Messages

241

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: motion test on the horizon...

« on: June 04, 2009, 11:36:38 AM »

Heh, yours is tidy.  I was using your pict for reference;)

Barry

242

Mach3 under Vista / Re: will Mach3 work under Vista 64 bit yet?

« on: June 02, 2009, 10:44:10 PM »

Btw, I gave up on Vista 64 working with Mach3.  There were too many issues.  I downgraded to XP Pro, and all is well.

Barry

243

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: motion test on the horizon...

« on: May 31, 2009, 07:31:00 PM »

Success!  All six axis, plus the e-stop are functioning.  I had a bit of trouble with some wiring, but was able to get through it.  The manuals on this stuff needs work, so it was a bit of trial and error.

Barry

244

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: motion test on the horizon...

« on: May 25, 2009, 03:13:38 PM »

Yup, that's the maker of the smooth stepper.  I'm in Orange Couty, Cali.  Yeah, you can get a lot accomplished getting the electronics in order.  However, I understand how people would want to do the electronics last, as your warranties are probably expiring by the time you get the frame built;)

Barry

245

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: motion test on the horizon...

« on: May 25, 2009, 02:15:14 PM »

The Smooth Stepper is available from a variety of sites.  It's made by Warp9.  The 203's are a bit more advanced than the 201's in that they have lots of failsafes.  The "V" is for "Vampire" meaning "unkillable".  That's what got me to get those drives.  However, the b/c drive I'm using can't use standby current let off.  It needs full current even in standby, so that's why I had to use 201's.  The power supply is a 975W, 15A system, really way too much for what I need;)

I don't mind sharing, none of this stuff is proprietary, just takes research.  There are a lot of good websites out there for CNC parts.  For general electronics parts, I'd walk your local electronic stores.  Act the complete idiot and get help and advice on everything.  I spent hours at my store, and I'm sure they thought I was a moron, but I don't mind the hand holding when out of my element;)

Barry

246

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: motion test on the horizon...

« on: May 25, 2009, 01:57:17 PM »

Thanks, sure, I'lll list the parts when completely done.  I'm sure there's going to be things that pop up that I was unsure of.  This is the first cnc machine I've built, so it's been a journey.

In the meantime, I'm using the smooth stepper USB since my computers don't have parallel ports.  I opted for the dual breakout board for convenience, also that's not necessary.  Then using gecko drives of course.  I've got 203v's for 4 axis and 201's for the other two.  I was going to get all 203v's, but the b/c head needed the 201's.  Those are the main parts.  When the whole thing is working IN the frame, I'll post the contruction BOM.

Barry

247

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / motion test on the horizon...

« on: May 25, 2009, 01:37:00 PM »

Hey folks, time to show progress. I've finished with the control box.  I've wired it for 6 axis, even though I'll only have 5 axis for the first year about.  I'm almost ready for a motion test.  I've just got to prepare my PC for that.  I can't wait to see this stuff moving.  The frame parts get delivered next weekend too.

Barry

248

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: New Build 6 axis CNC first timer

« on: May 17, 2009, 10:24:33 PM »

I had to do homework all week/weekend till today.  Here's progress though, I've wired power to everything.  I didn't mount the breakout boards yet, since the standoff screws were the wrong size.  This week will be a lot of soldering, not looking forward to that.



Btw, the frame gets ordered tomorrow, finally!

Barry

249

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: New Build 6 axis CNC first timer

« on: May 12, 2009, 11:26:58 AM »

Heh, I'm right there with you Chris.  I'll post some more picts this weekend.

Btw, a question was asked before what toolpath generator to use.  After some research and talking to friends, I think I'll use linuxCNC for toolpath, and Mach3 for controlling.

Barry

250

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: New Build 6 axis CNC first timer

« on: May 11, 2009, 02:36:14 PM »

yeah, not what I want to read at all.  If I do go servo it'll be a long time from now.  Already invested in all the stepper hardware.

Hmm, torque dependent e-stop.  Do you have a link for that kind of part?

Barry