Re: [Emc-users] Parport
On Sun, 2011-12-25 at 14:05 +, Tomaz T. wrote: Hi everyone, I installed new pci express card with two parallel ports, and I can't get any signal out of it. I am trying to connect it to two c10 boards which are working fine with mach. So, everything works fine with Mach, but _only_ changing the software to Ubuntu/EMC2 doesn't work? NetMOS cards should work fine with EMC2's software signal generation. EPP only applies to hardware signal generators such as Pico's, Mesa's and the Pluto-P cards which use their own loadrt drivers. See: http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/emcinfo.pl?NetMos http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/emcinfo.pl?Startech http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/emcinfo.pl?SIIG http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/emcinfo.pl?EMC2_Supported_Hardware I haven't played with PCI-e cards so these cards aren't, to me at least, proven to work with EMC2. lspci -v feedback is: Communication controller: NetMos Technology PCI 9815 Multi-I/O Controller (rev 01)Subsystem: LSI Logic / Symbios Logic Device 0020Flags: medium devsel, IRQ 19 I/O ports at cc00 [size=8] I/O ports at c880 [size=8] I/O ports at c800 [size=8] I/O ports at c480 [size=8] I/O ports at c400 [size=8] I/O ports at c080 [size=16] Kernel driver in use: parport pcKernel modules: parport_pc and cat /proc/ioports gives me: c000-cfff : PCI Bus :03 c000-cfff : PCI Bus :04 c080-c08f : :04:00.0c400-c407 : :04:00.0c480-c487 : :04:00.0 c480-c482 : parport1c800-c807 : :04:00.0 c800-c802 : parport1c880-c887 : :04:00.0 c880-c882 : parport0cc00-cc07 : :04:00.0 cc00-cc02 : parport0 So I also ran trough addresses and the one without error messages on start-up are c000, c800, c400, but still no signal from card. The registers are covered here: http://www.beyondlogic.org/spp/parallel.htm http://www.beyondlogic.org/ecp/ecp.htm For EMC2's software signals generator, only the base address need to be found and entered into the driver loadrt command. After the driver is loaded the parport functions need to be loaded with addf read and/or write: http://www.linuxcnc.org/docview/html/hal_parallel_port.html http://www.linuxcnc.org/docview/html/examples_pci_parallel_port.html I checked with multimeter, signals on pins assigned for steppers direction which I guess it should be measurable change when jogging in one or another direction. Tried with inverting signals also with no luck. Is there something I missed on start, because what I did is just insert card into the free pci-e slot? Thank you,Regards! The way the parallel port chip drives the pins is not always the same. Some cards source and sink the pin, some only sink current. For the sink only pins, a pull-up resistor to the supply voltage is needed, and may be on th C-10 board. Otherwise the pin will stay at 0 Volts while ON and OFF. Some cards will source or sink at 5 Volts, others at only 3 Volts. Some will only sink 3mA before running into danger of burning out the pin driver, some will source and sink 24mA, which can directly drive an LED and current limiting resistor in series to ground. Since you had the card working with Mach these issues may not apply, but then again, they might. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Write once. Port to many. Get the SDK and tools to simplify cross-platform app development. Create new or port existing apps to sell to consumers worldwide. Explore the Intel AppUpSM program developer opportunity. appdeveloper.intel.com/join http://p.sf.net/sfu/intel-appdev ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Parport
On Sun, 2011-12-25 at 16:37 -0600, Jon Elson wrote: ... snip I have seen several messages by people in the last year or so that couldn't get them to work. I don't know if those were defective boards, some kind of PnP enumeration problem or something else. Jon This reminds me, some versions of EMC2 may or may not tolerate parport_pc or other generic printer or parallel port drivers being loaded with EMC2's parport. lsmod at a command prompt will list loaded drivers. sudo rmmod ?driver_name? may be needed to remove the generic driver/s. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Write once. Port to many. Get the SDK and tools to simplify cross-platform app development. Create new or port existing apps to sell to consumers worldwide. Explore the Intel AppUpSM program developer opportunity. appdeveloper.intel.com/join http://p.sf.net/sfu/intel-appdev ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Syncronize speed of 5 VFD using MESA and EMC.
On Mon, 2011-12-26 at 03:22 +0530, himanshu bhatt wrote: ... snip My VFDs can take 0-10v .. i just need to syncronize their speed only. 5i20 have 96 IOs so it is more than enough for all encoders etc. is it possible by tweaking in HAL etc??? if yes where to start? or any better solution?? Thanks, Himanshu This link may get you started: http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/emcinfo.pl?Closed_Loop_Spindle_Speed_Control Maybe setup a PID for each VFD then feed the desired speed to each one. Or I believe the encoder component has a velocity output pin that could feed the other PID's. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Write once. Port to many. Get the SDK and tools to simplify cross-platform app development. Create new or port existing apps to sell to consumers worldwide. Explore the Intel AppUpSM program developer opportunity. appdeveloper.intel.com/join http://p.sf.net/sfu/intel-appdev ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
[Emc-users] at
This is old hat for many here, but in case it might be handy for the less familiar with Linux -- my Internet provider charges by the megabyte, but reduces the cost by 60% after 23:00. I'm usually not awake at that time, so I looked into automating my updates and downloading large files at 01:00. I found this: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=11103 To download the current EMC2 this should work: at -f get_emc2.wget 1 am tomorrow The file, get_emc2.wget, might look like this: wget http://linuxcnc.org/lucid/ubuntu-10.04-linuxcnc1-i386.iso I haven't tried the emc2 download yet, but I have used the same process with other large files. cron should work for regularly scheduled tasks, such as the update and upgrade in the link above. Of course, the PC needs to be on to do the download, but I have a low power file server that's on all the time, which is handy for a central location of NC files and such. I am curious... what do others here use on file servers, FTP, Samba, NFS, other? -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Ridiculously easy VDI. With Citrix VDI-in-a-Box, you don't need a complex infrastructure or vast IT resources to deliver seamless, secure access to virtual desktops. With this all-in-one solution, easily deploy virtual desktops for less than the cost of PCs and save 60% on VDI infrastructure costs. Try it free! http://p.sf.net/sfu/Citrix-VDIinabox ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] HNC turret (was at)
On Sun, 2012-01-01 at 13:04 -0600, Jon Elson wrote: ... snip the turret component apparently gets stuck. I gave him some pointers on what to do, and maybe he should make the state variable exported as an output pin so it can be examined. The first thing that comes to mind, I had to adjust the position of the magnet arm on the shaft to get the encoder position sensed a bit early so that the sense, decode, and pawl solenoid activation could happen before the the proper stop came along. Otherwise the table just keeps rotating forever. I think I used HALmeter to show the position then rotated the magnet until I got the position indicator and the true position to match, then advanced the magnet until I got zero and backed off a little bit to get the proper static position, but with early rotation position. I'm guessing his turret may have somewhat different movement timing that might be causing the problem. Replacing all of the rubber seals and adjusting according to the maintenance manual made a big difference. Getting this done made the rest pretty easy. One other thing is that the weighted sum routine can produce values from zero to 15, and there's nothing that limits it to only valid tool positions. My absolute encoder (original) will only output 0,1,0,2,0,3,0,4,0,5,0,6,0,7,0,8,0,1,0... So, I guess I don't need to worry about it. Do you have any suggestions on debugging this? Not too sure how skilled Dick is with coding and debugging hal stuff. Thanks, Jon The component code needs some time-outs added for each state, and a user friendly means to check that the turret is ready to use, such as check the air pressure switch and maybe a safe XZ. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Ridiculously easy VDI. With Citrix VDI-in-a-Box, you don't need a complex infrastructure or vast IT resources to deliver seamless, secure access to virtual desktops. With this all-in-one solution, easily deploy virtual desktops for less than the cost of PCs and save 60% on VDI infrastructure costs. Try it free! http://p.sf.net/sfu/Citrix-VDIinabox ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] hal taking machine down
On Mon, 2012-01-02 at 02:11 -0500, gene heskett wrote: ... snip As for debugging your hal file, that's the problem I was working on in the fall with my attempts to graph the hal network. The feedback I got here suggested my approach wasn't lighting anyone's fire, I hope it didn't come from me! I was hoping to get something done with diagramming HAL with gEDA, but I'm taking care of my bed ridden mother now. but my wife's health has taken a big nose dive (I just retrieved her from an outrageous neuro-surgical procedure that has her head and spine held together with titanium plate, rods, and screws) so I'm unlikely to be working on my hal graphing script or anything else related to EMC2---indefinitely. OMG! Obviously. And my sympathies Kent, our ladies always come first. Mine has COPD. I assume that this not exactly a temporary condition when they have to do that extreme a procedure. I wish her the very best. Here's hoping 2012 will be better. Amen! Regards, Kent Cheers Kent, Gene I am hopping for a better 2012 too, and wishing for a speedy recovery to all those on the mend. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Ridiculously easy VDI. With Citrix VDI-in-a-Box, you don't need a complex infrastructure or vast IT resources to deliver seamless, secure access to virtual desktops. With this all-in-one solution, easily deploy virtual desktops for less than the cost of PCs and save 60% on VDI infrastructure costs. Try it free! http://p.sf.net/sfu/Citrix-VDIinabox ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] hal taking machine down
On Mon, 2012-01-02 at 14:12 -0500, gene heskett wrote: ... snip Disks are hens teeth ATM, although I hear production is ramping back up after the tsunami now. ... snip I would consider nixing the optical drive and maybe the hard drive and use a USB thumb drive for installation and or normal use. Although, I have been thinking about one of these $20 drives: http://www.geeks.com/products_sc.asp?cat=423 badblocks -svw -o hd_bad_blocks should verify if they are in good order. I'm also considering: http://www.geeks.com/products_sc.asp?cat=813 http://www.geeks.com/products_sc.asp?cat=802 -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Ridiculously easy VDI. With Citrix VDI-in-a-Box, you don't need a complex infrastructure or vast IT resources to deliver seamless, secure access to virtual desktops. With this all-in-one solution, easily deploy virtual desktops for less than the cost of PCs and save 60% on VDI infrastructure costs. Try it free! http://p.sf.net/sfu/Citrix-VDIinabox ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] hal taking machine down
On Tue, 2012-01-03 at 13:49 +0200, Viesturs Lācis wrote: ... snip I have no idea, what is dd. dd is a Linux utility that does a direct copy from one stream to another (?). I just learned to use it to duplicate a hard drive by copying bit for bit from the original drive to the new drive. By having an exact copy with the same bits occupying the same locations on the drive, boot configuration, file systems and all else is duplicated. dd is a wonderful thing, when used properly. I've used it in the past to wipe out MBR's to upgrade hard drives from Windows. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dd_%28Unix%29 By the way, if the destination hard drive is larger than the original, a partition editor can be used to make the copied partition larger, for instance to fill the rest of the drive space. I think that using System - Administration - Startup disk creator is safer choice. In Lucid it is installed by default. At least I love that tool. It will ask for a destination USB drive and source .iso file and wholaa! It will do all the small things, like creating the boot sector etc. I like that I still can use such a USB drive for storage - I simply copy my files right next to the things that already are there, because the Ubuntu install will use ~1GB. Viesturs I don't recall .iso's being bootable. The .iso contains an image of a bootable file system, but in the form of a single file. As far as I know, the .iso needs to be decompressed with a utility to make a bootable file system. usb-creator-gtk is commonly on our Ubuntu machines, and allows one to create a bootable USB thumb drive from an .iso file: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_Live_USB_creator -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Write once. Port to many. Get the SDK and tools to simplify cross-platform app development. Create new or port existing apps to sell to consumers worldwide. Explore the Intel AppUpSM program developer opportunity. appdeveloper.intel.com/join http://p.sf.net/sfu/intel-appdev ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
[Emc-users] Ideal Atom?
mATX with PCI slots and Atom. Looks ideal to me. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Point-View-MB-D510-MATX-Motherboard-6-channel/dp/B0037L739U http://alturl.com/hzxab I don't see it available in the US though. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Ridiculously easy VDI. With Citrix VDI-in-a-Box, you don't need a complex infrastructure or vast IT resources to deliver seamless, secure access to virtual desktops. With this all-in-one solution, easily deploy virtual desktops for less than the cost of PCs and save 60% on VDI infrastructure costs. Try it free! http://p.sf.net/sfu/Citrix-VDIinabox ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] An alternative way to make encoders.
On Sun, 2012-01-08 at 15:53 +, andy pugh wrote: On 8 January 2012 14:59, Joachim Franek joachim.fra...@pibf.de wrote: A temperature treatment of the lacquer at 190°C will result in durable inscriptions or graphics having a blackish- brown color It is worth remembering, though in my case I was much more concerned about reflectivity than colour. A black/brown shiny layer would not work. It seems to me, a custom method of burning a CD might work. I would think very fine lines could be made. Another idea might be to have glass disks aluminum coated as is done for telescope mirrors and either etch or burn lines in that. I Could use 3 diameter encoder wheels, but U. S. Digital's largest is 2. Speaking of telescopes, I'd like to see what they are using here: http://www.tmt.org/observatory/telescope/controls (bottom of page) -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Ridiculously easy VDI. With Citrix VDI-in-a-Box, you don't need a complex infrastructure or vast IT resources to deliver seamless, secure access to virtual desktops. With this all-in-one solution, easily deploy virtual desktops for less than the cost of PCs and save 60% on VDI infrastructure costs. Try it free! http://p.sf.net/sfu/Citrix-VDIinabox ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
[Emc-users] emc Through ssh
The recent talk about headless emc2 got my to look into running emc2 on a remote PC with ssh. I looked at the wiki page http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/emcinfo.pl?Running_Multiple_User_Interfaces and generic pages on X11 through ssh http://www.techotopia.com/index.php/Displaying_Ubuntu_Linux_Applications_Remotely_%28X11_Forwarding%29 After apt-get installing ssh-server (sshd). I was able to get the generic bit to work. I think the bit I don't have worked out is the setting the remote environment. The remote emc2 page calls for an environment script but this is for a run-in-place set up. Can anyone share the features for a LiveCD install? -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Ridiculously easy VDI. With Citrix VDI-in-a-Box, you don't need a complex infrastructure or vast IT resources to deliver seamless, secure access to virtual desktops. With this all-in-one solution, easily deploy virtual desktops for less than the cost of PCs and save 60% on VDI infrastructure costs. Try it free! http://p.sf.net/sfu/Citrix-VDIinabox ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] emc Through ssh
On Mon, 2012-01-09 at 10:16 -0800, Kirk Wallace wrote: The recent talk about headless emc2 got my to look into running emc2 on a remote PC with ssh. I looked at the wiki page http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/emcinfo.pl?Running_Multiple_User_Interfaces and generic pages on X11 through ssh http://www.techotopia.com/index.php/Displaying_Ubuntu_Linux_Applications_Remotely_%28X11_Forwarding%29 After apt-get installing ssh-server (sshd). I was able to get the generic bit to work. I think the bit I don't have worked out is the setting the remote environment. The remote emc2 page calls for an environment script but this is for a run-in-place set up. Can anyone share the features for a LiveCD install? Here is what the emc command returns: kwallace@104:~/emc2$ emc EMC2 - 2.4.6 Machine configuration directory is '/home/kwallace/emc2/configs/stepper-2' Machine configuration file is 'stepper_inch.ini' Starting EMC2... X Error of failed request: BadWindow (invalid Window parameter) Major opcode of failed request: 3 (X_GetWindowAttributes) Resource id in failed request: 0x Serial number of failed request: 738 Current serial number in output stream: 739 Shutting down and cleaning up EMC2... Cleanup done EMC terminated with an error. You can find more information in the log: /home/kwallace/emc_debug.txt and /home/kwallace/emc_print.txt as well as in the output of the shell command 'dmesg' and in the terminal kwallace@104:~/emc2$ ~ -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Ridiculously easy VDI. With Citrix VDI-in-a-Box, you don't need a complex infrastructure or vast IT resources to deliver seamless, secure access to virtual desktops. With this all-in-one solution, easily deploy virtual desktops for less than the cost of PCs and save 60% on VDI infrastructure costs. Try it free! http://p.sf.net/sfu/Citrix-VDIinabox ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] running headless on my ASUS AT5NM10-I MB (Intel Atom D510 cpu)
On Mon, 2012-01-09 at 12:20 -0600, Jon Elson wrote: ... snip No, it is much broader than that. If X is not running on the server machine, then any client that wants to use ANY X program on the server will not be able to make an X connection. You would be able to make ssh connections with a terminal window and use any command-line program, and use any TCP program, but not anything that worked by an X session. Jon I'm wondering what the minimum services would be to have a remote use emc2 box. It looks like sshd and xauth according to: http://superuser.com/questions/153067/how-to-configure-ubuntu-for-x11-client-only -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Ridiculously easy VDI. With Citrix VDI-in-a-Box, you don't need a complex infrastructure or vast IT resources to deliver seamless, secure access to virtual desktops. With this all-in-one solution, easily deploy virtual desktops for less than the cost of PCs and save 60% on VDI infrastructure costs. Try it free! http://p.sf.net/sfu/Citrix-VDIinabox ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] emc Through ssh
On Mon, 2012-01-09 at 12:40 -0600, Jon Elson wrote: ... snip Or are you talking about running Axis directly on the remote computer, rather than exporting the X display through ssh -X ? I'm not even sure that is possible. Jon Oops, I forgot that AXIS doesn't run or run well on the remote PC. tkEMC runs fine. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Ridiculously easy VDI. With Citrix VDI-in-a-Box, you don't need a complex infrastructure or vast IT resources to deliver seamless, secure access to virtual desktops. With this all-in-one solution, easily deploy virtual desktops for less than the cost of PCs and save 60% on VDI infrastructure costs. Try it free! http://p.sf.net/sfu/Citrix-VDIinabox ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] emc Through ssh
On Tue, 2012-01-10 at 07:26 +1100, Frank Tkalcevic wrote: This whole server/client/remote/x11 discussion has got me perplexed. Maybe I've missed something, but I've been running my development environment on headless boxes for years. My recent experience has been a little bit different. I have a fresh Live CD install on one computer, then a fairly fresh Ubuntu 10.04 install on a workstation. Fresh, meaning not a lot of other changes made, such as dev packages, that would hide the features a new user would need to install. For instance the EMC2 box needed sshd installed, but not really anything else because the ssh config file had defaults that allowed X forwarding. I work on a windows 7 box, and use Cygwin/X to connect to the unix boxes. I run... ssh -Y -l username hostname Mine was ssh -X remote_IP or ssh -X user@remote_IP to establish a terminal session to the box. From there, I can launch any X application, including axis, and they will pop up on my windows 7 display without any problems. Axis pops up in a few seconds, although, as Jon said, it is generally a bit sluggish because of all the graphics. For me, generic apps and tkEMC work well, just not AXIS. As was mentioned in another post, there are two parts to running an X application - the X client and the X server. The X client is the program - axis, xeyes, glxgears, etc The X server is the display. The x client is only linked to the x libraries. When an x client application is run, it establishes a connection to the x server (the libraries contain the connection code) and the server displays the client's data. This connection can be local, or remote, over the network. An X server does not need to be running on the local box if it is connecting to a remote server. Originally, all you needed to do was set the DISPLAY environment variable and this is where your x windows would apppear... Apparently now, the DISPLAY= is handled by the ssh -X login. DISPLAY=hostname:0.0 This has been complicated a bit lately with security, but it is still the same concept. If you use ssh, you can set up a X tunnel (or something like that) and the DISPLAY variable and security are handled transparently. As I mentioned, I used Cygwin/x on a windows 7 box, but a remote connection can be to another linux server that is running an X server, that is, running the gnome desktop. This means, as Kent discovered, you can create a minimal linux installation, that is pretty much dedicated to running emc. Then use a remote connection to display axis on another machine. I would like to try an EMC setup that has no video card and the on-board video disabled. My very dated experience has been that I could not get the computer to boot. Otherwise, if I stopped X, even the text only configuration of EMC2 would not run. This was quite a while ago, maybe I missed something or the software has changed to allow this now. Maybe, I've gotten smarter since then (ya right), and should try again. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Ridiculously easy VDI. With Citrix VDI-in-a-Box, you don't need a complex infrastructure or vast IT resources to deliver seamless, secure access to virtual desktops. With this all-in-one solution, easily deploy virtual desktops for less than the cost of PCs and save 60% on VDI infrastructure costs. Try it free! http://p.sf.net/sfu/Citrix-VDIinabox ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] emc Through ssh
On Mon, 2012-01-09 at 13:57 -0800, Kirk Wallace wrote: ... snip This means, as Kent discovered, you can create a minimal linux installation, that is pretty much dedicated to running emc. Then use a remote connection to display axis on another machine. I would like to try an EMC setup that has no video card and the on-board video disabled. My very dated experience has been that I could not get the computer to boot. Otherwise, if I stopped X, even the text only configuration of EMC2 would not run. This was quite a while ago, maybe I missed something or the software has changed to allow this now. Maybe, I've gotten smarter since then (ya right), and should try again. Well, my Intel ITX D201GLY board is perfectly happy to boot without a keyboard and mouse, with the monitor cable unplugged. There is no BIOS setting for disabling the on-board video. Thinking a little more, I would most likely have the EMC2 computer mounted in the logic cabinet with a 7 inch display in the cover, but it's nice to know I have the option. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Ridiculously easy VDI. With Citrix VDI-in-a-Box, you don't need a complex infrastructure or vast IT resources to deliver seamless, secure access to virtual desktops. With this all-in-one solution, easily deploy virtual desktops for less than the cost of PCs and save 60% on VDI infrastructure costs. Try it free! http://p.sf.net/sfu/Citrix-VDIinabox ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] OT: HDMI to VGA Was RE: Ideal Atom?
On Tue, 2012-01-10 at 12:56 -0500, Przemek Klosowski wrote: On Tue, Jan 10, 2012 at 3:10 AM, Lester Caine les...@lsces.co.uk wrote: A bit like 'scart' connectors. Many of the commodity connectors are designed for single use only, plug it in and leave it alone. I've seen some quote '10 insertions max'! It would be nice to have a good quality lockable connector standard with proper pins ... Speaking of connectors, has anyone considered using RJ-45? it's a proven locking connector that's cheap and rated for over 1A per pin, and the cables are easy to custom-assemble. What's not to like, I'm asking in all seriousness? I can only think of the confusion factor with the true RJ-45 ethernet---but surely nobody would plug their ethernet cable into a stepper :) I much prefer d-sub connectors. They're inexpensive, the ear screws are a positive closer, strain relief is robust, they often need no special tools to build, they are easy to shield and, leaving a pin or pins out, can be easy to key matching connectors. RJ connectors are cheap, the lock breaks easily, the lock allows contact movement, strain relief is meager, mostly needs a special tool, shielding is less common, keying options are very limited. I think d-subs convey to customers a commitment to quality that RJ's don't. Of course, just my opinion. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Write once. Port to many. Get the SDK and tools to simplify cross-platform app development. Create new or port existing apps to sell to consumers worldwide. Explore the Intel AppUpSM program developer opportunity. appdeveloper.intel.com/join http://p.sf.net/sfu/intel-appdev ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Correcting for workpiece warpage.
On Wed, 2012-01-11 at 12:26 -0600, Jon Elson wrote: ... snip I made a fixture plate with a 1 grid of threaded holes, and clamps that have a claw at the end. When set up properly, only the tip touches the work. The idea is that if you clamp the PC board a bit in from the edge, the pressure of the clamp in from the edge tends to flatten the board. You can always mill the edge of the board later to the exact size needed, and that will be aligned with the trace milling. Jon Another method that may apply, I have used wax or hot glue on a sacrificial block of wood, plastic or other. A grid could be milled into the sacrificial top so that the workpiece is more likely to register to the grid's top surface, then no Z compensation would be needed. I use a hot plate or hot air gun to set or remove the workpiece, then the appropriate solvent to clean the residue. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Ridiculously easy VDI. With Citrix VDI-in-a-Box, you don't need a complex infrastructure or vast IT resources to deliver seamless, secure access to virtual desktops. With this all-in-one solution, easily deploy virtual desktops for less than the cost of PCs and save 60% on VDI infrastructure costs. Try it free! http://p.sf.net/sfu/Citrix-VDIinabox ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Correcting for workpiece warpage.
On Wed, 2012-01-11 at 14:30 -0500, gene heskett wrote: ... snip So the question then is what kind of wax? Paraffin would soften a bit fast come summer heat IMO. Beeswax perhaps? Nice sticky, takes a bit more heat IIRC. Cheers, Gene I started with cyanoacrylate, which is stiff, but bounds a little too well, and needs heat and/or acetone for cleanup. Then tried left-over candle wax, which is fairly stiff but didn't have a strong enough bond. Next, I went to hot glue, but needs higher temperature. This was fine for my project so I stopped looking. Hide glue comes to mind too, releases with heat and water. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Ridiculously easy VDI. With Citrix VDI-in-a-Box, you don't need a complex infrastructure or vast IT resources to deliver seamless, secure access to virtual desktops. With this all-in-one solution, easily deploy virtual desktops for less than the cost of PCs and save 60% on VDI infrastructure costs. Try it free! http://p.sf.net/sfu/Citrix-VDIinabox ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Servo drive?
On Thu, 2012-01-12 at 13:49 +0200, Viesturs Lācis wrote: ... snip How big was that motor? Should something be differently with AC servo motor? I am not sure anymore that I do understand, what is inside AC servo motor. Normal DC brushless motors have permanent magnets, but I have difficulties understanding, how AC servo drives work (the fact that it still supplies DC to motors is confusing me), so I am not sure anymore that AC servo motors are synchronous electrical motors with permanent magnets. ... snip My understanding is that AC and DC brushless motors have nearly the same construction, being a multi pole permanent magnet rotor and three phase wound outer stator. The difference is in the details of the magnetic shape between the stator and rotor. The result is an AC brushless motor will give close to constant torque output from a constant (non-feedback) sinusoidal AC input. A DC motor will output close to a constant torque with a step or trapezoidal or DC input. Since, with EMC2, we are interested in tight feedback control, AC or DC motors will give close to the same result. So, AC or DC motors should work well enough and the feedback should provide the proper input. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- RSA(R) Conference 2012 Mar 27 - Feb 2 Save $400 by Jan. 27 Register now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/rsa-sfdev2dev2 ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Taming an Eagle [Was: Correcting for workpiece warpage.]
On Thu, 2012-01-12 at 12:40 -0500, gene heskett wrote: ... snip The screen is 100% brightness, and all the text in the pulldown menu's is bleached out and illegible. Essentially useless when the edit screen is opened and all I can see is the background screen showing through. ... snip Speaking of screen brightness, I have noticed that some of my Ubuntu PC's will transparent gray the screen when the processor can't keep up. I think during the install, Ubuntu senses the type of video driver it _wants_ and adds object stretch and shading, and screen graying if the driver supports it. It may be worth while to turn this fancy-pants stuff off. It may also indicate that the processor is maxed out most of the time. Got RAM? -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- RSA(R) Conference 2012 Mar 27 - Feb 2 Save $400 by Jan. 27 Register now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/rsa-sfdev2dev2 ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] gEDA / Correcting for workpiece warpage.
On Thu, 2012-01-12 at 12:55 -0500, gene heskett wrote: On Thursday, January 12, 2012 12:43:08 PM andy pugh did opine: On 12 January 2012 07:22, gene heskett ghesk...@wdtv.com wrote: [...] Have you tried DesignSpark under Wine? Though gEDA might be a better bet, being native Linux. (I have never tried it) I have looked at gEDA and it shows promise, but it needs to grow some std method of sizing the parts to an agreed upon std measurement method. When the parts library is 100% contributor generated, no two parts seem to be drawn to the same scale or orientation. If one can use it often enough to keep current, maybe once a week, I find gEDA much easier to use than Eagle. Eagle has an extensive library, but I suspect that is because it takes a PhD in Eagle to create them, so an interested party made sure the popular symbols were available. To me, gEDA makes symbol creation easy enough to just make them as needed. I do miss having rules of thumb for pleasing and useful symbols, but I've been able to make mine good enough for who they are for. Plus one can place and rotate the symbol and connected text on the fly, which from my experience Eagle doesn't do. I haven't made any circuit board g-code using gEDA, so I can't speak to that. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- RSA(R) Conference 2012 Mar 27 - Feb 2 Save $400 by Jan. 27 Register now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/rsa-sfdev2dev2 ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Servo drive?
On Thu, 2012-01-12 at 21:49 +0200, Viesturs Lācis wrote: 2012/1/12 andy pugh bodge...@gmail.com: On 12 January 2012 18:14, Viesturs Lācis viesturs.la...@gmail.com wrote: ... snip In case it might be useful, here is a link to other bridge driver information: http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/emcinfo.pl?Bridges_-_Half,_Full,_Three_Phase -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- RSA(R) Conference 2012 Mar 27 - Feb 2 Save $400 by Jan. 27 Register now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/rsa-sfdev2dev2 ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] DIY output driver
On Fri, 2012-01-20 at 10:42 +0200, Viesturs Lācis wrote: ... snip Kirk, I repasted Your scheme here: http://picpaste.com/scheme-3V0w43QM.png Do I understand that includes also Steve's and Przemek's sugestions, if R2 is 200 ohm? The optoisolator is 4N25, the transistor is BD139. Gene, I think that I have spare 330 or 470 ohm resistors to replace the 1K ohm R1, I will try to test it. Viesturs BTW, the parts in my drawing where just the symbols I had handy and don't suggest what should be used. It looks like the 4N25 can pass 50mA with a forward voltage around 1.3 Volts. The BD139 looks like it turns fully ON with the base at .5 Volts. Following the circuit from the supply through the opto and Q1, to ground... 12Vsupply - .5Vsat4N25 - Vr2 - .5Vbd139 = 0 Vr2 = 11V Vr2 = I x R = .05A x R2 R2 = 11 / .05 = 220 Ohms (this will push the opto to its limit but should be okay) Watts = V x I = 112Vr2 x .05Ar2 = .55 Watts, so a half Watt resistor should be used. The BD139 gain is 40 or better, so 40 x .05A = 2 Amps The BD139 collector-emitter ON voltage is .5 Volts so the laser will see 11.5 Volts. What is used to modulate the laser? For some applications, the laser will need to be turned on and off at a high rate, which makes life more interesting. For the Mesa side, the 4N25 LED looks like it can take up to 60mA, so you can drive it pretty hard. My guess is that the Mesa output can sink up to 24mA, so this will be the limiting factor. I'd shoot for 15mA. Also the LED reverse voltage is 5 Volts, so it is common to have a general purpose diode (with a high reverse voltage) in series with the opto diode. 5Vsupply - VrInput - Vgendiode - VoptoLED - VmesaPin = 0 5 - VrInput - 1 - 1.3 - 1? = 0 VrInput = 1.7 Volts V = I x R, Rinput = 1.7VrInput / .015 Amps = 113 Ohms Corrections to any of the above are welcomed. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Keep Your Developer Skills Current with LearnDevNow! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-d2d ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] DIY output driver
On Fri, 2012-01-20 at 21:05 +0200, Viesturs Lācis wrote: 2012/1/20 Kirk Wallace kwall...@wallacecompany.com: On Fri, 2012-01-20 at 10:39 -0800, Kirk Wallace wrote: On Fri, 2012-01-20 at 10:42 +0200, Viesturs Lācis wrote: ... snip Kirk, I repasted Your scheme here: http://picpaste.com/scheme-3V0w43QM.png ... snip Revised schematic attached. Thank You! Viesturs Attached is the gEDA .sch file, in case it might be handy. mesa2laser-1b.sch Description: application/geda-schematic -- Keep Your Developer Skills Current with LearnDevNow! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-d2d___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] OT: Possible Retrofit candidate for someone in the heartland
On Mon, 2012-01-23 at 11:58 -0600, Stuart Stevenson wrote: If no one on this list buys this machine I will bid on it. This machine is on the Air Force Base. If I can, I will pick it up for anyone that buys it. I have never been on the base before so I don't know their rules. I will try to find out. Stuart Good luck Stuart. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens to this machine. My guess is it should make a fine LinuxCNC machine. It looks like these are still being made: http://www.wellsindex.com/cnc-milling-machines.html -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Try before you buy = See our experts in action! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-dev2 ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Pico Sytems UPC and a Hardinge CHNC
On Mon, 2012-01-23 at 20:55 -0500, Ed wrote: Someone out there probably has worked this out. Hardinge uses home and limit switches and the turret encoder that use a pullup to 12 Volts. The UPC uses isolated 5 Volts for the input ports. The big question is how did you interface these? Current limited opto-isolators come to mind, small signal relays may work if they are fast enough. Any other ideas? Many thanks to any that can help. Ed. I use opto-isolators: http://www.wallacecompany.com/cnc_lathe/HNC/00013-1a.jpg http://www.wallacecompany.com/cnc_lathe/HNC/ but I used the paradigm of a switch closure at the time I did the installation, after giving it more thought and referring to: http://pico-systems.com/images/univstep.png it looks as if the inputs already go to an opto-isolator on the UPC anyway. It may be that a resistor (and a general purpose diode for reverse voltage protection) in series would work just fine. Limiting the current to the opto LED is the primary issue. The UPC and turret encoder 12V supply grounds would need to be tied together in order to close the circuit. The logic sense may need attention too. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Keep Your Developer Skills Current with LearnDevNow! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-d2d ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Pico Sytems UPC and a Hardinge CHNC
On Tue, 2012-01-24 at 12:26 -0600, Jon Elson wrote: Kirk Wallace wrote: but I used the paradigm of a switch closure at the time I did the installation, after giving it more thought and referring to: http://pico-systems.com/images/univstep.png it looks as if the inputs already go to an opto-isolator on the UPC anyway. It may be that a resistor (and a general purpose diode for reverse voltage protection) in series would work just fine. Limiting the current to the opto LED is the primary issue. The UPC and turret encoder 12V supply grounds would need to be tied together in order to close the circuit. The logic sense may need attention too. Yes, that is what I'd recommend. I think only the diode is needed, the resistor is already provided in the UPC board. Jon Just in case, my guess is that the internal resistor was sized for current limiting 5 Volts, so the current would go up by around 120% without an external resistor, which is okay? -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Keep Your Developer Skills Current with LearnDevNow! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-d2d ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Open letter to the EMC Board of Directors
On Tue, 2012-01-24 at 12:42 -0600, John Thornton wrote: That is the main reason I don't go to the zone as with my 1Mb (sometimes that good sometimes not so good) it takes 30 minutes to load a page then you have to navigate all the ads to find the forum... John Thank goodness for the servers that host our website, wiki and such. It looks like PMDX gets credit for this. Thank you. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Keep Your Developer Skills Current with LearnDevNow! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-d2d ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Open letter to the EMC Board of Directors
On Tue, 2012-01-24 at 11:41 -0800, steve...@newsguy.com wrote: Thank goodness for the servers that host our website, wiki and such. It looks like PMDX gets credit for this. Thank you. -- Kirk Wallace Duh, well once upon a time, but not any longer. I think that credit now goes to Stephen Willie Padnos and DreamHost. Perhaps you could point out the reference to PMDX and http://www.linuxcnc.org/index.php/english/about near the bottom of the page. someone in control of the current web site can give credit where credit is due. I would love to give the credit where it is due. I gave it my best shot. Cheers, Steve Stallings www.PMDX.com Thank you v1.0, Steve, thank you Stephen v2.0, ? v3? -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Keep Your Developer Skills Current with LearnDevNow! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-d2d ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Thank Who? was: Open letter to the EMC Board of Directors
On Tue, 2012-01-24 at 13:48 -0600, Chris Radek wrote: On Tue, Jan 24, 2012 at 11:31:11AM -0800, Kirk Wallace wrote: Thank goodness for the servers that host our website, wiki and such. It looks like PMDX gets credit for this. Thank you. Nope. SWP pays for our advertisement-free hosting of the website, web forum, and wiki. He and Alex and sometimes Jeff administer it. I'd like to help. I've done website creation and maintenance in the past. I pay for the hosting of our git repository and I administer it. I take responsibility for doing backups of the whole works. Seb pays for hosting of our buildbot, and he administers that stuff. This has been the state of affairs for many years now. Before that, in the EMC1 days, Sherline provided some hosting for us. Before that, I think Steve Stallings/PMDX did (that was before my time.) I think I joined the list shortly after the EMC1/2 split (1996?) and I've only known of the Sherline, PMDX connection. Thanks for the update. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Keep Your Developer Skills Current with LearnDevNow! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-d2d ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] question about tapered threading
On Tue, 2012-01-24 at 16:09 -0500, Kent A. Reed wrote: ... snip how else they cut tapered threads on a lathe in the old days, My guess is by using a taper attachment: http://its.fvtc.edu/machshop2/operations/taperw_attach.htm http://www.lathes.co.uk/hardinge/img19.gif http://www.lathes.co.uk/hardinge/page2.html I would think the feed, speed, chip load, CSS, and all that would depend on the hypotenuse, but this is worth price. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Keep Your Developer Skills Current with LearnDevNow! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-d2d ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] DIY output driver
On Wed, 2012-01-25 at 19:52 +0200, Roland Jollivet wrote: ... snip By the way, you are using a PNP package for a NPN device. Be sure to change it before doing a layout. Regards Roland Uugh, that's embarrassing. I got the part number from Viesturs' e-mail reply, just pasted it in and didn't see the flaw. If this is really a BD139, the circuit won't work. Thanks Roland. I guess I shouldn't apply for any detective jobs. I suppose the BD139 could be made to work, but I would need to build the circuit to say anything with confidence. See attached. I suppose a lot of what I do involves magic ... by letting the magic smoke out of defenseless bits of plastic. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA attachment: Screenshot-5.png-- Keep Your Developer Skills Current with LearnDevNow! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-d2d___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] MESA questions
On Wed, 2012-01-25 at 19:26 +0200, Andrew wrote: ... snip 2. The friend's machine has 7 servos (including 3 spindles) in step/dir mode, and RS422 is preferred for higher input frequency. Which RS422 daughter cards for 5i20 (or other FPGA) are supported with hardware? ... snip What servo drivers does he have? If the drivers have the option, it might be better to use a torque or velocity input. RS422 is a standard that describes handling a signal through a pair of wires. Generally, I believe any digital input could be made to handle RS422 by adding a RS422 receiver chip. How many pairs of wires come from the encoders? For step/dir drivers, the encoders are wired to the driver, and optionally, the CNC controller. If you use the driver torque or velocity inputs, the encoders are wired just to LinuxCNC. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Keep Your Developer Skills Current with LearnDevNow! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-d2d ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] DIY output driver
On Wed, 2012-01-25 at 10:17 -0800, Kirk Wallace wrote: ... snip I suppose the BD139 could be made to work, but I would need to build the circuit to say anything with confidence. See attached. ... snip I suppose being able to use SPICE would help. Maybe I'll learn to use it in another life. http://www.brorson.com/gEDA/SPICE/x64.html -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Keep Your Developer Skills Current with LearnDevNow! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-d2d ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] DIY output driver
On Wed, 2012-01-25 at 23:07 +0200, Viesturs Lācis wrote: ... snip Kirk, I am getting totally confused... Sorry about that. What is the difference in schematics between both images in Your last email? I cannot see any... NPN Not Pointing iN |/ Collector Base ---| |\ V Emitter ~~~ PNP Pointing iN |/ ---| | \ The difference is in the Base voltage that turns the transistor ON. With NPN the base needs to be a higher voltage than the Emitter. Usually the emitter is at ground so a positive voltage around .6 volts will do it. For PNP the Base voltage needs to be lower than the Emitter, so the Emitter often has the positive supply going to it. Then the base can be switched to ground to turn the transistor ON. And I have a question about Screenshot 6 and pin numbering of BD139. Does it differ from this one? http://picpaste.com/bd139-OI8vROGu.png Viesturs I used this as a reference: http://www.fairchildsemi.com/ds/BD/BD139.pdf but after looking at this: http://www.st.com/internet/com/TECHNICAL_RESOURCES/TECHNICAL_LITERATURE/DATASHEET/CD1225.pdf it looks like the SOT-32 and the TO-126 package have a different pin order. Go figure. There seems to be a TO-225AA package too. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Keep Your Developer Skills Current with LearnDevNow! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-d2d ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] DIY output driver
On Wed, 2012-01-25 at 23:43 +0200, Viesturs Lācis wrote: 2012/1/25 andy pugh bodge...@gmail.com: On 25 January 2012 21:07, Viesturs Lācis viesturs.la...@gmail.com wrote: Kirk, I am getting totally confused... What is the difference in schematics between both images in Your last email? I cannot see any... The direction the arrow points in the transistor schematic symbol. Ok, thanks! I do not understand - that is inside the BD139, right? What can I do about it, if it is still the same BD139 transistor??? If your transistor is a BD139 it will be an NPN. As mentioned in another message, the pin number depends on the package TO or SOT. I finally managed to get at least something working: Short-circuiting +5V to 4N25's pin5 turns the laser power on and off as required. It's jumping the 12 V supply to U1 pin 4 that should turn Q1 ON. If the 5 Volt supply turns Q1 ON, that means that your 12 Volt and 5 Volt supplies share the same ground, which is okay unless they need to be isolated, which is what opto-isolators (U1) allow you to do. I am left with an impression that 4N25 is not working correctly. I concur. Is that diode next to R1 mandatory? I will not have a time to obtain one and solder in, before going to client. The general purpose diode next to R1 can tolerate a much higher reverse voltage. The opto-isolators internal LED has a reverse voltage tolerance a little over 5 volts, so hooking up the LED backwards or noise on the line could burn it out. The general purpose diode prevents the opto LED from being damaged. In addition, a regular LED can also placed in series with the general purpose diode, and will light up when the signal is ON. This can help with trouble shooting, and gives customers something watch while you are explaining how wonderful your machine is. I just hope that I have spare 4N25... Me too. There may be some opt-isolators on junk telecom PC boards you might have laying around? How sensitive to soldering heat are things like 4N25 optoisolators? Maybe I have accidentally burned it? You might pull a trace up before damaging the opto-isolator, although sometimes heat can damage a component such that it still works but not very well, or not all the time. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Keep Your Developer Skills Current with LearnDevNow! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-d2d ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] DIY output driver
On Thu, 2012-01-26 at 08:40 +0200, Viesturs Lācis wrote: ... snip Ground is shared on both sides, because 5V and 12V are supplied by PC's PSU. Is there a simple way I can drive that transistor without optoisolator? I think you could add a smaller transistor in place of the opto-isolator. See the attachment for rough schematic that would need work to make a practical circuit. An off-the-shelf solid state relay might do the job too. ... snip it seems that with all my struggle I am getting over the diy will be cheaper line and it does not seem that I can easily get it working) I like that point of distracting client's attitude :) Viesturs Many times I find it easier to make what I need, than to try and modify an existing product to fit what I need. Sometimes one needs isolation sometimes not. Sometimes one needs to convert a 12 Volt signal to 5 or 3 Volts, or RS232 to RS485 and an existing product just doesn't have the right combination of features. After some experience one gets used to what works them, but maybe not for anyone else. If a product has the proper features, my guess it will most often be cheaper overall to buy than to make, but for me, at this time, I either make it from what I have on hand, or it doesn't get done. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA attachment: Screenshot-7.png-- Keep Your Developer Skills Current with LearnDevNow! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-d2d___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] DIY output driver
On Fri, 2012-01-27 at 16:55 +0200, Viesturs Lācis wrote: 2012/1/26 Kirk Wallace kwall...@wallacecompany.com: On Thu, 2012-01-26 at 08:40 +0200, Viesturs Lācis wrote: An off-the-shelf solid state relay might do the job too. The relay was my first idea, but it turned out pretty quickly that there are no such relays that could be driven directly by Mesa card - even those with 5V coils on control side would require too much current for gpio pin to sink - I think that smallest I found was around 100 mA. Solid state relays generally have an opto-isolator built in, with the same LED input, so only require a few milliamps to turn on. For instance: http://search.digikey.com/us/en/products/DC60S3/CC1126-ND/221844 http://www.crydom.com/en/Tech/crydom_us.pdf http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid_state_relay A couple of things to note, ssr's don't turn OFF all the way, they have a very slight leakage, which mechanical relays don't do since the contacts are separated by air. Also, it is temping to use AC ssr's with a DC load, but this won't work because the AC relays need the AC zero crossing in order to switch OFF. I just wanted to tell that I resoldered optoisolator and now it is kind of working correctly. Laser is shining. The problem is that it is not burning the wood. Is the voltage drop in the wiring too high? How can I help there - use thicker wire leads? Viesturs Measure the voltage at the laser with a meter across the GND and dc 9 - 12 volt terminals. If it dips below 9 Volts you most likely need to find a way to bring the voltage up. It apears the laser needs only 1.3 Amps so any decently sized wire should work fine. Check to make sure the TTL terminal comes up to TTL voltage level, maybe between 3 and 5 Volts. I believe LinuxCNC should feed this pin with a 20kHz PWM or PDM signal to control the laser's output strength. Also check to make sure the laser can focus on the target. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Try before you buy = See our experts in action! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-dev2 ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] DIY output driver
For those following this thread, just a reminder of what I think Viesturs has. eBay laser with controller: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Industrial-808nm-800mw-Infrared-Focusable-Laser-Diode-Module-Cutter-w-TTL-/180781956841?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0hash=item2a1771bee9#ht_2189wt_1080 Short URL: http://alturl.com/9t7fg Peak Wavelength : 808 nm Color: Infrared Visibility : INVISIBLE Diode Beam divergence: 12/100 deg. Emitting area: 50 x 2 µm Module Output Power : 800 mW Diode Output Power : 1000 mW Modulation : TTL Max. Modulation Frequency: 20 KHz Focus Range : 1 inch to 5 inches Warm Up Time : 1 Minute Power Stability : %5, 20 minutes Spectral Line width : 10 nm Operating Current: 1300 mA Operating Voltage: 9-12 Vdc Laser Diode Cooling Mode : Aluminum Heat Sink Driver Cooling Mode : Aluminum Heat Sink Expected Lifetime: 5000 hours Power Supply Required: 9-12 volts DC 1.3 Amp Applications : CNC Cutting, Material Processing, http://www.listingfactoryhost.com/users/kerimkale/eBayAuctions/346554dgf/images/DSCN6716_360697722_thumb.jpg Short URL: http://alturl.com/fynsz http://www.listingfactoryhost.com/users/kerimkale/eBayAuctions/346554dgf/images/DSCN6705_865650630_thumb.jpg Short URL: http://alturl.com/j4aof I suspect the power to the laser driver just needs to be switched as an Enable, with the driver's TTL input modulated by PWM/PDM to turn the bean on and control the strength. I have zero experience with lasers, so grains of salt are recommended. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Try before you buy = See our experts in action! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-dev2 ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Nitpicking , was: Servo tuning - wt_?
On Sun, 2012-01-29 at 16:16 +, andy pugh wrote: On 29 January 2012 15:47, Viesturs Lācis viesturs.la...@gmail.com wrote: I took one of them off, I see 4 DIP switches, but do not see a jumper. Their manual also does not show, where on that pcb jumper would be located. http://www.amtencoder.com/Resources/Frequently-Asked-Questions#3 Maybe I'm too picky, but WT_ may be considered offensive to some. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Try before you buy = See our experts in action! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-dev2 ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] question on gcode parsing
Regarding messing with the g-code interpreter, my vote is that g-code should describe axis position, feedrate; and spindle speed and direction, and little more. Everything else should be handled with CAM, including canned cycles and such. Less is more. If one insists on improving g-code, I would start over with a language using keywords rather than letters. The need to to extract the most context from single symbols is a throwback from when teletypes ran at 300 Baud. Just my opinion based on very limited experience. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Try before you buy = See our experts in action! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-dev2 ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] question on gcode parsing
On Sun, 2012-01-29 at 19:08 +, andy pugh wrote: On 29 January 2012 18:43, Kirk Wallace kwall...@wallacecompany.com wrote: Regarding messing with the g-code interpreter, my vote is that g-code should describe axis position, feedrate; and spindle speed and direction, and little more. Everything else should be handled with CAM, including canned cycles and such. Less is more. Which FOSS, Linux, CAM system would you suggest? What little code I've created so far is done by hand, Qcad/dxf2gcode or Synergy, but it's not LinuxCNC's fault that there aren't more choices. In my opinion, g-code should be a script for telling the machine how to operate, not a utility for creating or bypassing code. I just want to float the Spartan ideal to try to help keep the interpreter and LinuxCNC from getting bloated. Over the years I've seen good enough software become bloated to the point of needing other programs to make them usable again. I like jumpers instead of Plug-N-Play. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Try before you buy = See our experts in action! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-dev2 ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Passing file names into a subroutine
On Wed, 2012-02-01 at 10:01 -0500, BRIAN GLACKIN wrote: ... snip What I would like avoid constantly cutting and pasting code (or filenames) into my parts program subroutine. I thought I could send via the subroutine a fourth value with the file name. The thought being that I can have a series of calls for different parts that I can cut out from the same sheet without having to mash up a massive gcode file. ... snip Why not write a g-code file for each part, then write a shell script batch file to execute the files in order? -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Keep Your Developer Skills Current with LearnDevNow! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-d2d ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] OT: Possible Retrofit candidate for someone in the heartland
On Thu, 2012-02-02 at 21:53 -0500, BRIAN GLACKIN wrote: Went for $2555. People spend more on a card game... or kids... I paid around $2000 for my Shizouka, in good shape, with Bandit, tool changer and some tooling. Hopefully, at this price, the buyer is serious about restoring it. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Try before you buy = See our experts in action! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-dev2 ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
[Emc-users] SJ200 VFD and Modbus
I'm trying to get my SJ200 VFD connected with Modbus. In preparation for this I ported a MVX9000 which I had on the shelf. It turned out to be a slam dunk, almost. http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/EMC2/mvx9000/ The SJ200 is a different story. It turns out Hitachi made a rev. 1 and 2 of the hardware, and the register addresses are different. I only found the rev. 1 manuals on-line, but fortunately had a paper manual, that I finally found, which indicated what the problem was. Plus, there is conflicting information in the application notes about the resister addresses being offsets from the register type base address. For holding registers, it appears to be 40001. In practice thogh, the Modbus query uses only the offset and the query type, read holding register in this case, and the absolute address is handled inside the VFD. I am able to modpoll the proper registers now, but I have a problem with reading more than two holding registers in my component. It looks like I'll need to get into the bowels of libmodbus, unless someone here has dealt with this problem and can provide some advise. Thanks. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Try before you buy = See our experts in action! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-dev2 ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] SJ200 VFD and Modbus
On Fri, 2012-02-03 at 16:12 +1100, Frank Tkalcevic wrote: So which version do you need? I've made my own revision 2 driver. I have rev. 2, or rather SJ200subscript2. If your component is GPL'd then I'd appreciate getting a copy, although my problem seems to be with libmodbus. I'm planning on getting the latest libmodbus and compiling with that. I've been getting a couple of data type mismatch warnings, that I have been ignoring because the compile goes through, but I wonder if I need to address it. On my recent MVX9000 component I had to change a read function variable to short int from int because an int is two bytes and the modbus data comes out as single bytes, so two registers would end up on one HAL pin. Maybe I should cast the variables, but then I would have to learn how to do that. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Try before you buy = See our experts in action! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-dev2 ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] SJ200 VFD and Modbus
On Fri, 2012-02-03 at 11:36 +0100, Michael Haberler wrote: Am 03.02.2012 um 04:50 schrieb Kirk Wallace: I am able to modpoll the proper registers now, but I have a problem with Do you mean 'modpoll the proper registers' to mean 'read several holding registers in one operation'? If so: I had that problem with the Toshiba VFS-11. See the note in my driver at http://git.mah.priv.at/gitweb/vfs11-vfd.git/blob/refs/heads/f12-prod:/vfs11_vfd.c#l216 - Michael Yes, I meant I could get modpoll to read multiple registers as expected and according to a plan based on the register list (after getting the proper list). Of course with modpoll, I got errors when my base address and count pushed the end of the read into registers that do not exist. Also the SJ200 manual indicates that no more than four holding registers can be accessed at a time. The SJ200 must have a very small communication buffer, maybe due to having to deal with a tiny processor in the operator unit that occupies the Modbus port. With more experimentation I was able to get my comp to read even numbers of registers, with the last byte missing. This leads me to believe I have a endian or data type problem, so I'll need to learn more about the types used in modbus.c and types in general, or just read each register one at a time. I often can learn just enough about a sample C file to tweak some key words to get something that works, but this may not be the case for me here. Thanks Michael for your all the work you do on LinuxCNC. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Try before you buy = See our experts in action! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-dev2 ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] SJ200 VFD and Modbus
On Fri, 2012-02-03 at 19:13 +1100, Frank Tkalcevic wrote: I've taken the existing gs2_vfd.c from src/hal/user_comps and made an sj200_vfd.c I don't like writing code that isn't modular and reusable, so I started to write the module so it could be configured by a table of values. I only got as far as making it work for my use. The plan was to have one vfd module, and just pass in a config file of values, however I don't have more than one device to test against. I haven't considered a generic VFD or Modbus device driver, because not only do the device functions vary widely, but so do implementations of the Modbus standard. I'm leaning more towards preferring a wizard that can help create a custom component. Having a custom component for each VFD would be similar to display or other drivers, after a while a library of components will get filled in and normal users will likely be able to just plug in the one that matches their device. Having a utility to aid in making the components could help fill the library more quickly. I've attached a zip file with the .c file and SubMakefile. I remember at the time I had a lot of trouble getting the submakefile to work and couldn't find any info on it. I put it in src/hal/user_comps, modify the submakefile and build. From memory, I don't think I could build from the src/hal/user_comps directory. I had to build the lot. Early on, I avoided using the GS2 component as a sample because it appeared that it had to be compiled within the LinuxCNC tree. It seemed I would need to compile LinuxCNC every time I made a change, but this is most likely because I don't understand programming very well. You'll notice in the code, 2 sets of tables. I too, had problems with v1 and v2 documentation. I am hoping to find the time to gather this VFD and Modbus information and post it to the wiki so others won't need to go through the same problems. From above ... however I don't have more than one device to test against., I wonder how hard it would be for someone to access my VFD's with VNC? I am getting my components sorted out, but in general, being able to use remote devices for development (through the wiki?) might be a good thing. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Try before you buy = See our experts in action! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-dev2 ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] SJ200 VFD and Modbus
On Thu, 2012-02-02 at 19:50 -0800, Kirk Wallace wrote: I'm trying to get my SJ200 VFD connected with Modbus. In preparation for this I ported a MVX9000 which I had on the shelf. It turned out to be a slam dunk, almost. http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/EMC2/mvx9000/ I've noticed on the different versions of VFD C file derived components there is a usage message at the top of the source file then a usage message in the usage function. Why can't we live without the message at the top? Also, with the comp utility there is an automated means to create and install a man page, is there a means for doing this for C file derived components? -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Try before you buy = See our experts in action! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-dev2 ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] SJ200 VFD and Modbus
On Fri, 2012-02-03 at 11:38 -0800, Kirk Wallace wrote: On Thu, 2012-02-02 at 19:50 -0800, Kirk Wallace wrote: I'm trying to get my SJ200 VFD connected with Modbus. In preparation for this I ported a MVX9000 which I had on the shelf. It turned out to be a slam dunk, almost. http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/EMC2/mvx9000/ I've noticed on the different versions of VFD C file derived components there is a usage message at the top of the source file then a usage ... snip I have some more thoughts on VFD components. My plan for my SJ200 component was to have a bare-bones version that let one operate speed, direction and maybe a fault signal, then a more complete version with more features, but still only those necessary for machine operation and monitoring, and finally have a component meant to run separately from LinuxCNC that would allow setting registers relevant to features such as for tuning the system for the motor being used. Just a thought. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Try before you buy = See our experts in action! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-dev2 ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] SJ200 VFD and Modbus
On Fri, 2012-02-03 at 14:58 -0800, Karl Cunningham wrote: On 02/03/2012 12:20 PM, Kirk Wallace wrote: I have some more thoughts on VFD components. My plan for my SJ200 component was to have a bare-bones version that let one operate speed, direction and maybe a fault signal, then a more complete version with more features, but still only those necessary for machine operation and monitoring, and finally have a component meant to run separately from LinuxCNC that would allow setting registers relevant to features such as for tuning the system for the motor being used. You might also think about including the at-speed signal (is it frequency arrival?), and fault reset from linuxcnc to the VFD. Until I get everything dialed in I've found it handy to have a VFD reset button in the pyvcp panel. We have a Hitachi X200 VFD, hard-wired at the moment, but I want to use it with modbus. I'm eager to see how yours turns out. Karl The X200 manual I found on-line: http://www.hitachi-america.us/products/business/inverters/products/ac_variable_speed_drives/x200/ looks very similar to my SJ200-2 and has the same register addresses for at least the major functions. So when I get my SJ done you'll most likely have a Modbus component you can use. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Try before you buy = See our experts in action! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-dev2 ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Non-Contact limit switch issues.
On Sun, 2012-02-05 at 12:41 -0500, N. Christopher Perry wrote: I'm bringing up my mini-mill and have encountered a weird problem: I'm trying to use pins 10, 11 12 on the printer port as limit switch inputs for X, Y, Z axes, respectively, but the pins are acting like outputs. The parallel port 10, 11 and 12 pins should always have high impedance, so your sensor circuit outputs should act the same way whether they are connected to these pins or not. If connecting the sensor output wire to the parallel port pin keeps the signal voltage from toggling, then there is something wrong with the parallel port. Many motherboard parallel ports are now running on 3 Volts, I would think the inputs should be 5 Volt tolerant, but they may be very easy to short out. I avoid using the motherboard parallel ports. Blowing out a $15 PCI card is much cheaper than replacing a motherboard, plus these usually run on 5 Volts. It should be easy to check these inputs with a wire and a 2.5k Ohm resistor. Connect the wire to an input pin, then touch the wire to the PC's ground or a +5 Volt source. You should be able to see the logic state change with HALmeter, HALscope or the watch feature in the HAL configuration window. The limits switches are active high, with ether voltage dividers or diodes in line for level correction and short circuit protection. When I test the limit switches when not connected to the PC they work as expected. When connected to the PC a tripped a limit switch might cause the voltage to move by 0.5V or so, but the voltage is still held above the TTL high threshold. The X-axis limit switch system consists of two OPB972 optical sensors (TTL level output), which have totem-pole output. Both are diode-ORed together with a 20K pulldown. I would avoid totem-pole outputs. The limit signal should be active low so that if the sensor, power supply or wire fails, the limit will trip. Open collector outputs make that easy. One just needs a pull up to the supply voltage to limit the collector current. A divider would work too, but I would rather have the full voltage drive an opto-isolator protecting the parallel port input. I avoid optical sensors unless they can be enclosed in a liquid proof container. The Y-axis limit switch system consists of two Honeywell 103SR12A-2 Hall sensors, which have active source outputs (Open emitter, 12V supply, ~12 volt active output, floating otherwise). Both are wired together and put through a 5.1K/2.2K resistor divider. The 103R's are a nice sensor, but they are expensive. I would go with the sink version of this sensor, but $.60 can get you a sensor that works very nearly as well in a hobby environment. The Z-axis limit switch system consists of two Parker Proprietary Hall sensors (TTL level output), which appear to have totem-pole outputs. As a precaution, I've diode-ORed them together with a 20K pulldown. Another thing, proper soft limits should be setup. With these setup, there is another layer of safety and they are more convenient because an axis will come to a controlled stop when it hits a soft limit. One can just jog away from the limit, whereas hitting a hard limit requires finding and selecting the limit override, then backing off. Wiring each limit for each joint to its own input is also more convenient than or'ing different limits together. PCI parallel ports are cheap and can provide plenty of extra I/O. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Try before you buy = See our experts in action! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-dev2 ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Non-Contact limit switch issues.
On Mon, 2012-02-06 at 05:08 +, N. Christopher Perry wrote: Thanks Kirk, I did as you suggested, and while I was at it I measured the series current when shorted and found that it was ~2mA. My pulldowns were in fact too high an impedance. I dropped them to ~300 ohms and everything is now working as expected. N.C. I'm glad you got it sorted out, but I think it was Gene that caught the resistor value being too high. I'll put a gold star by his name, and requisition another beer or two for a toast. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Try before you buy = See our experts in action! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-dev2 ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Control board
On Mon, 2012-02-06 at 07:32 -0500, Erik Friesen wrote: I am doing a bit of 3 axis cnc routing on pvc. I would like to set it and forget it while it runs. I have been thinking about building, or buying if available, something down this line. Parallel breakout for stepper drive. Microchip pic32 or similar to monitor incoming steps Encoders on steppers to compare against steps. Pic set up as usb HID device, with misc IO for jogging, etc. Amperage monitoring on 110 out relays, controlled with HID or aux parport io. I would set up the amperage and stepper monitors on the control board to flip a bit if things get out of whack, which would be netted to the machine-on. If you are using the parallel port to generate step/dir signals, just adding another parallel port, set up as input, should be able to handle encoders just fine. Currently, the only practical real-time interfaces are the parallel port and PCI, so in my opinion, encoder data should go through one of them. Off-loading the encoder counting function to a microprocessor is reinventing the wheel since Linuxcnc already has this and more built in. I think the tricky bit is in getting analog data into Linuxcnc. Analog is not so hard because a fast hardware FPGA signal generator can produce an analog like signal with PWM or PDM. For analog to digital remotes, I tend to think that PCI or the parallel port should be used with a Modbus or SPI converter. There are SPI sensors available: http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/EMC2/serial_adc/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/EMC2/serial_dac/ Modbus is becoming more mature for controlling VFD's with LinuxCNC: http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/wiki.pl?VFD_Modbus Arduino's, PIC's and AVR's could be used to support remote sensors: http://axis.unpy.net/01198594294 http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/wiki.pl?AVR (see bottom for Modbus) http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/wiki.pl?ModIO I've been working with using an AVR with the parallel port, which would have the advantage of being real-time, but would need to be fairly local to the LinuxCNC PC. I'm thinking of having the AVR convert to Modbus and/or SPI for the remote units. Some Mesa products have SPI capability: http://www.mesanet.com/pdf/parallel/5i25man.pdf It looks like the 5i25 might have everything you need, but there are so many ways to peel a banana. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Try before you buy = See our experts in action! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-dev2 ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Control board
On Mon, 2012-02-06 at 12:29 -0500, Erik Friesen wrote: I am not so sure about the parallel port and encoder idea though, the encoders I see are up to 1000 per rev, that requires a pretty fast base period to handle that, not? 2us ? In reference to my reply, I suggested that using the parallel port for encoders, but only if the encoder pulse rate is similar to the step rate. An FPGA PCI or parallel port board would be needed for decent encoder rates. I also am not very clear on emc2 capability to manage analog inputs, it seems easier to offload the deciding to an external mcu of some sort. Also, how would emc2 handle encoders with steppers? In the normal stepper configuration file, the position command and the position feedback are software shorted together. core_stepper.hal ~~~ ... 25 # connect position feedback from step generators 26 # to motion module 27 net Xpos-fb stepgen.0.position-fb = axis.0.motor-pos-fb 28 net Ypos-fb stepgen.1.position-fb = axis.1.motor-pos-fb 29 net Zpos-fb stepgen.2.position-fb = axis.2.motor-pos-fb ... ~~~ This is because when a step is sent out, it is assumed that the step completes properly, and besides, a normal stepper system has no way of providing feedback. I haven't worked on a stepper system with encoders, but I think one replaces the above stepgen feedback with the encoder output. This link indicates there is are example files somewhere?: http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/wiki.pl?Steppers_With_Encoders For the cost, this may be a good analog trip indicator: http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9147 The biggest problem might be in conditioning the analog signal to a 0 - 5 Volt range. One could use the USB connection as is, or change the program to just send out a one bit or watchdog signal. Being a microprocessor, the trip conditions could be quite sophisticated. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Try before you buy = See our experts in action! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-dev2 ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] pluto FPGA on LPT
On Tue, 2012-02-07 at 14:40 +0100, Claude Froidevaux wrote: Hi, I'm trying to get a pluto-servo to work. Right now the status is that output is OK (led dimming, I test several output ok), but input is not working at all, I cannot read anything (input or encoder value). After some reading, it seem that I don't do the right choice choosing pluto board, as this solution is only marginally working (as I understand at least). Is there any hope I can make it to work ? (in a reliable way of course !) my setup is a atom motherboard (D945GCLF), with a additional LPT extension (MOSCHIP mcs98651v). So far, I use the not EPP mode (ioaddr_hi=-1), I tried most possible configuration without success. The Pluto-P and other parallel port FPGA boards require EPP to work. EPP provides two way communication to the Pluto. The ioaddr_hi parameter allows for a nonstandard HI address that some parallel port cards use. The parallel port is accessed by the PC through register addresses. A standard (one way) port uses a BASE address from which a couple of other registers are referenced, such as BASE + 1. When EPP was born, more registers needed to be accessed, so these extended registers are accessed through their extended BASE address, which normally is BASE + 0x400. The Pluto component uses this BASE + 0x400 by default. ioaddr_hi allows one to set this to a different extended base address if needed. Since you got the light to dim, it seems you got the addressing okay. ... Oops, it seems you got me to look at this parameter more closely. I recall these extended registers provide for features that are not required by the component, so a -1 tells the component to not use these registers. But, the Pluto still needs to use EPP. See: http://retired.beyondlogic.org/spp/parallel.htm http://retired.beyondlogic.org/epp/epp.htm http://retired.beyondlogic.org/ecp/ecp.htm http://retired.beyondlogic.org/ In case I'm doomed, I will most probably try with a mesa 5I25 board. Can anyone confirm that it work ? (this time I ask first !!) I've gotten mine to work okay, so it can be done. You just need to use the motherboard parrallel port or one of the parallel port FPGA compatible PCI cards. See (half way down the page under PCI EPP Cards): http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/wiki.pl?LinuxCNC_Supported_Hardware If you can get a Netmos card into EPP, it may act like it is working, but the communication to the Pluto will not be reliable or complete. Also, if the pluto fpga board is really that much problematic, I thing It would be nice to put some warning on the documentation. Best regards, Claude Froidevaux It seems the Pluto can work okay when properly set up, but it takes a bit of effort and luck. Apparently, it's not quite broken enough for someone to fix the documentation, but anyone can update the wiki. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Keep Your Developer Skills Current with LearnDevNow! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-d2d ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] pluto FPGA on LPT
On Tue, 2012-02-07 at 22:20 +0200, Viesturs Lācis wrote: 2012/2/7 Kirk Wallace kwall...@wallacecompany.com: On Tue, 2012-02-07 at 14:40 +0100, Claude Froidevaux wrote: In case I'm doomed, I will most probably try with a mesa 5I25 board. Can anyone confirm that it work ? (this time I ask first !!) I've gotten mine to work okay, so it can be done. You just need to use the motherboard parrallel port or one of the parallel port FPGA compatible PCI cards. Kirk, 5i25 is PCI card! And my experience with it - works like a charm with 2.5.pre2[don't-remember-which-buildbot-version] in D525MW based system. Viesturs But in order to get the Pluto to work, it would need to act like an EPP port. I don't know if the firmware exists for that. Besides it seems silly to connect a Pluto to the 5i25 when it already does what the Pluto does. When I evict the moths from my wallet and shoe laces from my diet, a 5i25 will be on my short list of things to get. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Keep Your Developer Skills Current with LearnDevNow! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-d2d ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
[Emc-users] Updated wiki VFD Modbus
I've added more information and links to the VFD Modbus wiki page. I'd appreciate any comments, corrections, or advise of copyright infringement. http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/wiki.pl?VFD_Modbus -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Keep Your Developer Skills Current with LearnDevNow! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-d2d ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Add New Thread
On Wed, 2012-02-08 at 17:08 +0100, Spiderdab wrote: Hi, finally i'm trying to get my new Keling motors and drivers work, together with a C35 BoB from cnc4pc. I wanted to use the charge-pump function (that, if i understood, act as a watchdog), so i need a signal coming from LinuxCNC every 12,5 kHz, as written in the manual. Mach uses a 12.5 kHz signal but I suspect the C35 will work with a wide range of frequency. A while back the maker of these breakout boards mention what the frequency range was, but I don't recall it now. An e-mail to CNC4PC support should give you an answer. In looking at the C35 manual, it looks like the charge pump input is from pin 17 on the DB25 parallel port connector, then goes to a charge pump detector. The detector's output then goes to the ENABLE terminal. So to enable the C35, one can either force the ENABLE terminal to 5 Volts from outside, or have the charge pump detector drive it high internally. If the charge pump drives the ENABLE terminal high, one should be able to measure it at the terminal with a meter or resistor and LED. I don't have one of these boards, so I can't be sure of this. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Keep Your Developer Skills Current with LearnDevNow! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-d2d ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Add New Thread
On Wed, 2012-02-08 at 18:09 +0100, Spiderdab wrote: ... snip Thanks for answering. The charge-pump works with the charge-pump rt component into hal, i just wanted to gain some suggestion on using a dedicated new thread or if it's ok to use base-thread. Following your memory, i'll try to use also a different period for the charge pump. let's say 10kHz, that is my base-thread. ... snip I think you can use whatever thread comes closest to the frequency you need. Finding out what the pump detector will work with could be the hard part. I suppose you could use the HAL tutorial to get yourself into halrun and set up a single thread, charge pump and connection to the parallel port pin 17. Then measure the ENABLE voltage with different thread speed settings. This should give you an idea of how wide the valid frequencies are. I now seem to recall just setting a base thread as fast as my computer could go, and did a AXIS configuration with a frequency generator output. Either way works. My guess though, is 10 kHz is close enough. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Keep Your Developer Skills Current with LearnDevNow! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-d2d ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] SLO-SYN 440-TH125 stepper driver from Superior Electric
On Wed, 2012-02-08 at 11:32 -0600, Oscar Chaides wrote: Hi, some body has the manual for a SLO-SYN 440-TH125 stepper driver from Superior Electric?, i google it without luck and the people of Dana Motion said i to old for support You should be able to get a fair amount of information with a voltmeter and tachometer. How many wires are coming from the motor? Is there a data plate? What information is on it? What do you plan to use the motor for? What driver do you plan to use to drive it? What power supply do you plan to drive the driver? If you spin up the motor and can determine the speed and measure the AC voltage on a pair of wires to a coil, you can get an idea of what voltage you will need to drive the motor at the planned maximum speed. I believe Kv is the term for voltage per RPM. If you measure the the voltage at say 500 RPM, then Kv = X Vac / 500 rpm. If you want to drive the motor at 2k RPM, then the approximate Vmax = Kv x 2000 rpm. The motors amperage limit depends on the coil resistance, copper and iron losses, and heat shedding capacity. I would tend to drive one coil with a variable power supply with a small current to start with. After ten or twenty minutes see how warm the motor is. If the motor is not too warm, up the current, wait, then check the temperature again. Repeat the process until the motor becomes to warm to comfortably touch and note the voltage and current. To get an idea of the torque capacity of the motor, mount a largish pulley on the output shaft and wrap it with a rope, drive one coil, note the voltage and current, then place weights on the end of the rope until the weight overpowers the motor's ability to hold it still. Torque will be: T(holding) = Pulley radius x Weight. One can also use the pulley/weight method on an axis lead screw to determine the torque needed to drive the axis. If your motor torque is higher than your lead screw torque, the motor should work for this application. This should give you a rough idea of the motor's capacity. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Keep Your Developer Skills Current with LearnDevNow! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-d2d ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] SLO-SYN 440-TH125 stepper driver from Superior Electric
On Wed, 2012-02-08 at 10:11 -0800, Kirk Wallace wrote: On Wed, 2012-02-08 at 11:32 -0600, Oscar Chaides wrote: Hi, some body has the manual for a SLO-SYN 440-TH125 stepper driver from Superior Electric?, i google it without luck and the people of Dana Motion said i to old for support You should be able to get a fair amount of information with a voltmeter and tachometer. ... snip Dooh! I didn't notice driver even though it is completely obvious to even less than interested students. Never mind. (Thanks Gene) -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Keep Your Developer Skills Current with LearnDevNow! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-d2d ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Can I bounce this idea off the list?
On Thu, 2012-02-09 at 12:39 -0500, gene heskett wrote: On Thursday, February 09, 2012 12:38:04 PM Ben Jackson did opine: On Thu, Feb 09, 2012 at 11:23:47AM +0200, andy pugh wrote: It is servo-thread only as it uses floating-point. I am not entirely sure why. Aha, that's why I added the laser-thread in my HAL: A base-period thread with FP allowed. On a modern CPU it's no big deal. I wonder if that is a hangover from when most computers needed a floating point chip installed? Cheers, Gene My understanding is, it is because RTAI (loadrt) has no floating point functions. Floating point has to be done in userland (loadusr). But now that I mention it, then why would one specify even a servo thread? I guess I don't have an understanding. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] wiki formatting question
On Fri, 2012-02-10 at 23:40 -0500, Tom Easterday wrote: I am adding a page to the wiki with config files which demonstrate Glade among other things. I uploaded a config file called A2GantryController.py and I can get to that file if I use this url: http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/uploads/A2GantryController.py. However, on the wiki page I cannot figure out formatting that works to display the uploaded file. The closest I get is this: nowikiA2GantryController.py/nowiki [upload:A2GantryController.py] in edit mode which yields this in display mode: A2GantryController.py [upload:A2GantryController?.py] which gives this link (notice lack of file extension) http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/uploads/A2GantryController which is not found. How can I include a filename that has both upper and lower case and an extension and get the right url when it is clicked on? Tom Maybe put the link in html/html tags. htmla href=http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/uploads/A2GantryController.py;http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/uploads/A2GantryController.py/a/html This should show the link text and and have the proper link. Or if that isn't waht you are looking for, maybe: htmla href=http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/uploads/A2GantryController.py;A2GantryController.py/a/html That is my guess so far. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] wiki formatting question
On Fri, 2012-02-10 at 21:52 -0800, Kirk Wallace wrote: On Fri, 2012-02-10 at 23:40 -0500, Tom Easterday wrote: I am adding a page to the wiki with config files which demonstrate Glade among other things. I uploaded a config file called A2GantryController.py and I can get to that file if I use this url: http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/uploads/A2GantryController.py. However, on the wiki page I cannot figure out formatting that works to display the uploaded file. The closest I get is this: nowikiA2GantryController.py/nowiki [upload:A2GantryController.py] in edit mode which yields this in display mode: A2GantryController.py [upload:A2GantryController?.py] which gives this link (notice lack of file extension) http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/uploads/A2GantryController which is not found. How can I include a filename that has both upper and lower case and an extension and get the right url when it is clicked on? Tom Maybe put the link in html/html tags. htmla href=http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/uploads/A2GantryController.py;http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/uploads/A2GantryController.py/a/html This should show the link text and and have the proper link. Or if that isn't waht you are looking for, maybe: htmla href=http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/uploads/A2GantryController.py;A2GantryController.py/a/html That is my guess so far. If you want the new link to look like the others, maybe: htmlA2GantryController.py [[a href=http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/uploads/A2GantryController.py;upload:A2GantryController.py/a]]/html The attached is a screen shot of it from the Sandbox. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA attachment: Screenshot-9.png-- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
[Emc-users] IRAMS
Andy, I recall seeing a picture from you with a blown IRAMS. I'm hoping to order some, but I would like to learn what I can before hooking them up. Do you have any on-line notes or other material covering your experience with the IRAMS or similar modules? -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] LiveCD
On Sun, 2012-02-12 at 16:02 +0200, Roland Jollivet wrote: Hi I downloaded and burnt a CD of 2.4.6 and popped it into a windows machine to have a look at it But... (I think) I can't actually run EMC because it wants to install a stepper config file on the drive, which I assume is a bad idea because it has windows on it. The only options I have are OK or Cancel How come there is no No? I got the same thing with a few of machine configs I chose. Regards Roland I think what you are getting is when you start LinuCNC, a notice comes up and presents a list of configurations from the sample library. Since these are sample files, it is best not to change them directly, but to make a copy so you can edit the copy if needed. To promote this, the configuration selector offers to copy the file for you straight off the bat. When you boot the LIveCD, Ubuntu creates a RAMdisk (or similar) and this becomes your working drive, the configuration copy and other changes are stored here and go away when you turn Ubuntu Off. In Live mode, there should not be any other disks mounted, so nothing of the original Windows system should be in danger of being changed. You can, if you want mount your Widows drive, but it isn't mounted normally when the LiveCD loads. While exiting the Live session, an offer to save the changes on the RAMdisk is made. If desired, you can mount a removable drive, save your changes, then reuse them on the next session. Bottom line though, the original hard disk will not be touched. If you want to see what is mounted, from the desktop, click on Applications, then Accessories, then Terminal. In terminal, type in mount and press Enter. A list of mounted objects should be presented. Hard disks usually start with /dev/sda with a number appended that designates the partition number. sda represents SCSI Disk A -- SCSI being a hold over from the old days. sdb would be a second disk drive. To get out of the terminal type the command exit then Enter. This also can be done graphically using System / Administration / Disk Utility. This should show the disks Ubuntu knows about, and allow you to mount or unmount them as needed. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] IRAMS
On Sun, 2012-02-12 at 11:36 -0800, Greg Bernard wrote: Kirk- If you scroll down to the last item on this page:http://jrkerr.com/docs.htmlyou will find a PDF to download that contains detailed documentation of an IRAMS implementation. I'm sure the power stage of the schematic would be usable as-is. Thanks Greg. I'll study that link. BTW, I got the link to work by deleting the end up to html. And, the current LinuxCNC should power off automatically. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] A Bit OT, turning 4140
On Tue, 2012-02-14 at 20:14 -0500, gene heskett wrote: On Tuesday, February 14, 2012 07:54:16 PM Mark Cason did opine: On 02/14/2012 03:35 PM, andy pugh wrote: On 14 February 2012 18:09, Jon Elsonel...@pico-systems.com wrote: For the best finish, of course, you can grind it after the roughing pass. ... snip If this is about getting a bearing race off of a shaft, I would tend to get the arc welder out a see if I could localize some heat on the race to soften it. The shaft should not mind getting some heat since it probably won't harden. I do like the EDM idea tough. It would give me an excuse to try EDM'ing. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Pengingat: Kurniadi mengundang kamu ke Twoo
On Thu, 2012-02-16 at 02:29 -0500, gene heskett wrote: On Thursday, February 16, 2012 02:27:45 AM Jan de Kruyf did opine: hallo, who let this one in the door? j Beats me Jan. I fed it to Spamassassin for training here. :) Cheers, Gene I seem to recall that the last message like this was legit? -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
[Emc-users] user comp's
In case anyone is interested.
Well, after do battle with dead PC's and learning how to make user
components. I've come to some conclusions. I tried to use the rand
component sample from the comp documentation as a guide:
http://www.linuxcnc.org/docview/html/hal_comp.html#r1_14_6
Only after much head banging, I finally decided to just compile rand as
is to see if it would work, and surprise ... it does. Working from there
I realized the what parts are generic user comp and what was rand
specific.
...
component rand;
option userspace;
pin out float out;
license GPL;
;;
#include unistd.h // Needed for usleep below
void user_mainloop(void) { // -- I think when LinuxCNC starts, it looks for
a function called user_mainloop,
// but doesn't call it again after starting
// Once called, the while loop keeps this running.
What happens if one wants more than one user_mainloop?
while(1) { // -- This endless loop is needed to cycle the
component to update inputs, outputs and set variables,
// This doesn't mysteriously get placed in a loop
by the comp utility
usleep(1000);// -- Without this time delay the variables and
I/O might be unstable
FOR_ALL_INSTS() out = drand48(); // -- The generic form of this might
be...
FOR_ALL_INSTS() {// -- I have no idea what FOR_ALL_INSTS () is or
does, or where it lives, but it seems to work
** My wonderful component software here **
}
}
}
...
User comps may be really obvious to some, but it took a long time for me
to figure out.
--
Kirk Wallace
http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/
http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html
California, USA
--
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Re: [Emc-users] user comp's
On Sat, 2012-02-18 at 01:08 +, andy pugh wrote:
On 18 February 2012 00:37, Kirk Wallace kwall...@wallacecompany.com wrote:
FOR_ALL_INSTS() {// -- I have no idea what FOR_ALL_INSTS () is
or does, or where it lives, but it seems to work
It is briefly mentioned here:
http://linuxcnc.org/docs/html/hal_comp.html#r1_8
It is a macro[1] that expands to loop through all instances of a
component. It would probably be unusual to run multiple instances of a
userspace component, but comp assumes that you want to make it
possible, and creates copies of all pins for all instances.
Okay, that explains a lot. That keeps me from having to provide a loop
for each instance and it does it on the fly. or rather when the
component is loaded. I had envisioned something more complicated.
[1] All-caps in C-code typically means that the code expands to say
something quite different at compile time. As I understand it this is
a simple textual replacement. As a very simple example you might
#define PI = 4.0 and then any time PI appears in the code, it is
replaced by the string-literal 4.0. comp takes this to extremes, for
example every pin_name is #defined to be inst-pin_name so that the
C-code can iterate through all instances of the component.
I looked in some of the include files and didn't see where FOR_ALL_INSTS
was defined, but gave up after a while.
Looking at the python code, comp inserts
#define FOR_ALL_INSTS() for(inst = first_inst; inst; inst = inst-_next)
and then the C-compiler does the substitution. It saves you having to
know what the internal representation of the instance structure is in
the auto-generated C-code (though sometimes it can be useful to know
that, when you are stretching comp.
Thank you Andy. This gets me to the next level of misunderstanding.
--
Kirk Wallace
http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/
http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html
California, USA
--
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Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing
also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service.
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Re: [Emc-users] Piccolo
On Sat, 2012-02-18 at 21:42 -0500, Kent A. Reed wrote: On 2/18/2012 6:58 PM, John Stewart wrote: Hi Sven; Thanks for posting the link. I talked to the diylilcnc people last SIGGRAPH about writing - I make 1:16 scale steam locomotives, and getting white lettering and lining is tough for me, as I can't draw a straight line! As you might know, the dry transfer lettering system is almost dead; vinyl lettering has been taking over, but on a warm steam locomotive, it tends to droop. :-( JohnS. John: Have you tried entering make your own dry transfers in your favorite search engine? I just got a ton of hits. As well, the classic wet decal process is accessible to DIY'ers. ... snip When I started etching PC boards, the new thing was to use transparencies or glossy magazine paper with a laser printer to create dry transfers that could be ironed on. Now this is DIY mainstream. I've seen Briggs and Stratton and other machine decals on eBay made on blank decal paper, using an inkjet printer for the graphics. I suppose one needs water resistant ink, but this should be another DIYable method. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
[Emc-users] Why APT?
In looking at the wiki APT page: http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/wiki.pl?AptProgrammingForEMC there is a link: http://www.nfrpartners.com/nfraptlang.htm What comes to mind is that APT may not be easier for simple g-code tasks, but if one had a part where features are connected, such as the example with connected arcs, if one feature is changed, APT automatically changes related features(?). Plus it seems to handle 3D features, which to me doesn't seem reasonable to do with hand g-coding. It looks like APT360 is usable, it might be worth while to formulate ways to make it more convenient to use, and go from there. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Which video card/driver for LinuxCNC?
On Sun, 2012-02-19 at 09:41 -0800, Alan Browning wrote: ... snip What do people do for card/driver combinations? I recently blew up a couple of my LinuxCNC PC's and and to rummage through my pile of old PC stuff in order to get LinuxCNC running in my office again. It seems at one time, LinuxCNC would run fine on a PIII machine, but now there seem to be problems with getting enough RAM installed on these machines. 384MB will work 512MB is better, anything over this doesn't seem to return much benefit. Buying RAM for an older motherboard can actually make the overall cost higher than a newer system. In trying to get a PIII machine going, I found that old DIMMs are single or double sided and are most often not interchangeable. My office machine is currently a KM400 with blown out USB and Network ports. It runs very well with 512MB of RAM and an nVidia GeForce 6200 AGP card. I got a very nice P4 machine from Geeks last week: http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=SAMBA845V-24-4-Rcat=SYS $55 and free shipping. It's an FIC 845GV: http://www.fic.com.tw/product/motherboard/intel/P4I-845GV.aspx I'd really like to get a modern board, so I can play with dual cores and PCIe, maybe some day. If you are doing a LiveCD install, some CD or DVD drives don't work well. There doesn't seem to be any way to tell which drives will work. Sometimes the CD won't read, sometimes the install will finish but the installation won't run. Most times everything goes through just fine. A USB thumb drive can be used for installing, but older motherboards are likely to not support it. I recall unetbootin: http://unetbootin.sourceforge.net/ or usb-creator-gtk: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_Live_USB_creator are needed to make the USB drive. Monitors and video drivers can be a real bugger. I tried to use a very nice CRT with separate RGB inputs, but this monitor did not have the feature that can tell Xorg what the monitor settings should be. Trying to manually set these parameters can be next to impossible without a PhD in Xorg. It seems the generic vesa driver can fix latency and give reasonable resolution. Contrary, to older wisdom, the proprietary Nvidia driver worked best for one of my machines. Using reasonably new mainstream hardware should just work without too much fuss. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Which video card/driver for LinuxCNC?
On Sun, 2012-02-19 at 14:14 -0800, Kirk Wallace wrote: ...snip $55 and free shipping. It's an FIC 845GV: http://www.fic.com.tw/product/motherboard/intel/P4I-845GV.aspx Oops, that's the wrong motherboard. This link is better: http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/mobile/display/fic-samba1845.html -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Which video card/driver for LinuxCNC?
On Mon, 2012-02-20 at 09:18 +0200, Roland Jollivet wrote: ... snip So now the one half becomes a motion controller, nestled in the guts of the machine, as it should be, and the other half can be on a boom or at a desk. I see Kirk was going this way in 2007, but I don't know if he completed it. So it can probably be done art the moment, but I mean doing it as a strategy, in the sense that it becomes the norm. Regards Roland I have been arguing this point for a while now, but when it comes down to it, it's not that hard or expensive to put together a single PC system that works fine for any machine I might want to build. There really isn't a strong reason to go through the effort when a change or two to the PC hardware should make it work fine. One thing that is fairly easy to do, is run LinuxCNC from a remote PC, with VNC or an ssh/X session. This way the LinuxCNC PC can be in the machine's electronics cabinet and the user interface PC in front of the machine, or additionally in your office. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Try before you buy = See our experts in action! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-dev2 ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Need an electronic tech smarter than me
On Mon, 2012-02-20 at 23:46 -0500, gene heskett wrote: ... snip Nope, I had it right, but the wrong resistor, snip ... someone ...snip had inadvertently let my hand come back out of the bag holding 150k R's ... snip I'm glad you got it working. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Keep Your Developer Skills Current with LearnDevNow! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-d2d ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Latency - was Re: Which video card/driver for LinuxCNC?
On Tue, 2012-02-21 at 03:47 -0800, charles green wrote: the allocation of computing resources seems to be a recurring theme with pc based machine controllers. while i have wished for an accesible pocket calculator gui more than one time while standing in front of a machining center console, i have almost never wanted to surf the web or send emails while doing so. the enhanced machine controller spans a disparity between its intended function and the common usage of it's supporting hardware. I tend to think the CNC PC should only have CNC software on it, it seems more grown up to have a purpose built machine that requires a certain amount of discipline to join the club, but the more I use my LinuxCNC PC's the more I also find I use the generic programs. While tuning, I need to access the Net to find what I or FF does. While setting up a new piece of hardware, I need to find a pin-out or spec., or download grpn so I can calculate a component value. (By the way, I've found the default gcalctool has a better Hex-Dec feature, so I usually have both on the screen.) I often have my VFD PDF manual on the screen. Inkscape and gEdit are often running for documentation purposes. gFTP is up too, so I can store and share my work. It all comes in handy, and in reality, none of it detracts from the core LinuxCNC function. My biggest frustration now is in finding PC hardware that plays well with Ubuntu and doesn't kill latency. The choice here is, develop new purpose built hardware and maybe rebuild LinuxCNC, or spend a day or two swapping out hardware until I get something that works well. Aimlessly fiddling with PC hardware for a couple days is painful, but months and months of development is not one of my options. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Keep Your Developer Skills Current with LearnDevNow! The most comprehensive online learning library for Microsoft developers is just $99.99! Visual Studio, SharePoint, SQL - plus HTML5, CSS3, MVC3, Metro Style Apps, more. Free future releases when you subscribe now! http://p.sf.net/sfu/learndevnow-d2d ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] The future of LinuxCNC mailing lists andbug tracking
On Wed, 2012-02-22 at 09:42 -0500, Dave wrote: Thanks Alex for the clarifications.. We have devided our attention amongst different areas of services, but that doesn't mean if one goes away, that others couldn't fit the empty shoes. It sounds like you guys have contingency plans in place. Just an aside... but what is going on with Sourceforge? I just got on there and the adds are extreme! Now that the subject of organization is coming up, I've started to think more about some vague feelings that have bothered me for a while. In trying to resolve these thoughts, it came to mind, other than the obvious software bit, what is LinuxCNC? -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
[Emc-users] Another Take on Modbus
In case anyone might be interested. Prompted by wanting to learn more about libmodbus v3, I took the opportunity to upgrade my modbus components. The goal is to try to allow more than one master/client to connect on one of a number of ports. I started by making a port component and a device component. So far I have only one device: http://wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/EMC2/homann_modio/mb3/homann_modio.c and one port: http://wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/EMC2/sj200mbbasic/mbrtuport.c I've gotten these to talk to each other, one to one: http://wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/EMC2/modio_lmb3-1a.png The next phase is to make and test an SJ200 VFD component (mostly done), then start in on a means to schedule queries from the two clients to the one port. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
[Emc-users] Outrunners
I want to mount an outrunner (or other) to a NMTB40 tool holder to try some circuit board routing. I like the outrunner form because it looks like the motors seem shorter for the same power. I haven't flown model planes for over twenty years so I've lost my feel for sizes and capacities. Does anyone have any experience with outrunners for milling applications? I'm looking at getting a cheap motor to experiment with then build on the experience, so the motor will need to be in the disposable price range. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Outrunners
On Wed, 2012-02-22 at 16:18 -0500, Erik Friesen wrote: You could take a look at the marine applications (inrunners), there are some water cooled. What will your supply be? You'll want to decide what rpm you want to run, as the higher kv, the lower the torque. Are you going to belt drive, or direct drive some way? ... snip The supply will be whatever it needs to be. I don't think torque would be a problem because the etching bit will most likely be small at the tip. I suppose the RPM will need to be in the 100k range to get decent cutting feed rates? I have model car motor I used for drilling circuit boards which worked well. I want to mount the motor on axis with the tool holder and keep the overall length as short as possible. I was thinking about doing this a while back and I'm now beginning to remember some the issues I faced back then. I may have come to the conclusion that the outrunner was not ideal. I need to think about this some more. I think my last plan was for a backyard version of a Tormach speeder: http://www.tormach.com/product_pcnc_acc_speeder.html Thanks for the replies. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Outrunners
On Wed, 2012-02-22 at 16:02 -0600, James Louis wrote: 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 This is what I've done with RC so far: http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/wiki.pl?RC_Servo_Test Probably good enough for spindle control. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Outrunners
On Thu, 2012-02-23 at 20:10 +, andy pugh wrote: On 23 February 2012 19:56, Kirk Wallace kwall...@wallacecompany.com wrote: If I where to stick with an outrunner solution, one thing comes to mind, I could get a kit and wind the motor for 220 and use a VFD. Can you? I thought they were brushless? A VFD will rotate them, but the phase lead will be about zero, so the efficiency will be awful. A flux-vector VFD _might_ be enough like a sensorless BLDC controller to work, I wouldn't know about that. -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Outrunners
On Thu, 2012-02-23 at 20:10 +, andy pugh wrote: ... snip Can you? I thought they were brushless? They are. A VFD will rotate them, but the phase lead will be about zero, so the efficiency will be awful. Maybe that's why it didn't work when I tried using a VFD on a normal brushless motor. A flux-vector VFD _might_ be enough like a sensorless BLDC controller to work, I wouldn't know about that. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Signing Off
On Sat, 2012-02-25 at 00:49 +, andy pugh wrote: I am heading off tomorrow to do a bit of sailing. I won't have any internet at all for 7 weeks. I will be back in April. I hope you have a great adventure. Bon voyage. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
[Emc-users] Film Emulsion for Encoder Wheels?
I wonder if one could make an encoder wheel with a thin glass disk, coat it with a film emulsion, expose it to an image of an encoder wheel, and develop it like regular film? Or, use a thin sheet metal disk with photoresist and etch the slots? I know these techniques are use commercially, I'm just wondering if one of us shed based folks might be able to pull it off. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Brass finish question?
On Sat, 2012-02-25 at 03:31 -0500, gene heskett wrote: ... snip Does anybody know what the attachment size limit is? The absolute smallest I can get out of GIMP is 70k, attached. But ugly, but you get the idea if it comes through. ... snip I think it is a little over 40k. That's the figure I shoot for. Reducing the number of colors as well as the resolution can help. 40k's not much but it can replace a lot of ASCII art. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Film Emulsion for Encoder Wheels?
On Sat, 2012-02-25 at 10:34 +, andy pugh wrote: On 25 February 2012 07:16, Kirk Wallace kwall...@wallacecompany.com wrote: Or, use a thin sheet metal disk with photoresist and etch the slots? Marker pen and CNC works… http://youtu.be/c1zCG-uPaoM I'm looking for a very much higher resolution. I'm playing with making a 75mm diameter encoder disk with a 1.5 ID hub to mount directly to my axis ball screws. I was looking at the US Digital 2 encoder disk, but I can't get it to fit and I haven't found any 3 disks available in the same price range. The USD disk has a line width, if my math is correct, of .0025 or .064mm. For the same CPR, a 3 or 75mm disk would be .004 or .1mm . If I can match one of the USD's resolutions I can use one of their sensors, saving me from having to make a sensor mask. Lars' Lito idea is intriguing, but for the cost, it sounds like Peter's laser plotting of PCB film would be more convenient. It also sounds like what USD uses for their disks. Thanks for the help. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Custom M-code using mesa 5i20
On Sat, 2012-02-25 at 18:24 +0200, Viesturs Lācis wrote: 2012/2/25 Lee Osborne l...@lomach.com: Hi Can anyone help with making a user m code for a digital output on a mesa 5i20, 7i33 and 7i37 set up. I have managed to get all the servos ... snip Firstly, is it hm2_5i20.0.gpio.0042.out or hm2_5i20.0.gpio.042.out? AFAIK the pin number is 3-digit. Secondly, what do You have in HAL file? You need to specify, that gpio.042 is output pin like this: setp hm2_5i20.0.gpio.042.is_output True Thirdly, is there any particular reason not to use M commands that are dedicated for output controls from g-code? http://linuxcnc.org/docs/html/gcode_main.html#sec:M62-to-M65 Simply link the hm2_5i20.0.gpio.042.out to motion.digital-out-00 (or 01, 02 etc, if You need more outputs for M62-65 commands). http://linuxcnc.org/docs/html/config_emc2hal.html#r1_1_2 Viesturs Lee, what kind of changer do you have? It's not hard to create a comp or Ladder program to handle tool changers with the normal Tx M6 codes. I use M codes to pin bang my lathe's collet closer and other functions and it's a pain to the butt to remember what M code to use, plus you get g-code that will only work with that one machine. My tool changer comp is here: http://www.wallacecompany.com/cnc_lathe/HNC/emc2/turret.comp I've learned a bit since I made this comp and I should update it, but it works okay for now. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Brass finish question?
On Sat, 2012-02-25 at 11:41 -0500, gene heskett wrote: ... snip I've temporarily replaced my router with a Buffalo Nfinity Hi-power running dd-wrt, which means my web page is offline until I figure out how to ssh into it and fix the port forwarding, Isn't ssh available from the LAN side? Is the ssh server on a non standard port? it seems the help menu, which is not a close able menu, is sitting on top of the enable checkbox in the gui for port forwarding setups. I've had to turn off the browser's page style to get to or view messed up pages. In Firefox: View - Page Style - No Style If anyone asks, I can re-install the old one for a day or 2, which should restore that. ... snip -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Film Emulsion for Encoder Wheels?
On Sat, 2012-02-25 at 08:25 -0800, charles green wrote: if you can work in 35mm space, make a large laser print of the wheel, photograph it a few stops under exposed, over develop it, and cut the finished disk out of the negative. works for crude diffractive lenses too. ... snip I need a larger encoder and preferably on glass, but I do have some Graflex cameras that hold larger film. I also have my father's darkroom equipment, but getting it all working again could be a whole other time and money sink. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Brass finish question?
On Sat, 2012-02-25 at 14:35 -0500, gene heskett wrote: ... snip I did that, next time I log into the buffalo I'll check see if that fixes it, thanks. I have sent dd-wrt and buffalo msgs about that. That config line is about 2 longer than any other config line in the gui and really should have been made into 2 shorter lines. ... snip I avoided dd-wrt early on due its proprietary nature. OpenWRT works great for me. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Custom M-code using mesa 5i20
On Sat, 2012-02-25 at 21:16 +, Lee Osborne wrote: ... snip The toolchanger does have me a bit stumped though I must admit as its an umbrella type with 21 tools and bidirectional. My original plan was to use m101 for tool 1 and m102 for tool 2 etc as I dont know how to move the z axisduring a tool change etc. Again any information is gratefully received as I would love to have it working on m6 as this as it should be. ... snip Oops, you got me there. I assume yours is like this one? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJyk1OLbmIg For the LinuxCNC versions I use, motion is stopped during a tool change. If you try to bypass it, you'll get a following error. So for your situation, you can't use the tool change loop, darn. It seems there has been talk about this problem and there may be something that may help in version 2.5 coming up, maybe? This is a common style changer, I'm a little surprised this hasn't been fixed by now. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Film Emulsion for Encoder Wheels?
On Sat, 2012-02-25 at 23:41 -0600, Jon Elson wrote: On Saturday, February 25, 2012 02:36:41 PM Kirk Wallace did opine: I also have my father's darkroom equipment, but getting it all working again could be a whole other time and money sink. Well, getting enough working to contact print some litho film from some sort of master, perhaps a laser printer output, I don't think laser printer output is nearly fine enough for .005 lines and spaces, at least for a contact print. shouldn't be a huge deal. You need a vacuum frame, or even a piece of glass with a chunk of foam rubber to apply even pressure to hold the film against the master. Room light for a few seconds can be your exposure source. You need litho developer, you can generally skip the stop bath, and you need fixer. Wash in running water, hang to dry. Metal/porcelain trays should be easy to clean and use, plastic trays may get brittle after a while. So, the biggest problem might be getting the film and chemicals in small quantities. I'm now getting chemistry from Xpedex, and buying recently expired Kodak PRD film off eBay. Jon I'm thinking of a single line mask scaled up by 25x taped to a box with a strobe inside. Then mount the target to a rotary table and flash each line in sequence through a camera lens to get the proper scale. It could take a long time to do 1000 lines, but I think I know of some software that could automate the process. this link: http://unblinkingeye.com/Articles/Emulsion/emulsion.html links to this emulsion supplier: http://www.artcraftchemicals.com/products/ http://www.artcraftchemicals.com/products/products-page/rockland-products/photographic-emulsions1/liquid-light-emulsion/ Or, I suppose I could use film bounded to the encoder disk. It looks like Amazon has developer and fixer for BW film. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Film Emulsion for Encoder Wheels?
On Sun, 2012-02-26 at 08:48 +, Steve Blackmore wrote: ... snip Most have a resolution of 1200 dpi in mono. I've done PCB masters on transparency film with 5 thou lines for contact printing (UV) then etching. ... snip From my experience using my laser printer and overhead transparencies is that the laser puts down a dot size of a .001 minimum, so the edges of features are usually stepped, which I think would be harder to deal with for this application. Looking at the store bought encoders I have, the features have smooth edges at the maximum magnification I can muster. A larger sensor area and mask could possibly even out the jaggy effect though. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Film Emulsion for Encoder Wheels?
On Sun, 2012-02-26 at 00:07 -0800, Walt Rogers wrote: On 2/26/2012 12:01 AM, Walt wrote: On the remote chance that this is unknown, I share this. I see a steady supply of ink jet printers--cost = $1.29--at my local thrift stores (e.g. Goodwill) that have encoder assemblies with discs on the order of 2 and 3 inches diameter and 180 lines per revolution of resolution. Perhaps this is a solution if you have a similar source of printers. 180 LPI... Here is my encoder from an Epson 600 (I think). http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/Shizuoka/100_1133-1a.JPG The more expensive printers seem to have DC motors and encoders. The problem with this one is that there is no index. Some printer encoders are single channel (A only, no B or I). I seem to recall I use an index from a chain button and micro-switch. I've changed it so often, I'm not sure what I have setup now. There are lots of interesting bits inside printers for those with inquiring minds. -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
Re: [Emc-users] Why APT?
On Sun, 2012-02-26 at 11:22 -0800, dave wrote: On Sun, 26 Feb 2012 09:00:59 -0600 Stuart Stevenson stus...@gmail.com wrote: I am an unashamed proponent of APT so take these comments in that light. massive snip I can understand. You are good at it and you also have a very expensive and well supported version. I don't believe that is true of the conversion of APT from FORTRAN to the present code. It is very difficult to learn to use a package when there is no way to discern between bugs ( inadvertently introduced in translation) and user mistakes. I'm wondering if it might not be better to use the original code and run under a 360 emulator. Slow and sure (?) would be much better than fast and not so sure. I've had a simple move from start point to a line end up nowhere near the line. Practical? I did get a simple square to work but try something a bit more complicated and the results are not so good. ;-( Dave I'm a little confused, my understanding is that there are two linux APT packages. One that was started from scratch, in C, is not finished and stalled, Aptos? The other in Fortran or rather based on, and sorta works, Apt360? -- Kirk Wallace http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html California, USA -- Virtualization Cloud Management Using Capacity Planning Cloud computing makes use of virtualization - but cloud computing also focuses on allowing computing to be delivered as a service. http://www.accelacomm.com/jaw/sfnl/114/51521223/ ___ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
