[Emc-users] Multiple external Estop switches
Thanks to Andy's pointing in the right direction I was able to combine the pendant and joypad files and make the mux 4 changes so that both of them work. Thanks Andy! Next question - the pendant has an external estop switch that I'd like to activate. The current working estop is on the control box and is hooked in through pin 10 on parallel port 0. Works fine, lasts a long time. The pendant estop switch is hooked in through pin 15 on parallel port two. I've tried a number of different things - different variable names, but it seems the iocontrol.0.whatever can only work on that 0 bit. How does one program in two different external estops, on different parallel ports and get them both recognized through the hal files? If I change the estop pin in from pport 0 pin 10 to pport 1 pin 15 the pendant estop works, and vice versa for the control box estop, so I know I have two working switches. Thanks, Mark -- Start uncovering the many advantages of virtual appliances and start using them to simplify application deployment and accelerate your shift to cloud computing. http://p.sf.net/sfu/novell-sfdev2dev ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Multiple external Estop switches
I would strongly recommend that your Estops directly shut down the machine. Even if the computer crashes, Estop should still work. If the machine starts removing parts of your anatomy you want to know that Estop WILL shut it down no matter what else happens. To run multiple switches, the best bet is to use normally closed switches and run them in series. If any one switch breaks the circuit the machine stops. Les On 21/09/10 10:23, Mark Wendt wrote: external estop switch that I'd like to activate. The current working estop is on the control box and is hooked in through pin 10 on parallel port 0. Works fine, lasts a long time. The pendant estop switch is hooked in through pin 15 on parallel port two. I've tried a number of different things - different variable names, but it seems the -- Start uncovering the many advantages of virtual appliances and start using them to simplify application deployment and accelerate your shift to cloud computing. http://p.sf.net/sfu/novell-sfdev2dev ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Multiple external Estop switches
On 21 September 2010 10:23, Mark Wendt mark.we...@nrl.navy.mil wrote: If I change the estop pin in from pport 0 pin 10 to pport 1 pin 15 the pendant estop works, and vice versa for the control box estop, so I know I have two working switches. Use the or2 function? loadrt or2 count=1 addf or2.0 net es1 pport.0.pin-10-in = or2.0.in0 net es2 pport.1.pin-15-in = or2.0.in1 net es3 or2.0.out = iocontrol.0.estop-in (Something like that, I am guessing the pin names) However, handling E-stop in software is usually not the best of plans, you might want to consider looping the main breaker coil current through both switches in series as a hardware alternative. (Though I accept that a bamboo splitting machine might not be the most dangerous of machines, and you can afford a slightly less robust E-stop chain than on, for example, an ED-209. -- atp -- Start uncovering the many advantages of virtual appliances and start using them to simplify application deployment and accelerate your shift to cloud computing. http://p.sf.net/sfu/novell-sfdev2dev ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] (no subject)
Cutting to the chase in our conversation about Don Stanley's old motherboard and graphics card... In summary; I believe my old video cards can be propped up to have passable latency for now. I also believe I will have the same problem again when I need to update ubuntu and/or EMC2. To avid this prolonged agony I would like to install simple Video cards that do the job for the foreseeable future With EMC2 and my processors. Anyone who could make an informing suggestion for such a card; my heartfelt Thanks Don. Don: Were I in your situation with your goal of the foreseeable future, I would go the whole hog and replace both motherboard and graphics card. The integrated motherboards we've been discussing recently, such as the Intel D510MO, cost less than $100 and just need a memory stick to get going. To be sure, they are dramatically smaller and will require some cleverness if you wish to recycle your existing case and probably will need an adapter harness to mate to an existing older power supply. If this is too drastic a step, then you should be able to pick up a new graphics card for $50 to $100 retail. For example, in my area, we have a local computer store that has quite a selection of older PCI and PCI-e graphics cards for ca $50 and up. I'd pick a cheap one in the ATI Radeon family to avoid potential nVidia driver issues (although these don't seem to be much trouble these days; see the posted latency test results) and ask for return privilege in case it didn't work out. I have to run. I'll answer your question about changing Linux boot parameters later if no one else beats me to it. Regards, Kent -- Start uncovering the many advantages of virtual appliances and start using them to simplify application deployment and accelerate your shift to cloud computing. http://p.sf.net/sfu/novell-sfdev2dev ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
[Emc-users] PCB engraver, spindle solenoid
I'm fixing up an IBC BoardMaker , a 22 x 22 PCB engraver. So far I've replaced the Y axis with a McMaster-Carr 5/8 ball screw nut, which had been a proprietary-threaded rod with self-adjusting anti-backlash (plastic) nut that self-destructed, and replaced the stepper drivers with Gecko G251's. The machine uses a solenoid to move the spindle down until a wear-button hits the PCB, thus establishing the cutter height. Spring return. My question is about the solenoid drive. There are two identical circuits--both are logic-level in (from a db-25 parallel port) driving a relay that supplies +45V to the solenoid (i.e., they are in parallel), though one has a 5W 40 ohm resistor in series. (The solenoid is not identified, but has 70 ohm resistance.) This sounds to me like a way of driving the solenoid hard to move the spindle down, then holding it with reduced current. This is often done with a (big) cap across the current-limiting resistor. The solenoid doesn't move all the way down with just the hold current. I don't have the original control software, so don't know what the original software control signals look like. (IBC seems long gone, but may have had connections in the past with LPKF.) Does anyone have specific knowledge about what they intended as drive signals? I was tempted to replace the two circuits with just one, with an adjustable one-shot to drive the solenoid full, then a gated PWM to provide the holding current. (And replace those relays with a MOSFET.) But then I wondered if drilling or milling required a different set of timing than straight engraving? (In particular, I was imagining breaking a lot of 0.020 drill bits by driving full speed into the board.) Any ideas? Thanks. --Dale -- Start uncovering the many advantages of virtual appliances and start using them to simplify application deployment and accelerate your shift to cloud computing. http://p.sf.net/sfu/novell-sfdev2dev ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] PCB engraver, spindle solenoid
Dale, Do you have any pictures of the solenoid available? I'm curious about how this can be used for a Z-axis. It sounds interesting. Jim -Original Message- From: Dale Grover [mailto:dgro...@redcedar.com] Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:58 AM To: EMC User List Subject: [Emc-users] PCB engraver, spindle solenoid I'm fixing up an IBC BoardMaker , a 22 x 22 PCB engraver. So far I've replaced the Y axis with a McMaster-Carr 5/8 ball screw nut, which had been a proprietary-threaded rod with self-adjusting anti-backlash (plastic) nut that self-destructed, and replaced the stepper drivers with Gecko G251's. The machine uses a solenoid to move the spindle down until a wear-button hits the PCB, thus establishing the cutter height. Spring return. My question is about the solenoid drive. There are two identical circuits--both are logic-level in (from a db-25 parallel port) driving a relay that supplies +45V to the solenoid (i.e., they are in parallel), though one has a 5W 40 ohm resistor in series. (The solenoid is not identified, but has 70 ohm resistance.) This sounds to me like a way of driving the solenoid hard to move the spindle down, then holding it with reduced current. This is often done with a (big) cap across the current-limiting resistor. The solenoid doesn't move all the way down with just the hold current. I don't have the original control software, so don't know what the original software control signals look like. (IBC seems long gone, but may have had connections in the past with LPKF.) Does anyone have specific knowledge about what they intended as drive signals? I was tempted to replace the two circuits with just one, with an adjustable one-shot to drive the solenoid full, then a gated PWM to provide the holding current. (And replace those relays with a MOSFET.) But then I wondered if drilling or milling required a different set of timing than straight engraving? (In particular, I was imagining breaking a lot of 0.020 drill bits by driving full speed into the board.) Any ideas? Thanks. --Dale -- Start uncovering the many advantages of virtual appliances and start using them to simplify application deployment and accelerate your shift to cloud computing. http://p.sf.net/sfu/novell-sfdev2dev ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users This communication is for the use of the intended recipient only. It may contain information that is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, the disclosure, copying, distribution or use hereof is prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please advise me by return e-mail or by telephone and then delete it immediately. -- Start uncovering the many advantages of virtual appliances and start using them to simplify application deployment and accelerate your shift to cloud computing. http://p.sf.net/sfu/novell-sfdev2dev ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] PCB engraver, spindle solenoid
On 21 September 2010 16:58, Dale Grover dgro...@redcedar.com wrote: Does anyone have specific knowledge about what they intended as drive signals? I was tempted to replace the two circuits with just one, with an adjustable one-shot to drive the solenoid full, then a gated PWM to provide the holding current. (And replace those relays with a MOSFET.) But then I wondered if drilling or milling required a different set of timing than straight engraving? PWM sounds like a better way to go. In theory you could then connect the PWM to the Z-position-cmd in HAL. G0 Z1 would be full-power into the solenoid, G0 Z0.5 half-power, and G1 Z0.5 F20 (or similar) would be a slowly ramping PWM suitable for gently pushing a drill bit. Setting Z-axis max velocity would determine how long a G0Z0 took to complete, you could then follow each with a G0Z0.5 to apply the holding current. -- atp -- Start uncovering the many advantages of virtual appliances and start using them to simplify application deployment and accelerate your shift to cloud computing. http://p.sf.net/sfu/novell-sfdev2dev ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] PCB engraver, spindle solenoid
Dale Grover wrote: I'm fixing up an IBC BoardMaker , a 22 x 22 PCB engraver. So far I've replaced the Y axis with a McMaster-Carr 5/8 ball screw nut, which had been a proprietary-threaded rod with self-adjusting anti-backlash (plastic) nut that self-destructed, and replaced the stepper drivers with Gecko G251's. The glass-fiber dust may also destroy the ballnut unless you find a way to shield it. The machine uses a solenoid to move the spindle down until a wear-button hits the PCB, thus establishing the cutter height. Spring return. My question is about the solenoid drive. There are two identical circuits--both are logic-level in (from a db-25 parallel port) driving a relay that supplies +45V to the solenoid (i.e., they are in parallel), though one has a 5W 40 ohm resistor in series. (The solenoid is not identified, but has 70 ohm resistance.) This sounds to me like a way of driving the solenoid hard to move the spindle down, then holding it with reduced current. Yes, I'm pretty sure that is what they are doing. What a totally primitive way of doing it, though! Relays! This is often done with a (big) cap across the current-limiting resistor. The solenoid doesn't move all the way down with just the hold current. I don't have the original control software, so don't know what the original software control signals look like. (IBC seems long gone, but may have had connections in the past with LPKF.) Undoubtedly, they turn both relays on at first, then turn off the direct supply relay after a short time. My personal preference would be to rip the ghastly mess out, and make up a simple circuit with 2 power MOSFETs and a 555 timer. When the single down command comes from the computer, both transistors are turned on, and after a short and adjustable delay, the direct MOSFET is shut off by the 555. Slight problem is the 555 output will go high when the timer is triggered, so the output is opposite of what you want. You might be able to rig the other side of a 556 as an inverter. Does anyone have specific knowledge about what they intended as drive signals? I was tempted to replace the two circuits with just one, with an adjustable one-shot to drive the solenoid full, then a gated PWM to provide the holding current. (And replace those relays with a MOSFET.) Yes, this is an even more elegant solution. Best would be to have a current sense resistor and a comparator, and have the PWM controlled by solenoid current. It might need a little RC circuit to boost the controlled current for an instant at turn-on to pull in the solenoid. But then I wondered if drilling or milling required a different set of timing than straight engraving? (In particular, I was imagining breaking a lot of 0.020 drill bits by driving full speed into the board.) Umm, yeah, I think if you want to do drilling, too, then you should toss the solenoid and install a Z axis motor. You can plunge pretty fast with a .020 drill at 50,000+ RPM, but you'd still a dashpot or something to control the plunge rate. It is possible the solenoid has a copper sleeve that acts as a single massive shorted turn to control the plunge rate, a magnetic dashpot. Anyway, you use different plunge rates for different drill sizes. I actually had a calculation in a program that converted Excellon drill files to G-code. Here's the line from that Pascal program (that kind of dates it, doesn't it?) ToolFeed := (ToolDiam/15.0) * RPM; So, for a .020 drill and 24000 RPM, that would be (.02 / 15) * 24000 = 32 IPM. Jon -- Start uncovering the many advantages of virtual appliances and start using them to simplify application deployment and accelerate your shift to cloud computing. http://p.sf.net/sfu/novell-sfdev2dev ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Additional Info: Which are the required files to enter code: Looping: do, while, endwhile, break, continue M100 M199
Howard Bruce wrote: Hi All, I need to advance the A Axis in a while loop and when a photo cell changes state, then advance to a predetermine position. Assuming you connect your photo cell to motion.digital-in0 input, you can do what you need with the following code. The while loop will loop until the cell is masked by your A axis, so input goes low. For each pass in the loop, A position increment of 0.1 unit. After the loop exits, A goes to the detected position +5 units. G0 A0 (go to your part home at full speed) G91(switch to incremental mode) F100 (sets the feed rate) M66 P0 L0 (loads value of motion.digital-in0 to #5399) O101 while [#5399 EQ 1] (will loop until the input goes low) G1 A0.1 (increment A position by +0.1 because of G91 incremental mode) M66 P0 L0 (loads the input again for the next loop) O101 endwhile G1 A5 (go to detected pos + 5) G90(switch back to absolute mode) G1 A0 (retract A to 0) G53 G0 A0 (retract A to machine home at full speed) -- Start uncovering the many advantages of virtual appliances and start using them to simplify application deployment and accelerate your shift to cloud computing. http://p.sf.net/sfu/novell-sfdev2dev ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] PCB engraver, spindle solenoid
Here's a picture of the front: http://www.redcedar.com/misc/IBC_BM.jpg The brass cylindrical object is the solenoid; it pushes down right where that green button is. To the right is the spindle motor. Just to the right of the cutter is the foot with a wear button on the bottom; this depth is adjusted via the knurled nut. The cutter is secured in the collet with a set screw (1/8 dia cutters). The spindle motor, foot, and cutter all move up and down on two 1/2 or so steel rods with linear bearings. In this photo, the top surface of the machine has been removed, so you can see the 5/8 ball screw below. --dg At 12:23 PM -0500 9/21/10, James Louis wrote: Dale, Do you have any pictures of the solenoid available? I'm curious about how this can be used for a Z-axis. It sounds interesting. Jim -Original Message- From: Dale Grover [mailto:dgro...@redcedar.com] Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:58 AM To: EMC User List Subject: [Emc-users] PCB engraver, spindle solenoid I'm fixing up an IBC BoardMaker , a 22 x 22 PCB engraver. So far I've replaced the Y axis with a McMaster-Carr 5/8 ball screw nut, which had been a proprietary-threaded rod with self-adjusting anti-backlash (plastic) nut that self-destructed, and replaced the stepper drivers with Gecko G251's. The machine uses a solenoid to move the spindle down until a wear-button hits the PCB, thus establishing the cutter height. Spring return. My question is about the solenoid drive. There are two identical circuits--both are logic-level in (from a db-25 parallel port) driving a relay that supplies +45V to the solenoid (i.e., they are in parallel), though one has a 5W 40 ohm resistor in series. (The solenoid is not identified, but has 70 ohm resistance.) This sounds to me like a way of driving the solenoid hard to move the spindle down, then holding it with reduced current. This is often done with a (big) cap across the current-limiting resistor. The solenoid doesn't move all the way down with just the hold current. I don't have the original control software, so don't know what the original software control signals look like. (IBC seems long gone, but may have had connections in the past with LPKF.) Does anyone have specific knowledge about what they intended as drive signals? I was tempted to replace the two circuits with just one, with an adjustable one-shot to drive the solenoid full, then a gated PWM to provide the holding current. (And replace those relays with a MOSFET.) But then I wondered if drilling or milling required a different set of timing than straight engraving? (In particular, I was imagining breaking a lot of 0.020 drill bits by driving full speed into the board.) Any ideas? Thanks. --Dale -- Start uncovering the many advantages of virtual appliances and start using them to simplify application deployment and accelerate your shift to cloud computing. http://p.sf.net/sfu/novell-sfdev2dev ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users This communication is for the use of the intended recipient only. It may contain information that is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, the disclosure, copying, distribution or use hereof is prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please advise me by return e-mail or by telephone and then delete it immediately. -- Start uncovering the many advantages of virtual appliances and start using them to simplify application deployment and accelerate your shift to cloud computing. http://p.sf.net/sfu/novell-sfdev2dev ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users -- Start uncovering the many advantages of virtual appliances and start using them to simplify application deployment and accelerate your shift to cloud computing. http://p.sf.net/sfu/novell-sfdev2dev ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] PCB engraver, spindle solenoid
That looks very inventive on IBC's part. I would have to agree with Jon, however, in gutting the electronics because it looks like a linear actuator might take the place of the solenoid. The type like a hollow stepper motor with a moving leadscrew (http://www.haydonkerk.com) could be your new Z-axis with one more Geckodrive. Just a thought. jim -Original Message- From: Dale Grover [mailto:dgro...@redcedar.com] Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 2010 1:42 PM To: Enhanced Machine Controller (EMC) Subject: Re: [Emc-users] PCB engraver, spindle solenoid Here's a picture of the front: http://www.redcedar.com/misc/IBC_BM.jpg The brass cylindrical object is the solenoid; it pushes down right where that green button is. To the right is the spindle motor. Just to the right of the cutter is the foot with a wear button on the bottom; this depth is adjusted via the knurled nut. The cutter is secured in the collet with a set screw (1/8 dia cutters). The spindle motor, foot, and cutter all move up and down on two 1/2 or so steel rods with linear bearings. In this photo, the top surface of the machine has been removed, so you can see the 5/8 ball screw below. --dg At 12:23 PM -0500 9/21/10, James Louis wrote: Dale, Do you have any pictures of the solenoid available? I'm curious about how this can be used for a Z-axis. It sounds interesting. Jim -Original Message- From: Dale Grover [mailto:dgro...@redcedar.com] Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:58 AM To: EMC User List Subject: [Emc-users] PCB engraver, spindle solenoid I'm fixing up an IBC BoardMaker , a 22 x 22 PCB engraver. So far I've replaced the Y axis with a McMaster-Carr 5/8 ball screw nut, which had been a proprietary-threaded rod with self-adjusting anti-backlash (plastic) nut that self-destructed, and replaced the stepper drivers with Gecko G251's. The machine uses a solenoid to move the spindle down until a wear-button hits the PCB, thus establishing the cutter height. Spring return. My question is about the solenoid drive. There are two identical circuits--both are logic-level in (from a db-25 parallel port) driving a relay that supplies +45V to the solenoid (i.e., they are in parallel), though one has a 5W 40 ohm resistor in series. (The solenoid is not identified, but has 70 ohm resistance.) This sounds to me like a way of driving the solenoid hard to move the spindle down, then holding it with reduced current. This is often done with a (big) cap across the current-limiting resistor. The solenoid doesn't move all the way down with just the hold current. I don't have the original control software, so don't know what the original software control signals look like. (IBC seems long gone, but may have had connections in the past with LPKF.) Does anyone have specific knowledge about what they intended as drive signals? I was tempted to replace the two circuits with just one, with an adjustable one-shot to drive the solenoid full, then a gated PWM to provide the holding current. (And replace those relays with a MOSFET.) But then I wondered if drilling or milling required a different set of timing than straight engraving? (In particular, I was imagining breaking a lot of 0.020 drill bits by driving full speed into the board.) Any ideas? Thanks. --Dale -- Start uncovering the many advantages of virtual appliances and start using them to simplify application deployment and accelerate your shift to cloud computing. http://p.sf.net/sfu/novell-sfdev2dev ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users This communication is for the use of the intended recipient only. It may contain information that is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, the disclosure, copying, distribution or use hereof is prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please advise me by return e-mail or by telephone and then delete it immediately. -- Start uncovering the many advantages of virtual appliances and start using them to simplify application deployment and accelerate your shift to cloud computing. http://p.sf.net/sfu/novell-sfdev2dev ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users -- Start uncovering the many advantages of virtual appliances and start using them to simplify application deployment and accelerate your shift to cloud computing. http://p.sf.net/sfu/novell-sfdev2dev ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net
[Emc-users] Automatic Z-axis touchoff ?
My small 3-axis mill is equipped with separate homeswitches on all 3 axes and a switch for measuring tool length. All switches is active in open state. (Open switch = true signal) Now I would like to have automatic Z-axis touchoff using the last input pin on my lpt-port and a touch plate but this will give an active state with a closed circuit. What signal and what G-code can I use for the z-axis touchoff ? Ideas please. /Niels -- Start uncovering the many advantages of virtual appliances and start using them to simplify application deployment and accelerate your shift to cloud computing. http://p.sf.net/sfu/novell-sfdev2dev ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Inv-Tetrapod-Volley. (it was: Free Form Motion)
The NIST project 'robocrane' may be of interest ( sorta kinda like the volleyball idea ) simulation and control of a suspended platform http://www.nist.gov/customcf/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=820606 modelling http://www.nist.gov/customcf/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=820604 especially the ATEC framework regards tomp On Fri, Sep 17, 2010 at 11:48 AM, Spiderdab 77...@tiscali.it wrote: Il 17/09/2010 03:16, BRIAN GLACKIN ha scritto: Can you describe the motion of your fourth axis? Linear or radial? If linear, what axis is it parallel to? Ir radial, what axis is its center of rotation parallel to? Brian Brian, any axis is parallel to nothing. they are four linear joints. imagine a pyramid upside-down. the diagonal edges are my wires (joints). -- Start uncovering the many advantages of virtual appliances and start using them to simplify application deployment and accelerate your shift to cloud computing. http://p.sf.net/sfu/novell-sfdev2dev ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users -- Start uncovering the many advantages of virtual appliances and start using them to simplify application deployment and accelerate your shift to cloud computing. http://p.sf.net/sfu/novell-sfdev2dev ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] PCB engraver, spindle solenoid
My inclination is to try to get this working without replacing the z axis. I like the depth adjustment, since it eliminates a major headache with engraving PCBs, and the current (as it were) arrangement (two distinct drive levels) was functional at some point. I've started looking into what options I would have to process G-code Z moves into various PWM or multiple signals--delving into the integrator's manual again. Many thanks for the ideas and cautions. --Dale At 6:27 PM +0100 9/21/10, Andy Pugh wrote: On 21 September 2010 16:58, Dale Grover dgro...@redcedar.com wrote: Does anyone have specific knowledge about what they intended as drive signals? I was tempted to replace the two circuits with just one, with an adjustable one-shot to drive the solenoid full, then a gated PWM to provide the holding current. (And replace those relays with a MOSFET.) But then I wondered if drilling or milling required a different set of timing than straight engraving? PWM sounds like a better way to go. In theory you could then connect the PWM to the Z-position-cmd in HAL. G0 Z1 would be full-power into the solenoid, G0 Z0.5 half-power, and G1 Z0.5 F20 (or similar) would be a slowly ramping PWM suitable for gently pushing a drill bit. Setting Z-axis max velocity would determine how long a G0Z0 took to complete, you could then follow each with a G0Z0.5 to apply the holding current. -- atp -- Start uncovering the many advantages of virtual appliances and start using them to simplify application deployment and accelerate your shift to cloud computing. http://p.sf.net/sfu/novell-sfdev2dev ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users -- Start uncovering the many advantages of virtual appliances and start using them to simplify application deployment and accelerate your shift to cloud computing. http://p.sf.net/sfu/novell-sfdev2dev ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] (no subject)
On Tue, Sep 21, 2010 at 7:31 AM, Kent A. Reed knbr...@erols.com wrote: Cutting to the chase in our conversation about Don Stanley's old motherboard and graphics card... In summary; I believe my old video cards can be propped up to have passable latency for now. I also believe I will have the same problem again when I need to update ubuntu and/or EMC2. To avid this prolonged agony I would like to install simple Video cards that do the job for the foreseeable future With EMC2 and my processors. Anyone who could make an informing suggestion for such a card; my heartfelt Thanks Don. Don: Were I in your situation with your goal of the foreseeable future, I would go the whole hog and replace both motherboard and graphics card. The integrated motherboards we've been discussing recently, such as the Intel D510MO, cost less than $100 and just need a memory stick to get going. To be sure, they are dramatically smaller and will require some cleverness if you wish to recycle your existing case and probably will need an adapter harness to mate to an existing older power supply. I was grudgingly coming to the same conclusion. I did some comparisons today. I could not believe the fastest computers in the shop with minimum graphics (the AMD Atahlon 64 4000+ we have trying to fix) only performs slightly better than a Pentium IV 400MHZ running EMC2. I think the Intel D510MO is the way to go. Now my big task is to determine cables and adaptors needed for compatibility with my four year old case power supply, IDE disk drive, printer port, etc. This is going to be an extra effort for me living on the back side of the moon in the Appalachian mountains where the nearest computer store isn't, and all this has to be done on the Internet. If Anyone has a list of things needed it would be a life extender for me. Also if anyone has a favorite online store for these items I could work and live even longer. I have to run. I'll answer your question about changing Linux boot parameters later if no one else beats me to it. I think found the starting place. While testing some slower computers I saw the grub message long enough to recognize the way in. Regards, Kent To all who helped; I really appreciate the effort to get the old computers working. I was slow to believe a computer that did so will on M$ Windows 2000 PRO and the other CNC package could do so miserable with the super EMC2. Another weird huh. Thanks again Don -- Start uncovering the many advantages of virtual appliances and start using them to simplify application deployment and accelerate your shift to cloud computing. http://p.sf.net/sfu/novell-sfdev2dev ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users -- Start uncovering the many advantages of virtual appliances and start using them to simplify application deployment and accelerate your shift to cloud computing. http://p.sf.net/sfu/novell-sfdev2dev ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
