come to mean some program that generates Gcode, which then runs as any other Gcode. I like programs that directly generate the movements from a simple language. I refer to it as Interactive machining. Mach has a VB option that can generate movement. It has been used to do a coil winding machine and several variations of probing and an interactive power feed. All that strange Gcode subroutines and parameters can be eliminated if the interactive program generates the movement on the fly. Instead of Gcode with subroutines, write a TCL program that lets the user enter the parameters, then it generates movement commands on the fly to run whatever movement is needed. Why do Gcode subroutines, just keep generating the movements as needed. I'm not sure I'm expressing this well, but does anyone see what I'm trying to do? ron ginger - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
[Emc-users] geneditStart in AXIS
Hi, How can i use genediStart (genedit.tcl) in AXIS? I want to edit a tooltable file like in tkemc (in menu tab) Thanks, J.J. - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Interactive machining
However, I see application for the much simpler Interactive work. My example would be a 3 axis mill, om which I want to do a simple set of tasks like face off some stock, drill a bolt circle, then maybe mill a couple circular pockets around it. Yes, one could go to the CAD system, draw it all, then process it to Gcode, then load and run that. Actually you can do it very well using python and the filterfeature of EMC...just write a GUI with tkinter to create what you need (like G-wiz) and write some code in python to generate the g-code and sent it to the output...it will be received from EMC2 and you will have your work ready to be machined. I've tried it and it's usefu (I've written a small GUI to create NURBS curves and send them to EMC2 for experimental purpose)l. I'm not very good at python yet...so my GUI surely sucks...but it does what I need for now, it will be improved when I've the time to improve my python skills. A very good example is the script holecircle.py by Jeff Epler, find about it at the end of this page (Program filters section): http://www.linuxcnc.org/docs/html/gui/axis/index.html the script is inlcuded in the official version of EMC2 if I remember well. Regards, Manfredi _ FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar - get it now! http://toolbar.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200415ave/direct/01/ - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Interactive machining
Greetings head_above_parapet From: Andre' Blanchard [EMAIL PROTECTED] At 10:39 AM 8/20/2007, you wrote: I beg to differ. snip The work offset numbers are available in EMC but, how to access the tool table values in EMC? These move around a lot on different machines but are usually around #2000 or #1 depends on if you have type I or type II offsets. snip Machine position information. Preceding block endpoint, #5001,#5002, etc.. Current machine coordinate, #5021,#5022, etc.. Work coordinate, #5021,#5022, etc.. snip And while EMC can do some of this the syntax is often very different making running a program written for a Fanuc on an EMC machine a challenge. Also gives part programmers one more reason not to like EMC based machines, which makes them less likely to get purchased in the first place. If one could make a control that would run code unaltered from a Fanuc then it might be useful. I suspect the truth is the best that is possible is to run code for a Fanuc xxE Rev d.q Option 3 and that is hard and has little general applicability. As soon as one conteplates modifying legacy programs full of # parameters one is doomed. Is anyone left of this list who literaly programmed a real program in binary/octal/hex machine code without the benefit of a symbolic assembler? The nearest I came was keying the standard PDP8 boot loader. I submit one should not contemplate extension of the # parameter mechanism. So what is needed? Probably many things are useful but I suggest two that are different in kind. (a) Interactive CAM. The distinguishing feature is that the result of using such a system is a G-code program or program fragment. There are plenty of exemplars both in commercial machines and PC controllers. In essence one defines the desired cut(s) by choosing from standard operations like pockets, facing, PCD circles, standard panel apertures etc. and/or teaching by recording jogs. Such a system have very little interaction with the control beyond being easy to initiate, have a neat way of loading the generated code and perhaps picking up DROs for teaching. The author of this type of program needs access to tools to implement a GUI for his/her users and the ability to write to a part program file. (b) Interactive machining. Here the distinguishing feature is that the thread of code run by the user actually controls the machine. This allows two things. Firstly the control flow of the user program depends not only on user input but on the machine state (e.g. the tripping of a probe, the input power to the spindle). Secondly it can take place whilst a G-code program is loaded - so is useful for tasks like semi-automatic stock preparation. The author of an Interactive program needs access to tools to present the GUI at the user side, the ability to issue commands to the machine (say in the form of G-code strings) and to read the current state of hardware and software (offset systems, modes, speeds etc). This is a tougher call. head_even_higher These interfaces feel to me to be much like interactive web page designs. Flash (and its support tools) seems to be a strong contender (very powerful graphics - static and dynamic, a form of object orientated programming, surprisingly efficient) although the Linux world seems currently rather deprived on implementation. /head_even_higher/head_above... John Prentice - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Foam cutting configuration
Ok, so i solved that first problem (i had actually forgotten to set axes to 4. Now I am getting this problem. Seems Axis may not handle 4 axes? Is there another front end I should be using? EMC2 - pre-2.2 CVS HEAD Machine configuration directory is '/home/rhulsker/emcsource/emc2-trunk/scripts/../configs/stepper' Machine configuration file is 'foam.ini' Starting EMC2... iocontrol: machine: 'EMC-HAL-STEP-MM' version '1.15' task: machine: 'EMC-HAL-STEP-MM' version '1.15' emcTrajSetAxes failing: axes=4 axismask=c3 bad return value from emcTrajSetAxes emcTrajSetAxes failing: axes=4 axismask=c3 bad return value from emcTrajSetAxes emcTrajSetAxes failing: axes=4 axismask=c3 bad return value from emcTrajSetAxes emcTrajSetAxes failing: axes=4 axismask=c3 bad return value from emcTrajSetAxes emcTrajSetAxes failing: axes=4 axismask=c3 bad return value from emcTrajSetAxes emcTrajSetAxes failing: axes=4 axismask=c3 bad return value from emcTrajSetAxes emcTrajSetAxes failing: axes=4 axismask=c3 bad return value from emcTrajSetAxes emcTrajSetAxes failing: axes=4 axismask=c3 bad return value from emcTrajSetAxes emcTrajSetAxes failing: axes=4 axismask=c3 bad return value from emcTrajSetAxes emcTrajSetAxes failing: axes=4 axismask=c3 bad return value from emcTrajSetAxes emc/task/emctaskmain.cc 2584: can't initialize motion And then I get the splash screen, but Axis never comes up. Ryan On Mon, 2007-08-20 at 13:00 -0600, Ryan Hulsker wrote: I completed building my 4 axis hotwire foam cutter this weekend and am trying to get EMC2 to work with it. I checked out emc2-head yesterday and managed to get it to compile (run in place) and it seems to run ok with the default stepper_mm configuration. So i decided to use this as a base to configure it for foam cutting, but I am getting some errors. Here is what I did. made a copy of stepper_mm.ini (foam.ini) changed foam.ini core_stepper.hal to core_foam_stepper.hal changed foam.ini standard_pinout.hal to foam_pinout.hal copied core_stepper.hal to core_foam_stepper.hal copied standard_pinout.hal to foam_pinout.hal in core_foam_stepper.hal changed loadrt stepgen step_type=0,0,0 to 0,0,0,0 changed all Z references to U added V axis as axis.3 and stepgen.3 etc in foam_pinout.hal changed all references to Z axis to U added Vstep as pin 9 and Vdir as pin 8 changed spindle out to pin 1 in the Traj section of foam.ini changed axes to 4 changed COORDINATES to X Y U V created [AXIS_3] section as a copy of [AXIS_2] When I run EMC get this error. But I am not sure what to do about it? HAL: ERROR: pin 'axis.3.motor-pos-cmd' not found HAL:31: link failed HAL config file ../configs/stepper/core_foam_stepper.hal failed. I assume i am supposed to be using a different kin/mot module or something but I can't figure it out. Any help would be appreciated. Ryan - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
[Emc-users] Foam cutting configuration
I completed building my 4 axis hotwire foam cutter this weekend and am trying to get EMC2 to work with it. I checked out emc2-head yesterday and managed to get it to compile (run in place) and it seems to run ok with the default stepper_mm configuration. So i decided to use this as a base to configure it for foam cutting, but I am getting some errors. Here is what I did. made a copy of stepper_mm.ini (foam.ini) changed foam.ini core_stepper.hal to core_foam_stepper.hal changed foam.ini standard_pinout.hal to foam_pinout.hal copied core_stepper.hal to core_foam_stepper.hal copied standard_pinout.hal to foam_pinout.hal in core_foam_stepper.hal changed loadrt stepgen step_type=0,0,0 to 0,0,0,0 changed all Z references to U added V axis as axis.3 and stepgen.3 etc in foam_pinout.hal changed all references to Z axis to U added Vstep as pin 9 and Vdir as pin 8 changed spindle out to pin 1 in the Traj section of foam.ini changed axes to 4 changed COORDINATES to X Y U V created [AXIS_3] section as a copy of [AXIS_2] When I run EMC get this error. But I am not sure what to do about it? HAL: ERROR: pin 'axis.3.motor-pos-cmd' not found HAL:31: link failed HAL config file ../configs/stepper/core_foam_stepper.hal failed. I assume i am supposed to be using a different kin/mot module or something but I can't figure it out. Any help would be appreciated. Ryan - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Interactive machining
Ray, Fanuc used the O word to be the program name or filename and one could be called and used by another. I could possibly find an example of the advanced capabilities of the Fanuc I used to run if you wish. Dale Ray Henry wrote: Yea he has! On Mon, 2007-08-20 at 09:36 -0400, Ron Ginger wrote: Jon, Ray, some others may recall Ive been beating this drum for years, starting back at NAMES several years ago with my Win 3.1 VB code to mimic the Acurite control. One of the things that often happens in these parts is that some folk are much more comfortable with software programming with it's loops and jumps and fancy maths and find g-code to be awkward. I don't have a problem with that and supported the O word as an extension to the interpreter even though there was no precedent/equivalent in the world of g-code. Someone mentioned that conversational front ends tend to produce g-code programs to run. This is not true of Mazatrol. There are abilities in Mazatrol that are not available in g-code. This leads me to think that Mazak uses two different interpreters. I don't see this as at all bad. We also have two interpreters. What I do find disturbing is the attempt to bypass the interpreter entirely. My thoughts here will be old hat to many readers. I'm really bothered by some scripting language telling to machine to go to x3000m without testing that command to the limits of the device as recorded in a configuration file somewhere. At the same time there is no regular error feedback to tell the operator to f*6k off. When we get around to writing this graphical interpreter and making it a part of the code we release, let's make certain it conforms to the same sort of error checking our existing interpreters use -- or better yet just make it use canterp. Ray - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Foam cutting configuration
[TRAJ]AXES should probably be set to 8. Here's the explanation from the documentation: One more than the number of the highest joint number in the system. For an XYZ machine, the joints are numbered 0, 1 and 2; in this case AXES should be 3. For an XYUV machine using ``trivial kinematics'', the V joint is numbered 8 and therefore AXES should be 9. For a machine with nontrivial kinematics (e.g., scarakins) this will generally be the number of controlled joints. http://linuxcnc.org/docs/devel/html/config/ini_config/index.html#hue432 In the .hal files, the number of stepgen should be 4: loadrt stepgen step_type=0,0,0,0 and the correspondance between axis numbers, axis names, and stepgen numbers will be: Axis Name Axis # Stepgen # X 0 0 Y 1 1 U 6 2 V 7 3 Thanks for jumping in and trying out this new only sparsely documented feature. I hope we can help you get it working. Jeff - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Foam cutting configuration
On Mon, Aug 20, 2007 at 01:24:57PM -0600, Ryan Hulsker wrote: Ok, so i solved that first problem (i had actually forgotten to set axes to 4. Now I am getting this problem. http://linuxcnc.org/docs/devel/html/config/ini_config/index.html#SECTION00136000 - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Foam cutting configuration
On Mon, Aug 20, 2007 at 02:59:39PM -0500, Jeff Epler wrote: [TRAJ]AXES should probably be set to 8. Here's the explanation from the documentation: One more than the number of the highest joint number in the system. For an XYZ machine, the joints are numbered 0, 1 and 2; in this case AXES should be 3. For an XYUV machine using ``trivial kinematics'', the V joint is numbered 8 and therefore AXES should be 9. For a machine with nontrivial kinematics (e.g., scarakins) this will generally be the number of controlled joints. http://linuxcnc.org/docs/devel/html/config/ini_config/index.html#hue432 Just as I was posting this, another developer noticed that the documentation was incorrect. The corrected text reads: the V joint is numbered 7 and therefore AXES should be 8. I think the rest of what I said in my message is correct. Jeff - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Foam cutting configuration
Ok, thanks for your help (Chris too), I seem to have it working now. In the ini file I have AXES = 8 COORDINATES = X Y U V HOME = 0 0 0 0 And [AXIS_6] and [AXIS_7] sections instead of the 2 and 3 I had before. And in my core_foam_stepper.hal I changed all refences to axis.[23] to axis.[67] etc. And of course I updated the references to the [AXIS_x] parts of the ini file to match the new settings. and I left all the stepgen.[23] references as they where. Axis now loads up and I can jog XYUV and they all work. (I am not at the machine at the moment but the front end seems to be doing the right thing). A question about feed rates. From the quick testing I have just done it looks like it always tries to apply the feed rate to the XY axes, and scales the feed rate for the UV to match so that they all reach their end point at the same time. Unless your feed rate at XY causes the UV to overrun the max, or any individual axis to overrun its max speed, then the XY is scaled down until UV are running at their max. Does this sound correct? Seems like the right thing to do to me. Just wanted to make sure that it is treating the XY and UV as two separate pairs from which to calculate 2 separate combined feed rates to apply the max. And I am assuming that the feed rate shown in the Axis display is always the feed rate for XY, and not some algorithmic combination of XY + UV or something. With any luck I will be cutting up some foam tonight. I need to hand code some g-code so that I can make a table of kerf width at different feed rates and wire temperatures. I am planning on cutting circles (cylinders) at different speeds, and then comparing the diameters to what the commanded diameters where. I am assuming that cutter compensation to handle a variable width kerf depending on feed rate, and applying it to 2 different sets of axes is not handled by standard g-code? So I am planning on incorporating it into my g-code generator. Ryan On Mon, 2007-08-20 at 15:01 -0500, Jeff Epler wrote: On Mon, Aug 20, 2007 at 02:59:39PM -0500, Jeff Epler wrote: [TRAJ]AXES should probably be set to 8. Here's the explanation from the documentation: One more than the number of the highest joint number in the system. For an XYZ machine, the joints are numbered 0, 1 and 2; in this case AXES should be 3. For an XYUV machine using ``trivial kinematics'', the V joint is numbered 8 and therefore AXES should be 9. For a machine with nontrivial kinematics (e.g., scarakins) this will generally be the number of controlled joints. http://linuxcnc.org/docs/devel/html/config/ini_config/index.html#hue432 Just as I was posting this, another developer noticed that the documentation was incorrect. The corrected text reads: the V joint is numbered 7 and therefore AXES should be 8. I think the rest of what I said in my message is correct. Jeff - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Emc-users Digest, Vol 16, Issue 46
hey all is there a set of files or instructions for those using EMC with a hobbycnc board? apparently this was discussed just prior to my joining the mailing list, but i couldnt find anything in the archives - Take the Internet to Go: Yahoo!Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos more. - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] interactive machining
I started programming NC machine using calculator paper and pencil, then typed it all out to tape on a flexowriter or simply used mdi ti input what I wanted the machine to do. There was no sense in punching a tape since it was a one time job. Punching tape was just one more step where an error could be introduced with a simple typo. I used CNC machines the same as you would use a manual machine. I view Gcode as electronic machine levers and handles where instead of running a manual machine by turning the handle I tell the machine where to position with a simple x-position y-position. The Gcode that every now and then somebody wants to replace with some other language is as simple as it gets. any language or scripting language is much more complicated than Gcode and I really don't care to learn another language! It should be very simple to use your favorite language to issue NML or HAL commands or queries without messing with the Gcode interpreter. If that's how you wnat to control your machine fine, do it. Just don't think for a minute that I should agree and start learning some scripting language! I know Gcode forward and backward, inside an out, and have absolutely no desire or reason to change to anything else. So if you know or have a favorite scripting language I suggest that you learn how to send EMC the appropriate NML and/or HAL commands and leave Gcode alone!!! BTW it's been a long time since I've used any punched tape but I was also able to read directly from the tape and interpret those hole patterns. There is no simpler way to command a machine tool. Dale Hugh Currin wrote: I've been casually following the scripting language thread. I don't fully understand the purpose, and have little experience, but with my limited knowledge I agree with Stuart. I would suggest EMC should strive to be the best machine controller possible. Currently this means, to me, it interprets standard G-code and moves axes according to these G-code commands. I start to become uncomfortable when the direction is to accept other commands and/or make extensions to standard G-code. I also think G-code is similar to assembly language. Ideally one should use a solid modeler to develop the part. Transfer this to a CAM package, probably using IGES. Develop the set-ups, tool paths, tooling, speeds/feeds, etc. in the CAM package. Export G-code from the CAM package using a post processor specific to the CNC machine and controller to be used. I also think that post processor should be very solid so you don't have to work in G-code. (It's nice to know G-code while standing at the machine, but to change code there can easily cause problems). For example such niceties as cutting splines should be in the realm of the CAM package until there are standard G-code commands for splines. Converting them to lines or circular arcs makes for very long G-code programs but who cares, we now have access to giga-bytes of hard disk storage. EMC accepting non-standard G-code commands for splines is not helpful, no CAM package could generate these non-standard codes. Maybe a simple processor is in order. A program which converts a scripting language into G-code? Or maybe I'm missing the point. If so I apologize for taking up bandwidth. Thanks. On Sunday August 19 2007 8:55 pm, Stuart Stevenson wrote: I don't understand the point needing/wanting to use a scripting language instead of G code. The part I don't understand is the 'instead' of. Symbolic control, usually called G CODE, can coexist with other symbolic machine control protocols. Other symbolic expressions can be used. .. I see the G code (or any other symbolic) language as assembly programming. The machine control/machine tool is the processor. The output is the part you hold in your hand. A post processor is a compiler. Catia, NCL Mastercam... is Python, C, TCL You can use any language you want to generate positions and commands. You then will need to post process it into a machine tool/control specific format. - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Interactive machining
Excellent post, John. John Prentice wrote: Greetings head_above_parapet From: Andre' Blanchard [EMAIL PROTECTED] At 10:39 AM 8/20/2007, you wrote: I beg to differ. snip The work offset numbers are available in EMC but, how to access the tool table values in EMC? These move around a lot on different machines but are usually around #2000 or #1 depends on if you have type I or type II offsets. snip Machine position information. Preceding block endpoint, #5001,#5002, etc.. Current machine coordinate, #5021,#5022, etc.. Work coordinate, #5021,#5022, etc.. snip And while EMC can do some of this the syntax is often very different making running a program written for a Fanuc on an EMC machine a challenge. Also gives part programmers one more reason not to like EMC based machines, which makes them less likely to get purchased in the first place. If one could make a control that would run code unaltered from a Fanuc then it might be useful. I suspect the truth is the best that is possible is to run code for a Fanuc xxE Rev d.q Option 3 and that is hard and has little general applicability. Additionally, it's impossible to make something that's compatible with *both* Fanuc *and* Haas, for example. So although users of a specific machine we might emulate will be happy, the users of the other 200 models/brands won't. As soon as one conteplates modifying legacy programs full of # parameters one is doomed. Is anyone left of this list who literaly programmed a real program in binary/octal/hex machine code without the benefit of a symbolic assembler? The nearest I came was keying the standard PDP8 boot loader. I submit one should not contemplate extension of the # parameter mechanism. I agree wholeheartedly. Unfortunately, it's often easier to make small changes to what's there than it is to design something new. So what is needed? Probably many things are useful but I suggest two that are different in kind. (a) Interactive CAM. The distinguishing feature is that the result of using such a system is a G-code program or program fragment. There are plenty of exemplars both in commercial machines and PC controllers. In essence one defines the desired cut(s) by choosing from standard operations like pockets, facing, PCD circles, standard panel apertures etc. and/or teaching by recording jogs. Such a system have very little interaction with the control beyond being easy to initiate, have a neat way of loading the generated code and perhaps picking up DROs for teaching. The author of this type of program needs access to tools to implement a GUI for his/her users and the ability to write to a part program file. (b) Interactive machining. Here the distinguishing feature is that the thread of code run by the user actually controls the machine. This allows two things. Firstly the control flow of the user program depends not only on user input but on the machine state (e.g. the tripping of a probe, the input power to the spindle). Secondly it can take place whilst a G-code program is loaded - so is useful for tasks like semi-automatic stock preparation. The author of an Interactive program needs access to tools to present the GUI at the user side, the ability to issue commands to the machine (say in the form of G-code strings) and to read the current state of hardware and software (offset systems, modes, speeds etc). This is a tougher call. There's a (c) as well: non-machining applications. EMC2 has at its core a very nice motion controller, and an excellent I/O interface layer. There are a number of ways of using motion and I/O that aren't related to machining: robotics, packaging, cell-to-cell part moving, etc. There are a number of generic motion controllers out there, some even have pluggable kinematics like EMC (so you can use a serial robot but specify waypoints in cartesian coordinates instead of joint positions). Most start at the $2000 range, and don't have a lot of I/O. They're programmed in various ways, but there's usually some scripting language (see Yaskawa's SMC4040 for an example of a script language I don't much like :) ) I can see EMC2 with a similar scripting language as a front end instead of the G-code interpreter. Ideally, I'd like to be able to have the motion controller capable of servicing multiple clients simultaneously, but that's a very radical design change. Note: I mean multiple clients, like a G-code interpreter that outputs commands for 4 axes, plus a robot controller that outputs commands for a separate two or 3 axes, each being able to do its thing without the other necessarily knowing about it. This is distinct from several user interfaces all controlling the same motion client: the G-code interpreter and its associated stack of protocols and processes. head_even_higher These interfaces feel to me to be much like interactive web page designs. Flash
Re: [Emc-users] Foam cutting configuration
On Mon, Aug 20, 2007 at 03:03:27PM -0600, Ryan Hulsker wrote: Ok, thanks for your help (Chris too), I seem to have it working now. Yay! I am excited to hear it. If you want to, create a page on our wiki (wiki.linuxcnc.org, follow instructions on page BasicSteps to be able to add edit pages) with some information photos when you have them. Other people have done this with their new or unusual types of machines: http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/emcinfo.pl?Alex_Joni's_Toy http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/emcinfo.pl?Koppi's_Toy A question about feed rates. From the quick testing I have just done it looks like it always tries to apply the feed rate to the XY axes, and scales the feed rate for the UV to match so that they all reach their end point at the same time. Unless your feed rate at XY causes the UV to overrun the max, or any individual axis to overrun its max speed, then the XY is scaled down until UV are running at their max. Does this sound correct? Seems like the right thing to do to me. Just wanted to make sure that it is treating the XY and UV as two separate pairs from which to calculate 2 separate combined feed rates to apply the max. The rules are a bit complex. Chris described them like this (I think some variation of this is in the documentation as well): If any of XYZ are moving, F is units per minute in the XYZ cartesian system, and all other axes (UVWABC) move so as to start and stop in a coordinated fashion. Otherwise: If any of UVW are moving, F is units per minute in the UVW cartesian system, and all other axes (ABC) move so as to start and stop in a coordinated fashion. Otherwise: The move is pure rotary motion and the F word is in rotary units instead of linear, in the ABC (pseudo)cartesian system, as originally described in NGC 2.1.2.5(B,C) : http://www.linuxcnc.org/handbook/RS274NGC_3/RS274NGC_32a.html#1010695 if emc violates a machine constraint (e.g., moves V at 2 units/second instead of the inifile max of 1 unit/second) it's a bug, please report it. Before emc 2.0.x, we did extensive testing in 4-axis XYZA setups to eliminate these bugs, but it would not be surprising to learn that there are some added by the 9 axis code. As far as writing gcode for XYUV goes, you may wish to consider G93 inverse time feed mode, where the F-number is the number of minutes the move should take to complete, and it is specified on each line with a G0 move. CAM software may have a more complete view of just how the cutter is moving through the foam, and expressing the desired feed rate in minutes per move may be better than in XY inches per minute if XY moves, or UV inches per minute otherwise. I am assuming that cutter compensation to handle a variable width kerf depending on feed rate, and applying it to 2 different sets of axes is not handled by standard g-code? So I am planning on incorporating it into my g-code generator. That's right, cutter compensation remains XY-only. Again, your CAM hopefully has a more complete idea just what is going on, and can apply appropriate offsets to X, Y, U and V. Jeff - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] EDM question from a noobie at it
Hi Gene, Paraffin oil aka lamp oil is pretty close to EDM dielectric. Using 70 -90 V for your DC supply and something on the order of 10 uf with a resistor in the 20-50 ohm range should get you an RC circuit that will be close. A bit if component substitution will get you to an acceptable combination. The electrode really doesn't have to rotate, just pick one a bit larger than the core of your tap; erode out the center and tip the outside pieces in. It works like a charm. The higher voltage will make the gap adjustment much less critical. HTH Dave On Aug 20, 2007, at 2:26 PM, Gene Heskett wrote: On Monday 20 August 2007, Jack Ensor wrote: Gene - I think that if you were to build a dam around the part with modeling clay and fill with kerosene might help speed things up. Keep in mind that kero is flammable so take care. Just my 2 cents worth - I've never done it. I'm using cutting oil, and I've got to get some modeling clay yet, tonight, long johns is calling right now... Also, more voltage, 25 is too critical. By the way, I submitted an article to Digital Machining describing my stepper motor resonance damper. Don't know when or if it gets published at this point. Yeah, I built some of those, they worked great! Thanks. My z can now go 37ipm both ways. -- Cheers, Gene There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order. -Ed Howdershelt (Author) All his life he has looked away... to the horizon, to the sky, to the future. Never his mind on where he was, on what he was doing. -- Yoda -- --- This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
[Emc-users] board election results
The voting has been closed and the results counted. The final tally is as follows: 63 Alex Joni 60 Chris Radek 58 John Kasunich 55 Jeff Epler 43 Stephen Wille Padnos 28 Sam Sokolik 25 Dan Falck The newly elected members of the board are, in order of total votes received Alex Joni Chris Radek John Kasunich Jeff Epler Stephen Wille Padnos Congratulations, everyone. Best Regards, Michael Cornelius - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] EDM
Gentlemen, I asked our EDM operator what parameters he would use with your setup to get the 6/32 tap out of the steel. He set it up in our LeBlond Makino EDNC 65. His recommendation is 30 volts DC, 1 amp and 10 rpm, dry with compressed air. The fluid, whether it is dielectric petroleum products or DI water is not for lubrication or cooling. It is to solidify and flush the evaporated metal away from the arc area. Air will do that just fine and better than a puddle of oil or water. You should probably try both polarities to see which is more effective for your setup. It will make a difference. He just didn't know which would work best. thanks Stuart - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] interactive machining
Gentlemen, The talk of head position reminds me. When I was a young teen my Dad told me he was going to take me to the doctor ot get a plexiglass plate installed in my stomach. This would allow me to see out when I had my head up my A$$. Several times I have wished he had had that installed. :) On a more relevant note, I would like to see a script to convert a Fanuc, Haas or other gcode format to EMC and back. This could also change the circle interpolation format, the drill cycle format, virtually any machine to any machine. NCCS, the producer of NCL, had one many years ago when NCL only ran on DEC computers running VMS. I have emailed them to see if they have ported that to unix/linux or windows and if they have is it possible to release it to the GPL. This was called, if you can believe it, MachineIN/MachineOUT. I know, it is a very cryptic name, but after a while you got used to it and didn't even have to think about it. :) You configured it yourself and had complete control of all parameters. thanks Stuart - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] EDM question from a noobie at it
On Monday 20 August 2007, Dave Engvall wrote: Hi Gene, Paraffin oil aka lamp oil is pretty close to EDM dielectric. How about fuel oil, as in what you'd feed one of those horizontal tank heaters? It seems as usable as anything else I've got 5 gallons of it getting old, cuz I fired it up in the shop one night several years ago and everything in the shop turned bright red with rust in about 15 minutes. I had no idea they put out that much steam/water vapor... Obviously never lit it again. Using 70 -90 V for your DC supply and something on the order of 10 uf with a resistor in the 20-50 ohm range should get you an RC circuit that will be close. A bit if component substitution will get you to an acceptable combination. With 25 volts, 10 uf, lets just say that progress has to be measured with a micrometer, daily. I managed about 0.110 deep today. The electrode really doesn't have to rotate, just pick one a bit larger than the core of your tap; erode out the center and tip the outside pieces in. It works like a charm. The higher voltage will make the gap adjustment much less critical. I'm looking for a suitable transformer right now. How about a pair of these at herbach? http://www.herbach.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PRODStore_Code=HARProduct_Code=TM95XFR2765Category_Code=XFR With the secondaries in series aiding, that ought to be enough, using one 50 ohm 200 watt limiter R. Also, tonight I found that if the electrode spins at approx 1k rpms, it seems to stir the oil a lot better it doesn't descend to a short circuit nearly so easily. I could got 30 to 40 thou on an oil change, with about half a cc trapped in the modeling clay dam, which the oil dissolved eventually. HTH Muchly, thanks. Dave -- Cheers, Gene There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order. -Ed Howdershelt (Author) Penn's aunts made great apple pies at low prices. No one else in town could compete with the pie rates of Penn's aunts. - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Foam cutting configuration
On Mon, Aug 20, 2007 at 03:03:27PM -0600, Ryan Hulsker wrote: A question about feed rates. From the quick testing I have just done it looks like it always tries to apply the feed rate to the XY axes, and scales the feed rate for the UV to match so that they all reach their end point at the same time. Unless your feed rate at XY causes the UV to overrun the max, or any individual axis to overrun its max speed, then the XY is scaled down until UV are running at their max. Does this sound correct? Seems like the right thing to do to me. Yes that's exactly right. The only part you left out is that if only UV moves, the feed rate is in the cartesian UV(W) space. And I am assuming that the feed rate shown in the Axis display is always the feed rate for XY, and not some algorithmic combination of XY + UV or something. Yes (except the case I stated above). With any luck I will be cutting up some foam tonight. I need to hand code some g-code so that I can make a table of kerf width at different feed rates and wire temperatures. I am planning on cutting circles (cylinders) at different speeds, and then comparing the diameters to what the commanded diameters where. I am assuming that cutter compensation to handle a variable width kerf depending on feed rate, and applying it to 2 different sets of axes is not handled by standard g-code? So I am planning on incorporating it into my g-code generator. You could use cutter compensation but it will probably not do what you want, as it will only adjust XY. About the generating software: if you have geometry that makes the feed rate awkward (like a tiny move in XY and large move in UV), don't forget inverse time feed mode. (It might be saner to use exclusively inverse time mode for foam cutting.) Please keep us updated about your progress with XYUV. (As far as I know, your foam machine is another milestone for EMC2.) Chris - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] EDM
On Monday 20 August 2007, Stuart Stevenson wrote: Gentlemen, I asked our EDM operator what parameters he would use with your setup to get the 6/32 tap out of the steel. He set it up in our LeBlond Makino EDNC 65. His recommendation is 30 volts DC, 1 amp and 10 rpm, dry with compressed air. Compressed air has a logistics problem, the holes are blind. What was he using for electrode material? ATM, 3/32 brazing rod, no wobble so its boring about a .094 hole if I don't make it wobble, and its looking as if I should put in about 5 thou. The original holes were .110. The fluid, whether it is dielectric petroleum products or DI water is not for lubrication or cooling. It is to solidify and flush the evaporated metal away from the arc area. Understood. In playing tonight with 25 volts probably 100 ma average, I found that spinning the electrode at around 1k rpms seemed to add enough agitation to the oil that I could use it all up and go about 30 thou before I had to vacuum it out and refresh it, with about 1/2 cc in a modeling clay dam around the hole. A 100 rpm spin would short in just a thou or two. Air will do that just fine and better than a puddle of oil or water. But how to get it to the bottom of the hole, which for one tap, may well be more than 3/4 deep, the hole was about done full depth of the tap when it broke. The one I'm working on first is maybe 3/8 deep, it broke on the first entry stroke. You should probably try both polarities to see which is more effective for your setup. It will make a difference. He just didn't know which would work best. ATM, the workpiece is positive, insulated by formica in the vise jaws. If I get a different supply rigged, more volts basically, it will be isolated and reversable. thanks Stuart Thank You! -- Cheers, Gene There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order. -Ed Howdershelt (Author) Nothing is ever a total loss; it can always serve as a bad example. - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
[Emc-users] m101 Turret Program
I made my first m101 program for my lathe today. I wrote a g-code file to test the turret setup: % m64p1(turn turret rotate solenoid on) g4p.2(wait 200ms) m64p2(turn turret stop solenoid on) g4p.2(wait 200ms for turret to slow to stop) m65p1(turn turret rotate solenoid off) g4p.2(wait 200ms for turret to descend and lock) m65p2(turn turret solenoid off) % This worked very well to rotate one tool position. The next step was to move this to m101. So I created an m101.ngc file containing: #!/bin/sh halcmd sets TurretRotate True sleep .2 halcmd sets TurretStop True sleep .2 halcmd sets TurretRotate False sleep .2 halcmd sets TurretRotate False exit 0 Then I removed the motion.digital-out-01,02 links from the io.hal file. This script also worked well, but I am concerned about the sleep function. It is a user space function and is susceptible to delays, which would not be good. Can anyone can suggest a realtime version of sleep? Next, I'll add the tool position feedback. I guess I will assemble the four input bits in the shell script to make a nibble. Then compare it to the requested position. Start the turret rotation and monitor the position feedback. When the turret position matches, I'll invoke the stop sequence, check the turret locked status bit and either exit or error. Is it typical to have a XZ position feature for the turret change, or is it assumed that the operator has insured that the turret will clear any obstruction? It seems that python would be good for this script. I started studying this link: http://docs.python.org/tut/tut.html I don't know nearly enough to use it for this script,but maybe the next one. Kirk Wallace - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] EDM
Gene Heskett wrote: Understood. In playing tonight with 25 volts probably 100 ma average, I found that spinning the electrode at around 1k rpms seemed to add enough agitation to the oil that I could use it all up and go about 30 thou before I had to vacuum it out and refresh it, with about 1/2 cc in a modeling clay dam around the hole. A 100 rpm spin would short in just a thou or two. That is way too low a current for any serious metal removal. You want at least an amp, and it will still be really slow. You need an insanely fine feed. I have .25 per encoder count on the Z axis of my mill, so I could get a pretty slow feed, about .0001 every second. It still took all evening to burn out one tap. I think with a hollow electrode with a drip feed scheme through the electrode it would go a lot faster. The alum-tap is a really light fluid, maybe just a little higher viscosity that water. It worked MUCH better than #20 oil, which I also tried. Try a couple different fluids to see what works best, it makes a big difference. Jon - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] EDM
Gentlemen, We cheat. The edm uses through the spindle/tool flushing and dielectric oil. The electrode is a copper tube. The tube is not completely hollow. The tube has a web in the center of it. This allows it to remove the whole plug instead of leaving a core. You will have the same flushing problem with oil, water or air. I think you will probably get more agitation and flow with air. They all serve the same purpose. Use whatever you have and whatever works the best for you. thanks Stuart - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
[Emc-users] voting
Gentlemen, Who votes? thanks Stuart - This SF.net email is sponsored by: Splunk Inc. Still grepping through log files to find problems? Stop. Now Search log events and configuration files using AJAX and a browser. Download your FREE copy of Splunk now http://get.splunk.com/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
