Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => Mach4 General Discussion => Topic started by: Durero on September 17, 2016, 09:54:48 PM

Title: how to connect analog joystick to Mach4?
Post by: Durero on September 17, 2016, 09:54:48 PM: Any suggestions for how to connect a generic 2 axis analog joystick with a potentiometer for each axis to Mach4?

I'd like to use a joystick for jogging like this one: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/1PCS-2-axis-Joystick-Potentiometer-JH-D202X-R2-5K-ohm-2D-Joystick-/201463142585?hash=item2ee82398b9

I'm running an ESS and C25 BOB but I think I need some other input method for analog signals?

Leo
Title: Re: how to connect analog joystick to Mach4?
Post by: joeaverage on September 18, 2016, 03:57:57 AM: Hi Leo,
I cant really help much but certain things are clear...

In order to use an analogue signal it will have to be converted to digital before Mach can use it.
On possibility is to use two ADC's (or one two channel) and communicate those values via Modbus.
The ADC's commonly used in microcontrollers are 12 and 14 bits and may therefore lack the resolution
you require. All in all this approach could be a major project.

I may be mistaken but I think HICON have an addon board which accepts two channels analogue. There may well
be others but I recall seeing that feature listed when I was surfing around.

Craig
Title: Re: how to connect analog joystick to Mach4?
Post by: Pedio on September 18, 2016, 12:26:00 PM: Or you could use the Xbox plugin and controller.
Title: Re: how to connect analog joystick to Mach4?
Post by: Durero on September 19, 2016, 04:14:14 PM: Thanks for your replies.

I see that the Pokeys57CNC has analog inputs so that's a possibility if I want to switch over to Pokeys from ESS.

https://www.poscope.com/product/pokeys57cnc/
Title: Re: how to connect analog joystick to Mach4?
Post by: Durero on September 20, 2016, 01:10:35 AM: Has anyone ever used an ESS along with a PoKeys 57U for extended I/O?

I'm thinking that the 57U would give me the analog inputs I'm looking for along with a huge amount of future expansion while still using the ESS as the motion control device.

http://cnc4pc.com/pokeys-57-for-usb-with-terminals.html
Title: Re: how to connect analog joystick to Mach4?
Post by: royce on September 22, 2016, 05:37:09 PM: I'm 99% sure they can both be used. I have ESS and will be buying a Pokeys 57U for my future control panel.