Re: [Emc-users] Yaskawa Sevo Drives?

2012-07-12 Thread James Louis
My CNC Mill uses Yaskawa analog input servo drives with Pico Systems PPMC. You need to use a PI/P (not PID) cascaded control scheme. There are articles in Digital Machinist magazine that describe the entire build, but Part Three is most relevant to your concern. It also has a full schematic:

Re: [Emc-users] OT: Chinese servo motor

2012-04-20 Thread James Louis
Leonardo, I have had good luck buying new and used Yaskawa servos from eBay. Jim - Original Message - From: Leonardo Marsaglia To: Enhanced Machine Controller (EMC) Sent: Fri Apr 20 15:08:32 2012 Subject: [Emc-users] OT: Chinese servo motor Hello everybody, This is not a pure LinuxCNC

Re: [Emc-users] machine shop advice

2012-04-16 Thread James Louis
Erik, A few years ago I used e-machine shop. Their CAD software, which you must download and install, was very basic. It worked well and the CNC machining was reasonably priced. The whole process is transparent down to your cost and ship date before you even purchase your part(s). You can b

Re: [Emc-users] Tool change question

2012-03-06 Thread James Louis
Tony, On my Sherline I like to use endmill holders, as opposed to collets, so I can measure all of my tool lengths away from the machine. Then I use a dial indicator as a master tool. Mine is 3.6000 inches long so when I set up my G54 work offset that is the number I enter into the pop up dia

Re: [Emc-users] Axis Scale not quite right. HELPP!!

2012-02-26 Thread James Louis
Joe, It's been a few years since I did scaling, but I remember using a formula in the integrator's manual. It took into account motor revolution, leadscrew pitch, etc. And resulted in very specific number (for each axis) to plug into the ini file. I then verified each axis move with a dial indic

Re: [Emc-users] Outrunners

2012-02-22 Thread James Louis
You might want to check out this site: http://www.logicnc.com/home.html They have a parallel port to rc servo converter so LinuxCNC can control an outrunner spindle speed. Cheers, Jim -Original Message- From: Erik Friesen [mailto:e...@aercon.net] Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2012 3:19

Re: [Emc-users] More control board questions

2012-02-21 Thread James Louis
a small circuit that provides noise filtering on the step/dir, and IO lines between the Granites and Mesa cards. As soon as I round up my notes on that I will add it. Tom On Feb 17, 2012, at 7:39 AM, James Louis wrote: > Again, a wiring diagram would be worth a thousand words . . . > >

Re: [Emc-users] Latency - was Re: Which video card/driver for LinuxCNC?

2012-02-21 Thread James Louis
Although this is off topic by now, I agree with Charles. A CNC machine should be just that, and have a reliable stand alone PC at its core. A coffee machine makes coffee, and a CNC cuts metal. The thing I love about LinuxCNC is that when paired with Pico or Mesa hardware it provides an afford

Re: [Emc-users] More control board questions

2012-02-17 Thread James Louis
Again, a wiring diagram would be worth a thousand words . . . - Original Message - From: Erik Friesen To: Enhanced Machine Controller (EMC) Sent: Fri Feb 17 06:24:17 2012 Subject: Re: [Emc-users] More control board questions What are they using for breakout boards? I don't see anything

Re: [Emc-users] More control board questions

2012-02-16 Thread James Louis
Feb 16 09:26:02 2012 Subject: Re: [Emc-users] More control board questions On Thu, 16 Feb 2012, James Louis wrote: > Date: Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:02:26 -0600 > From: James Louis > Reply-To: "Enhanced Machine Controller (EMC)" > > To: "emc-users@lists.sourceforge.n

Re: [Emc-users] More control board questions

2012-02-16 Thread James Louis
Are there any example wiring diagrams available for this "easy" closed loop stepper configuration? It sounds interesting. Jim - Original Message - From: Peter C. Wallace To: Enhanced Machine Controller (EMC) Sent: Thu Feb 16 08:42:33 2012 Subject: Re: [Emc-users] More control board ques

Re: [Emc-users] Is the Intel D510M0 Processor still a good choice for a new EMC2 application?

2012-02-08 Thread James Louis
Oops...sorry. I didn't realize the D510MO was discontinued. The same components with a MW525 motherboard should be equally reliable however. That's a good tip to turn off hyper-threading in the bios! Jim -Original Message----- From: James Louis [mailto:james.lo...@gastechnology

Re: [Emc-users] Is the Intel D510M0 Processor still a good choice for a new EMC2 application?

2012-02-08 Thread James Louis
To all, For what it's worth, I have used the following components from Mini-Box.com many times without a single problem. I think that it is just about the perfect motherboard for a dedicated (stand alone) LinuxCNC machine: Intel D510MO 1GB DDRAM SATADOM-2000-4GB PicoPSU-80 12V DC-DC ATX If yo

Re: [Emc-users] Servo tuning - wtf?

2012-01-28 Thread James Louis
Thank you Noel. Also for those interested in determining which one of six servo control system models their particular hardware falls into (so you know which parameters to change BEFORE tuning) buy this book: "Control System Design Guide" by George Ellis It helped me a great deal. Jim - Orig

Re: [Emc-users] PC shutdown

2012-01-18 Thread James Louis
Andy, My Servomill also runs on a D510MO and it is plugged into the master outlet of a power strip called an "Eco-strip" (careful when googling!). It uses a USB port to switch all the other outlets ON/OFF when the D510MO turns ON/OFF. It's simple and works well. Jim - Original Message ---

Re: [Emc-users] hal taking machine down

2012-01-03 Thread James Louis
To all, For what it's worth I have been using 4GB SATA Flash Vertical Disk On Modules (SATADOM) in my CNC mill for a couple years without a problem. It only has EMC2 and my G-code files on it. I also have been using them on other machines for a shorter time period but also without problems.

Re: [Emc-users] tool table definitions

2011-12-15 Thread James Louis
Dan, I don't know if you are going to get much discussion here on this fundamental topic. Your question is so complicated that it is usually answered in CNC classrooms or CNC books with lots of diagrams. A text based forum is a poor substitute for these. As far as You Tube is concern

Re: [Emc-users] how small

2011-11-17 Thread James Louis
I've retrofitted a Sherline/A2ZCNC with servos. Given the choice I would always use them over steppers because they close multiple control loops. For some photos of the custom motor mounts and other stuff you can check out the last three issues of Digital Machinist magazine and look for the Se

Re: [Emc-users] A question re F2

2011-11-12 Thread James Louis
To all, Some of this topic is covered in this month's Digital Machinist magazine, if you're interested. Cheers! James - Original Message - From: Jon Elson To: m...@calypsoventures.com ; Enhanced Machine Controller (EMC) Sent: Fri Nov 11 16:49:51 2011 Subject: Re: [Emc-users] A question

Re: [Emc-users] Has anyone tried to use and RC controller with EMC to run a RC brushless

2011-11-08 Thread James Louis
Good morning all, There is an ad running in Digital Machinist magazine for an RC speed control of a brushless motor with ESC. If interested go to www.logicnc.com It gives EMC2 a way to control spindle speed from the parallel port. I haven't used one yet though. Cheers! - Original Message -

Re: [Emc-users] Tool offset and cutter comp, confused

2011-10-21 Thread James Louis
Bruce, Try to not edit your tool table outside of Axis. In EMC2.4.6 the tool table is edited from a pulldown menu in the Axis interface. When a tool call (Tx M6) is performed either in MDI or from a G-code program running, the values for your tool diameter and length will be displayed in the

Re: [Emc-users] Need help with servo tuning

2011-09-27 Thread James Louis
Bruce, Before changing .INI values using HalScope Calibration, I recommend modeling your system first. In other words understand where you are closing your current, velocity, and position loops. My PPMC system uses Yaskawa servo amps which close the current and velocity loop, leaving EMC2 to

Re: [Emc-users] Beginner questions regarding axis.

2011-09-18 Thread James Louis
011 Subject: Re: [Emc-users] Beginner questions regarding axis. On 17 Sep 2011, at 22:56, James Louis wrote: > CNC mill homes every axis from the standpoint of the tool and all movement > during homing is positive. You can choose to home in either direction by changing the sign of the

Re: [Emc-users] Beginner questions regarding axis.

2011-09-17 Thread James Louis
John, Welcome to EMC2! I can't answer all of your questions, but I will share my homing experience: a CNC mill homes every axis from the standpoint of the tool and all movement during homing is positive. This means the table moves to the left and toward you, and the spindle moves up. Now your

Re: [Emc-users] example configs for running servo/encoder machine as velocity mode stepgen with pid loop

2011-09-07 Thread James Louis
Tom, EMC2 can indeed use an index pulse for homing after tripping a switch or sensor. It is the most accurate method. I'm just curious, if you have servomotors why not use them with matching servo amps? Closing your position loop back to EMC2 is also the most accurate, and you will love your D

Re: [Emc-users] Mesa 5i23/7i33TA servo instability question

2011-08-17 Thread James Louis
Scott, You got a lot of replies on a topic with a lot of fog surrounding it, but I need to chime in here so you don't repeat my mistake: I broke a motor coupling about a year ago during servo tuning. The sound almost scared the coolant out of me! I am no controls expert, but I now know why it

Re: [Emc-users] Problem: Tool length compensation not compensating?

2011-07-20 Thread James Louis
Steve, EMC2 does it the same way. After a work offset and tool call, I like the next block to include G43 Hx G00 Z1. and watch the tool as it approaches the part surface (in single block). A check with a 1 inch gage block at that point gives me a little peace of mind. Cheers, jim -Origi

Re: [Emc-users] Problem: Tool length compensation not compensating?

2011-07-20 Thread James Louis
Colin, First of all welcome to EMC2! Your G-code looks correct to me, so maybe it's something in your setup. I use tool presetting for my CNC mill too, so here's how I do it: 1) Home the spindle gauge point to the positive Z limit and/or home. 2) Use a master tool (mine is 3.6000 inches long)

Re: [Emc-users] D525MW board

2011-07-05 Thread James Louis
: Re: [Emc-users] D525MW board 2011/7/6 James Louis : > Could you guys please explain "isolcpus" and "hyperthreading"? Are these in > the BIOS? What should these be set at for a D510MO? > Much thanks! > Jim http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/emcinfo.pl?TroubleShoo

Re: [Emc-users] D525MW board

2011-07-05 Thread James Louis
Could you guys please explain "isolcpus" and "hyperthreading"? Are these in the BIOS? What should these be set at for a D510MO? Much thanks! Jim -Original Message- From: Andrew [mailto:parallel.kinemat...@gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, July 05, 2011 4:26 PM To: Enhanced Machine Controller (E

Re: [Emc-users] Anyone coming to the CNC Workshop?

2011-06-10 Thread James Louis
I will see you there Matt! Jim - Original Message - From: Matt Shaver To: Enhanced Machine Controller (EMC) Sent: Fri Jun 10 08:23:59 2011 Subject: [Emc-users] Anyone coming to the CNC Workshop? Steve Stallings and I are coming, and I figure Jon Elson will probably show up as he's a ve

Re: [Emc-users] No-kidding CAD/Cam package for milling

2011-05-31 Thread James Louis
, James Louis wrote: > Igor, > > I use Standard, but for 4-Axis you will need AlibreCAM Professional. > > Thanks. With the standard AlibreCAM, though, I can do all "2.5D" stuff, right? Pocketing and so on? Igor > jim > > -Original Message- > From:

Re: [Emc-users] No-kidding CAD/Cam package for milling

2011-05-31 Thread James Louis
you use? i On Tue, May 31, 2011 at 6:02 AM, James Louis wrote: > Igor, > "Inexpensive" CAD CAM is a very relative term. I use AlibreCAM in my home > shop, and it has an EMC post processor. You can check out their tutorials > on YouTube. > Cheers, jim > >

Re: [Emc-users] No-kidding CAD/Cam package for milling

2011-05-31 Thread James Louis
Igor, "Inexpensive" CAD CAM is a very relative term. I use AlibreCAM in my home shop, and it has an EMC post processor. You can check out their tutorials on YouTube. Cheers, jim - Original Message - From: Igor Chudov To: Enhanced Machine Controller (EMC) Sent: Tue May 31 00:19:36 201

Re: [Emc-users] Motion control cards

2011-04-22 Thread James Louis
Example wiring diagrams from EMC2 supported hardware vendors is always a welcomed addition to a website. That's just my opinion... - Original Message - From: Peter C. Wallace To: Enhanced Machine Controller (EMC) Sent: Fri Apr 22 11:20:15 2011 Subject: Re: [Emc-users] Motion control ca

Re: [Emc-users] Motion control cards

2011-04-22 Thread James Louis
Rob, It seems that your choice of amplifier model is going to determine your choice of EMC2 supported controller. I recently completed building a CNC mill using an Intel D510MO and Jon's Pico Systems PPMC board set, which was used because my amplifiers required a +/- 10VDC analog velocity input

Re: [Emc-users] Guidance on usb comp

2011-02-25 Thread James Louis
All, I have to agree with Peter. EMC2 has allowed me, as a hobbyist, to build an affordable CAD > CAM > post processor > CNC system that rivals the big name ones I use in my workplace. Tool tables, pre-setter, homing, coolant, cutter comp, etc. I have huge respect for the intellectual curiosit

Re: [Emc-users] FOXCONN 45CSX ATOM 330 R Lockup.

2011-02-22 Thread James Louis
Here is a combination that works for me: Intel D510MO board with 2.4.6 EMC2. Using a PicoPSU, memory, and 4G SATA SSD the whole system is small, cheap, and reliable. Why get frustrated with untested motherboards? Cheers, Jim -Original Message- From: sam sokolik [mailto:sa...@empirescreen

Re: [Emc-users] Jog in EMC

2011-02-14 Thread James Louis
I have to agree with Brian. With the Axis interface and a cheap rubberized keyboard you have the ability to jog with the keys he mentioned. Plus, since it is the default set up, you can spend less time toying with config files and more time making chips! Jim -Original Message- From: B

Re: [Emc-users] PC interface

2011-02-10 Thread James Louis
Wallace, On the other hand if your servo drives require a +/- 10VDC analog input then it is hard to beat this combination in my opinion: a Pico Systems PPMC motherboard with a DAC, ENC, and DIO running off of an Intel D510MO. I am delighted with mine. Jim -Original Message- From: Kirk

Re: [Emc-users] EMC2 and Ethernet

2011-02-06 Thread James Louis
If you don't want to "wait" you can always use the $80 Intel D510MO with an $80 4Gb SATA flash drive. It's got a parallel port header and PCI slot, and works with EMC2 just fine. Jim - Original Message - From: Edward Bernard To: Enhanced Machine Controller (EMC) Sent: Sun Feb 06 13:16

Re: [Emc-users] Parallel port pins

2011-01-29 Thread James Louis
Craig, Although not a parallel port card, the Intel D510MO motherboard now works well with EMC2.4.6 and above. It's low power and inexpensive too. Jim - Original Message - From: craig To: Enhanced Machine Controller (EMC) Sent: Sat Jan 29 17:07:28 2011 Subject: Re: [Emc-users] Parall

[Emc-users] Changing the range of Max Velocity in AXIS

2011-01-07 Thread James Louis
Happy belated new year everybody. On EMC2.4.6 using the Axis interface on a machine that has linear and angular axes, how can I change the range of the slider labeled "Max Velocity"? The other sliders, like Max Angular Velocity or Min Linear Velocity, are all configured in the INI file > Disp

[Emc-users] Does the latest Ubuntu 10.04 Live CD contain EMC2.4.6 yet?

2010-12-17 Thread James Louis
To all proud new owners of a D510MO motherboard: did you install EMC2.4.6 from a live CD? If so, what was the source, LinuxCNC.org? Thanks! Jim This communication is for the use of the intended recipient only. It may contain information that is privileged and co

Re: [Emc-users] Two control loop (EMC and Servo Driver)?

2010-10-29 Thread James Louis
Caner, I had a similar situation with my servo amps and I found out that my system was a cascaded position-velocity loop. I suspect that is what yours is too. That means that my external amp, which closes a velocity loop, is nested inside of EMC2, which closes a position loop. For your Toshib

Re: [Emc-users] Suitable Keyboard/Mouse. was: Suitable touchscreen?

2010-10-22 Thread James Louis
To All, There is a non-qwerty keyboard (like most CNC keyboards) called the OIX 5072-P Description: Sealed NEMA 4X Industrial Keyboard with Wide-Spaced Keys for Gloved Hands, PS/2, Black >From http://www.cyberresearch.com It is not cheap, but it is bullet-proof. Cheers, Jim -Original Messa

Re: [Emc-users] tuning question

2010-10-12 Thread James Louis
For us servo folks out there, here are my two cents for what their worth: Tuning is WAY more complicated than I thought several months ago (you were absolutely right Jon). It is not a chili recipe where a pinch of D in your PI makes it the most tasty! After crashing my mill twice and breaking

Re: [Emc-users] setting tool lengths

2010-10-08 Thread James Louis
It looks like there's more than one way to get Z0. For what it's worth, here is how I do it on our Haas mill. It is also how I plan on doing touch off and tool pre-setting on my EMC2 mill: First, to use this method you must measure tool length using a tool holder mounting fixture and height ga

Re: [Emc-users] 5i20 Servo and General Input / Output

2010-09-29 Thread James Louis
mc-users] 5i20 Servo and General Input / Output > > On 09/29/2010 06:32 AM, James Louis wrote: >> Slightly off topic: Speaking of the Mesa 5i23 (and forgive me for weaving 2 >> threads together, but . . .) has anybody ever used the PC104 version of this >> card?

Re: [Emc-users] 5i20 Servo and General Input / Output

2010-09-29 Thread James Louis
Slightly off topic: Speaking of the Mesa 5i23 (and forgive me for weaving 2 threads together, but . . .) has anybody ever used the PC104 version of this card? The reason I ask is because a company called Axiomtek makes a touchscreen with a PC104 port. The combined hardware part numbers would b

Re: [Emc-users] PCB engraver, spindle solenoid

2010-09-21 Thread James Louis
ll 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 [

Re: [Emc-users] PCB engraver, spindle solenoid

2010-09-21 Thread James Louis
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

Re: [Emc-users] Servos cannot calm down -- maybe I should go away from velocity mode in amplifiers?

2010-09-14 Thread James Louis
Igor, My servo drives are Yaskawa and it is my understanding that they close the speed and current loops, and EMC2 closes the position loop. It is important that the outside loop (position) be at least, if not more responsive, than the middle loop (speed). Maybe my settings will help you: E

Re: [Emc-users] Compatibility with small touchscreens?

2010-08-23 Thread James Louis
This past CNC Workshop in Ann Arbor, Michigan had a small touchscreen EMC2 controller on display at the Pico Systems booth. It used an interface called "Touchy" and might be just what you're looking for, but it is not released yet. I liked it a lot. Jim -Original Message- From: Neil Ba

[Emc-users] Analog velocity servo: loop or loops?

2010-08-11 Thread James Louis
Hello everyone. I had this on the forum for a while: This question goes out to any "servo loop" experts out there in EMC2 world. I understand that EMC2 uses PID to form a control loop when using servomotors, but . . . what if you use a drive that already has its own loop? For example, my machin

Re: [Emc-users] Assigning 2 signal names to 1 pin

2010-07-23 Thread James Louis
names to 1 pin James Louis wrote: > Jon is right, you cannot. Unless you are running pre-2.2.x EMC2. > Quote from http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/emcinfo.pl?UPDATING: > > 3.4. double-linking of pins is now treated as an error > halcmd and hal_link() now refuse to link an already-l

Re: [Emc-users] Assigning 2 signal names to 1 pin

2010-07-23 Thread James Louis
Jon is right, you cannot. Unless you are running pre-2.2.x EMC2. Quote from http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/emcinfo.pl?UPDATING: 3.4. double-linking of pins is now treated as an error halcmd and hal_link() now refuse to link an already-linked pin. This immediately diagnoses configuration erro

Re: [Emc-users] Assigning 2 signal names to 1 pin

2010-07-23 Thread James Louis
Controller (EMC) Subject: Re: [Emc-users] Assigning 2 signal names to 1 pin On 23 July 2010 13:27, James Louis wrote: > > Thanks for the reply Kirk. Having explained it, would you (or anyone) mind > translating the following generic sample to "net" without deleting any signal

Re: [Emc-users] Assigning 2 signal names to 1 pin

2010-07-23 Thread James Louis
u, 2010-07-22 at 17:53 -0500, James Louis wrote: > Thanks Andy! I'll try this, but I have a concern: > In either case one of the signal names goes away, right? > Xhome or Xmaxlim gets deleted one way or another, so 2 signal names cannot be > assigned to a single pin. > >

Re: [Emc-users] Assigning 2 signal names to 1 pin

2010-07-22 Thread James Louis
co.uk] Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2010 4:03 PM To: Enhanced Machine Controller (EMC) Subject: Re: [Emc-users] Assigning 2 signal names to 1 pin On 22 July 2010 21:44, James Louis wrote: > Here is the problem: After upgrading to EMC2.3.5. I get an error saying I > cannot assign 2 signal nam

[Emc-users] Assigning 2 signal names to 1 pin

2010-07-22 Thread James Louis
Hello all! This is my first post, so if this question has been answered in the archives just point to it nicely. So first off here are my machine specs: Interface: Pico Systems PPMC (ENC, DAC, DIO) Motors: Yaskawa SGM-0xA31x series (100, 200, 400 watt) Drives: Yaskawa SGDA-0xAS series Limit / Home