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dspMC/IP Motion Controller / Re: Buying DSPMC - Why would I need Analog Inputs?
« on: September 13, 2010, 06:34:20 AM »
Disclaimer: I know only what I've read about the DSPMC motion controller on their website so I'll reply in general terms only.
Full disclosure: While I represent a company that sells another control, I'm simply trying to help answer your original question and I'm not trying to convince you to buy anything.
That said, there are several reasons why you may need an analog input and many reasons why you may not.
Reasons you may need an analog input:
1. Some BOSS machines return a 0-10VDC value that can be used to determine a rough spindle speed. (from a pot on the vari-speed)
You could use this, combined with the speed/up down solenoids to control spindle speed, in a rudimentary way.
2. An analog input can be used to display spindle load on the screen -either via an output from a VFD or directly through the use of a shunt.
3. Feedrate/Spindle Override knobs
4. For specific applications-thousands of reasons: Torch height control, flow rate monitoring etc.. etc..
Reasons you may not need an analog input:
1. Spindle speed is probably better controlled through the use of an Inverter/VFD. Also, do you really need spindle speed control on a knee mill? You have to manually change the tools anyway -How hard is it to adjust the spindle speed when doing the tool change?
2. Feedrate/Spindle Override - Mach allows you to control both through onscreen controls. Unless you really want to use knobs (and it's understandable if you do) you can just use the onscreen controls.
3. Specific applications -that's up to you to decide if you need (or may need) something out of the ordinary for you knee mill.
Regards
Scott
Full disclosure: While I represent a company that sells another control, I'm simply trying to help answer your original question and I'm not trying to convince you to buy anything.
That said, there are several reasons why you may need an analog input and many reasons why you may not.
Reasons you may need an analog input:
1. Some BOSS machines return a 0-10VDC value that can be used to determine a rough spindle speed. (from a pot on the vari-speed)
You could use this, combined with the speed/up down solenoids to control spindle speed, in a rudimentary way.
2. An analog input can be used to display spindle load on the screen -either via an output from a VFD or directly through the use of a shunt.
3. Feedrate/Spindle Override knobs
4. For specific applications-thousands of reasons: Torch height control, flow rate monitoring etc.. etc..
Reasons you may not need an analog input:
1. Spindle speed is probably better controlled through the use of an Inverter/VFD. Also, do you really need spindle speed control on a knee mill? You have to manually change the tools anyway -How hard is it to adjust the spindle speed when doing the tool change?
2. Feedrate/Spindle Override - Mach allows you to control both through onscreen controls. Unless you really want to use knobs (and it's understandable if you do) you can just use the onscreen controls.
3. Specific applications -that's up to you to decide if you need (or may need) something out of the ordinary for you knee mill.
Regards
Scott