Messages

1

Video P*r*o*b*i*n*g / OEM Button 165

« on: October 20, 2015, 06:06:08 PM »

Does anyway know the purpose of OEM Button 165 - Laser Probe Enable Toggle ?

2

General Mach Discussion / Re: Laser position sensor and mach 3

« on: January 08, 2015, 12:41:15 PM »

Here is how the sensor works.
You use the "teach" function to tell it the min-max range for the measurement (from 50mm - min to 350 mm - max OR 200 mm measuring range)  Shorter delta, say 100mm increases resolution.
The sensor will send a 0v to 10v signal proportionally over the measuring range.  (I was figuring on using a brain to convert to a measurement)  (user dros to set Zmin and Zmax to match sensor setting)
Converted input would then be placed in Z Dro.

I like your simple solution for writing on each XY change.  I am a complete newbie to this, so it may take me a while to figure out the proper G-code to accomplish this.

I appreciate your feedback.  I have attached data sheet for the sensor in case you are interested.  It can also send Values thru the rs232 interface, so I may test that as well and see what kind of readings I get.

3

General Mach Discussion / Re: Laser position sensor and mach 3

« on: January 07, 2015, 08:53:03 AM »

Thanks BR549.

My probe does have RS232 communication channel.  My controller board also has analog input capabilities.  My challenge is how to use the digitizing wizard or plugin to drive the capture of the data.  I was thinking I could have code with a loop with a command that "mimics" the probe input signal to trigger a read.  Any suggestions on how to best set up would be appreciated.  Also, I was planning on using a "brain" to convert the 0-10V signal to a dimension based upon the Zmin Zmax set up on the sensor (mine is adjustable)  I planned on designing a screen for the needed inputs.

CNC-step sells a laser probe system for about $2,500 (see link to video below)  I am trying to duplicate this on a poor mans budget.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwwN5yyyKHs

I do appreciate your response.

4

General Mach Discussion / Re: Laser position sensor and mach 3

« on: January 06, 2015, 03:58:36 PM »

Let me know if you figure it out.  I have a laser distance measuring sensor that I would like to use in a digitizing/probing routine.  You will need to hook up the analog output from the sensor to an input pin on your controller board.  Most of the sensors output a voltage (0-10V) or current (0-24mA) signal.  You can use Mach3 "Brains" to convert the output to a dimension (or even a VB Script).

You can find a good source of sensore at www.automationdirect.com.  My sensor has a measurement range of 300mm (from 50 - 350) with 80 micron resolution.  Cost brand new is $630.  I found one on ebay for 250.  If all  you need is off/on sensing, there are less expensive versions.  You can also get higher resolution with shorter measuring ranges.  They have charts that show all the parameters you may need.

5

General Mach Discussion / Re: Which cam soft for 4 axis simultaneous milling with mach3 ?

« on: November 03, 2014, 10:02:11 AM »

DeskProto does 4th axis work well.  Hobby license is about $350.

6

General Mach Discussion / Digitizing Wizard and Lasers

« on: October 31, 2014, 03:19:40 PM »

Can the digitizing wizards (standard and 4th axis) accept laser sensor readings for the Z dimension?  The laser I am looking at has on analog output with a range of 0-10V or 2-20mA.  It seems that this could possibly be a lot faster than a digitizing probe?

Does anyone have experience setting up a laser measurement sensor for digitizing the point cloud?

Thanks,

Specs I am looking at include:
200 mm measuring range with 250 micron resolution at cost of $400  OR
200 mm measuring range with 80 micron resolution at cost of $650

7

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: New people welcome !! Come in here and introduce your self!

« on: October 31, 2014, 03:10:24 PM »

HI!

I am a complete newbie.  I just ordered a CNC router 24 x 48 table size.  I have been reading manuals and browsing the forum to pre-learn about Mach3.  I want to be ready to hit the ground running when my machine arrives.  I have several questions and will be positing them shortly.

I look forward to the learning experience.