Messages

11

PoKeys / Re: Triggering Pokey Output Signal from Mcode

« on: January 07, 2011, 12:54:26 AM »

Scott,
I forgot to thank you while I was typing my response

12

PoKeys / Re: Triggering Pokey Output Signal from Mcode

« on: January 07, 2011, 12:53:16 AM »

I think I should explain more about what I would like to do... as I think my original question was misleading.
The Pokey is really just being used for simple High or Low outputs  that will then be used to trigger logic that is programmed into an Arduino board...  Does that mean the Pokey is a "slave"?  Either way, I know it may seem weird to go about something with Mach like this, but for the specifics of my project it makes sense... trust me:)  It has to do with the Arduino's capability to interact directly with a piece of 3D software that I am using.

So all I need to do is get an Mcode that can cause the Pokey to switch a output to High, then another Mcode to turn the output to Low.

these signals will be "read" by the arduino that will trigger other things (ie., relays, mosfet)


Scott, does the above information change your suggestion at all?  or do I still need to pick a range? or have I managed to confuse everyone by rambling?

Any advice is welcome... this forum is awesome.

13

PoKeys / Triggering Pokey Output Signal from Mcode

« on: January 06, 2011, 04:44:08 PM »

I am new to using Pokey and I am trying to send output signals from Pokey55 to PsExtBusRE (eight relay board from cnc4PC) and three other PoExtBusOC also hooked up to the Pokey55.
This gives me a total of 36 outputs that I would like to be able to call from the Gcode  by using user defined Mcodes.

I have installed the latest Pokey software and firmware and I am able to turn relays on and off from Mach3 Pokey tab...

now comes the next step which is creating a bit of VB script to trigger the outputs from an Mcode that will be inserted manually in the Gcode.

I have watched the video tutorials and searched around on the forum, but I am having a hard time finding examples of this.  Here are a few screen shots of what I am working with... and my very novice approach to a VB script that isn't working at the moment.

Any help or direction as to where to read up on this type of thing is greatly appreciated.

14

General Mach Discussion / Re: Using M-Codes to send signal to Arduino that controls solenoids

« on: December 02, 2010, 10:22:33 AM »

Thanks for all the quick replies... after digging around a little more, I am heading towards using a Pokey55 board so that I can have a lot of output pretty easily.
I really liked Tweakie's suggestion of multiplexing the signals from available parallel pins.  This seems like the best route except that I would be nice if I could actuate 14 separate solenoids.
Two solenoids are being used to pressurize or release pressure from individual liquid dispensers.
so since I need so many... the Pokey seems like a good route. 
I spoke with Arturo from CNC4PC and he was very helpful. 
This route may be more expensive and more complicated initially, but it will give me a lot of flexibility my needs change.
My goal is to have the machine "extrude" different colored ceramic glazes in particular patterns on top of plates, tiles, etc.
I will post some pictures for anybody interested as it comes together.
now I need to start learning about setting up the Mcodes to work with the Pokey.... I think this will be done with the VB function.
Thanks again

15

General Mach Discussion / Using M-Codes to send signal to Arduino that controls solenoids

« on: December 01, 2010, 01:19:17 PM »

I have been tinkering with the Arduino platform for a while to control solenoids that are driving dispensers of liquids along a tool path.... So far I have had this system working independently of Mach3... So I have the g-code start and as the tool head is moving I start the arduino to actuate the solenoids.
This works well for some things, but I would like to be able to send output signals from the g-code itself... probably by using M codes.

I am currently using a k2cnc with 3 axis servo setup... with a 4 axis in the future when money allows.
So the parallel port is currently driving the mill.

I have been reading on the forum about so many things that are possible and I am looking for advice as to where I should focus my efforts.

Can I have serial output from Mach3 while g-code is running without interfering with Mach3's normal operations through the parallel interface?
I know that the spindle on/off (which is pin 16 on my K2CNC) and the coolant on/off (pin 1 - according to K2) are free to drive things through the use of MCodes... but it would be great to be able to have more than two free "outputs".

Thanks for any advice... I am really loving this forum... so many generous and knowledgeable folks.