Machsupport Forum

Third party software and hardware support forums. => Galil => Topic started by: scratch on October 18, 2011, 07:32:17 AM

Title: All change from smoothstepper to Galil
Post by: scratch on October 18, 2011, 07:32:17 AM
Hi, i currently have a 3 axis router being controlled by Mach through a smoothstepper. Whilst reasonably reliable i still get a few drop out problems when using other machinery in the shop at the same time. I now have access to a Galil dmc1880 pci controller so i thought i'd give it a go. My first job when i retire will be converting the gantry to 5 axis so its worth the effort getting the Galil to work. I have a few questions to start.  (i) the Galil is registered and Mach sees it okay as i get a "galil reset complete" message when resetting but i have no drop down menu for the plug in control, is this normal ? (ii) Can i input the 24v limit/homing switch input directly into the galil board( I have the 100pin cables and icm 1900 breakout boxes) or does it need reducing to 5v?
(iii) I have normally open limit/homing prox sensors at both ends of each axis but currently only one wire per axis into the controller as mach knows which way the gantry is moving. Do i need to change this and add seperate homing switches or can i jumper any of the connectors on the icm 1900 and if so which ones? (iv) I am using mitsubishi j2s servos which are currently set up to receive step/direction signals for activation. I am assuming i can continue in this fashion if i jumper  JP4 and JP5 on the galil board?
That's about it for now, any help greatfully appreciated. I can then hopefully move on to the next step. I do have a spare pc and some spare step motors and amps by the way which i will connect up to bench test before i rip all my old set up out.
Many thanks
Charlie
Title: Re: All change from smoothstepper to Galil
Post by: battwell on November 20, 2011, 05:13:53 AM
you are better (easier) running the both limits as seperate wires.
you can use 24v for limit inputs, check the wiring in the galil manual for this.
if your using step/direction from the galil your system is running open loop (with the drives closing the loop only)
for full closed loop set the mitsubishis to torque mode and use the analogue input to drive them, this requires wiring the encoder simulated outputs from the mitsubishi drives wired into the galil encoder inputs.
Title: Re: All change from smoothstepper to Galil
Post by: NosmoKing on November 20, 2011, 10:30:38 AM
If you are using an external (5v-24vdc) supply for the limits, the LSCOM jumper on the card has to be removed, same with INCOM for the limit switches.
LSCOM jumper if on, supplies 5v from the card.
The inputs are bi-directional so they can be set externally either polarity for active high or activre low.
 Nosmo.