Messages

111

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: 3rd try is the charm Mach3 Controllable PWM Spindle Motor Controller

« on: January 23, 2011, 03:56:46 PM »

What frequency are you able to use with this circuit on the PWM setting in mach? I made a similar setup for a buddy using a DC SSR. The problem with the SSR is the frequency. and lower speeds you notice the lower frequency. Wondering how this performs.

112

General Mach Discussion / Re: Interfacing to Ah-ha control

« on: January 22, 2011, 10:48:26 PM »

Even if they aren't 5 volt.. that can be solved with a simple opto-isolator. I would recommend using them anyways.

113

General Mach Discussion / Re: Why is there no effort for the true closed loop control on the mach3 level

« on: January 13, 2011, 05:29:19 AM »

I don't really understand why it matters to have mach close the loop anyways. I might be wrong but if the loop is closed on the hardware controller card there should be no difference. As long as the card is capable of issuing an alarm when the encoder to command error reaches a set threshold. On most real controls it works this way. It does try to speed up an axes to catch up. That would cause other problems. What they do is command an external e-stop when an out of sink error is detected. About the only thing it cant do is show a dro for the encoder if the servo power is turned off and the machine is in manual mode however you can always display that encoder in mach and use a script to set it to what it reads when you switch the servos back on. Also you cant show exactly where you are if you push your servos beyond there abilities and get an alarm but once again... you can always show the encoder in a dro.

114

Works in progress / Re: THE LATHE PROJECT - 2011

« on: January 12, 2011, 11:26:14 PM »

Here is a whole bunch of UI kits. Most are based on cell phone. This may actually be a good thing since most cell phones of today are geared for touch screen use. If we can agree on a look maybe next a feature list. Then what features should be where and so on...

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2010/08/27/free-wireframing-kits-ui-design-kits-pdfs-and-resources/

115

Works in progress / Re: THE LATHE PROJECT - 2011

« on: January 12, 2011, 11:19:10 PM »

Is there anybody that is good at graphics design helping on this project? I am thinking some type of standard GUI would be nice. Not too flashy but looks professional.  Scott, I love the idea of user level screens. Sure it would fit the bill for many more people this way.

116

Works in progress / Re: THE LATHE PROJECT - 2011

« on: January 12, 2011, 01:30:20 AM »

I asked if he had any planes for a lathe screen. He said he didnt own a lathe so no plans for one. Maybe someone could get his blessing to mutate his screen into a lathe version. I would be up to the task of modifying it if needed.

117

Finished Screens / Re: Mach3 2010 Screenset - Now available

« on: January 11, 2011, 08:34:42 PM »

Looking good... any plans for a lathe version?

118

Works in progress / Re: THE LATHE PROJECT - 2011

« on: January 10, 2011, 09:09:06 PM »

Well.. how do we start getting the ball rolling. I think it sounds for the most part people want most everything required to run a program on one page. No flipping around. I myself would love a conversational programming interface so I don't have to break out cad/cam to do something simple. As for layout I personally like something along the lines of Gerry's mill screen set shown here...


http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,17004.0.html

Something you just look at and you know how to use if you have ever used a CNC lathe. Very simple and elegant on the first page but if you need more you go deeper into it and its there.

119

General Mach Discussion / Re: New program for pipe coping

« on: January 09, 2011, 11:55:58 PM »

TP,

Here is the wizard with your code... still think its broken... let me know what you think.

120

Works in progress / Re: THE LATHE PROJECT - 2011

« on: January 09, 2011, 03:39:44 PM »

I have been working on a copy of the Haas intuitive programming interface for the tool room lathe. To me its a simple layout that easy to use. It has all the conversational programming you need to make quick parts without cad.

Watch this video and tell me what your thoughts are...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RtBhY8wXqk

I know the Haas has a full keypad layout however not many of the functions on the keypad are used. They can still be included but don't need to be on the main screen. I own a TL-1 in the shop and its so simple my 8 year can run it. I built a 9x20 conversion for the garage to use at home so my kids can make things. I would love to have it simple like the big machine at the shop.