Machsupport Forum
Third party software and hardware support forums. => Galil => Topic started by: Jeff_Birt on April 15, 2009, 07:35:53 PM
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I have not looked at the newest code but it sounds like you guys are doing great things. When I first implemented the extended I/O in the Galil plug-in I used a user program on the econo cards to poll the extended inputs and write them to the unused aux encoder registers. This allowed the extended inputs to be read regularly without the excessive delay of trying to poll them one at a time. Has this been carried throughly? I am getting ready to update my project that uses the Galil in the near future.
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Jeff,
Your code is still there and it should still work. I don't have one of those controllers to test it out though. But if it doesn't work, then we'll get it working somehow. When you get ready, we'll get you hooked up on CVS.
Steve
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Have you guys considered upgrading to an SVN system? If not I'll install a CVS system on a separate box. I don't want to mix SVN and CVS on my main dev machines.
I'll grab the source in a few days and see how things go on my system. I need to get the Galil user program posted to so others can do a similar thing if needed.
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I'm happy to report that the Galil 2040 (USB) is working fine with the new V4.1 or later plugin. I have tested it using both contour mode and LI mode and while both work, I find that the LI mode is smoother. ;D
Kenny
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The DMC-18x2 econo controllers not accepting binary is that a problem generating GCode with Mastercam X3 or VCrave Pro 5?
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When I read the complete specifications for both the DMC-18x2 and DMC-21x3 controllers, I read the follwing:
"Commands are sent in ASCII. A binary communication mode is also
available as a standard feature" infact it says the same for the Accelera boards too.
Why can't the DMC-18x2 be set for binary and avoid the slowness of it?
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Robert,
The latest versions of the plugin will recognize your controller and use the appropriate communication mode. No worries. Just be sure to use the latest firmware for your board and the latest drivers from SmartTerm and you should have no problems wih communication speed. I have both boards here and they work fine with the new plugins.
If Mach is happy with your g-codes, the new plugins will be happy too.
Kenny
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Great news!
I have a chance to acquire a DMC-20x0 or a DMC-18x2, which would be better?
SmartTerm? Can you share a link for that please?
Robert
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Robert,
Your choice will depend mostly on what tou can locate for an interconnect board. For the 2143 you can use an ICM-20100 which is relatively inexpensive even new. The 1842 will need an ICM-1900 which is pricier new, but probably more easily available used. The 1842 will also have analog inputs, which are nice, but not necessary for most people. My personal choice is the 21x3 series with a RIO connected via Modbus to handle extra I/O both digital and analog.
Kenny
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I like any of the remote controllers better. Just easier to locate them as the Mach PC doesn't have to be as close to the machine. The 20x0 USB controller works. Kenny tested it. I would get with the 20x0 because it comes standard with extended I/O if you wanted to make use of that. PCI is going the way of ISA and pretty soon, the new motherboards won't even have a regular PCI slot. My latest PC only has one PCI slot. The rest are all PCI express.
But I'm with Kenny on the 21x3 series. It's my favorite as well. It's just a really nice package for doing what we want to do with them.
Steve
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I can get either the DMC-20x0 or DMC-18x2 (new) for $200 USD the ICM-20100 for $50 USD and the ICM-1900 for $175. I would love the 21x3 series but money is tight!
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Robert,
Then it looks like the 2040 and the ICM1900 are in order then. Just be sure to also get the 100 pin connecting cable for them. I have used the USB controller sucessfully in testing here.
Kenny
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Will this work for me I found this on eBay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=200339907613
Although it's the same price as the ICM-1900 for $175.
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Robert,
I have never used one like that. I see some things that bother me though. The 100 pin ribbon connector doesn't have a latching mechanism to lock it to the 2040. There is also no shielding on the ribbon cables. I would go for a genuine article if you can find one.
Kenny
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Yes, that will work. However, the ICM1900 and ICM2900s have nice little features to them. One of them is the ability to switch the enable signal by changing a HEX driver chip. Some amps do low enable and some amps do high enable. And some ICMs have opto isolation built in and a convenient way to supply logic power (5v or 12v) or an open collector to do 24v logic. Basically, you will have to know a lot more about wiring things up to use this breakout board.
Steve
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This is the CNC I need to get going it is a vintage 1991 Shinx CNC built in Japan, from what I hear it's a top of the line CNC for its era of course. I bought it used for $999 on eBay and it works and was decently maintained.
(http://www.marriottmail.com/ebaypics2/lg_IMG_7119.jpg)
I need to be sure I can operate the multiple routing spindles and heads as they are pnuematic actuated.
If I go with a DMC-2133 I was told by Galil tech support I'll need the ICM-20105 to go with it. I want to use the metal box to house everything in a nice enclosure.
Would adding a RIO be neccesary? What would I gain by adding one?
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A RIO or any other ModBus device will give you the I/O that you need to make all of that pneumatic stuff work. The Galil will only have 8 inputs and 8 outputs in less than 4 axis form. The ICM-20105 is a opto isolating breakout that uses D-sub connectors that are commonly available. If your spindles are variable speed, you are likely to need a spare axis on the Galil to control them. Depending on the spindles uses, of course. Do they all operate at once?
Steve