Messages

61

General Mach Discussion / Re: Looking to purchase compete setup - will this do?

« on: May 14, 2015, 01:20:44 PM »

The 6560 amplifier chip is obsolete, and has been replaced by the TB6600,

There are newer models of this single board system with the TB6600 driver, that incorporate a huge heatsink that is the entire bottom of the board. It also has more efficient 5v, and 12v voltage regulators built in for spindle control, 0-10v output with a separate spindle P.S.

Also, it has reduced the number of components, and is USB connected to the computer. For a small system, keeping power output under 4amps, @36v, it is a nice package. However, it you intend to push the amps hard with bigger motors, building a system with separate amps would be advisable, as pointed out.

The single board unit will result in a small system, with a minimum of wires. I have built both kinds of systems.

John

62

General Mach Discussion / Re: Arduino Gurus ??

« on: May 09, 2015, 12:00:29 AM »

If you would post a link to the case you have in mind, and a sketch of the button,keypad,screen placement, I would like to try making one using a Mega. 

63

General Mach Discussion / Re: Arduino Gurus ??

« on: May 08, 2015, 03:13:21 PM »

Is the goal to produce a pendant "kit" concept for hobbyist builders, or to make an open source DIY schematic, or make a marketable, finished device for sale?

John

64

General Mach Discussion / Re: Arduino Gurus ??

« on: May 08, 2015, 12:49:23 PM »

I can dig out my "Guru" hat. Got a bunch of Arduino's, LED screens, 1 USB Pokey, pots; and stuff. Pokey's has a built-in proportional jog/joystick pendant software that works pretty slick. They also make an Ethernet option, that would solve a cable length issue I believe. I don't think the Arduino would suffer from memory problem.

65

General Mach Discussion / Re: Arduino Gurus ??

« on: May 08, 2015, 12:22:08 PM »

Where does the keypad fit into this?

66

General Mach Discussion / Re: Arduino Gurus ??

« on: May 08, 2015, 02:21:38 AM »

The Arduino can do nearly anything you want, and LED display is pretty easy. You can even make your own special fonts.

The Cubloc also is very capable, and it has a combination of Ladder Logic, and Basic, which can do lots. The Cubloc has a dedicated port for the keypad, which is basically "plug and play", and also a huge number of I/O. However, the keypad outputs an integer for each key, which requires a brain to do the action. It will also run on 24 volts, since it is really built for commercial applications.

I messed with the Arduino a couple of years back, and remember having difficulty getting a flat panel matrix keypad to work, but the Pokeys worked with the same matrix keypad without a problem. Probably something I did not understand going on regarding the Mega.

Pokeys also has a dedicated I/O for various keypads, and also can output to an LED display. Since the Pokeys has internal software to output Mach3 OEM codes, it is simpler to get things to work right without brains.

Using a Mega will require Modbus and brains to do the same things. They all have their strong points.

The Mega probably has the most digital I/O pins, and has 15 analog I/O. And, the Arduino forum has some really talented members; a lot of the discussion goes way over my head, although they will always chip in to help us "ordinary" guys.

Is it a basic Jog/rotary encoder Pendant you want to build, or something else? 

John

67

General Mach Discussion / Re: Arduino Gurus ??

« on: May 07, 2015, 06:46:29 PM »

I wouldn't classify myself as a bona-fide "Guru", but I have spent quite a bit of time with an Arduino Mega, in the modbus/Arduino/Mach3
playground.

John

68

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Re: standalone Mach3 controller

« on: May 06, 2015, 12:58:46 PM »

I learned the limitations of the Surface 2 when it would not run "Classic Shell", and I read their website FAQ's. Probably, if I had read more reviews on the internet that limitation would have been seen. I do not intend to send it back for a $150 credit on a Surface 3. I paid about 310 on Newegg, and it is still a nice compact portable tablet. I am writing this at Starbucks with the Surface 2, and a MA Bluetooth keyboard, which is also a very well made device. No wires, no charger to carry around, and a superb screen.

When I have some extra cash, I will get the 12" Surface 3, and be able to run Mach3/4, with a touch screen. No cables or wires except the USB connecting to the controller.

John

69

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Re: standalone Mach3 controller

« on: May 06, 2015, 02:18:12 AM »

Yes, that surprised me they outright say it is an "Obsolete" model.  I've had the Surface 2 for less than 10 days. That is the first thing you see going to the site.

My guess they are getting blow-back from unhappy customers, and this is damage control.

However, the Surface 2 is really a superbly made computer, with a fantastic touch screen, very fast; long battery life of near 10 hours ( the screen dims if you don't touch the keyboard for a minute), micro memory module slot will support 64 Gb, Blue-Tooth 4.0, WiFi, MS Office, Excel, and some other MS programs. It is solid, and well built. It also has a two position fold-out back support that gives it a firm upright standing position. They do make good products.

John

70

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Re: standalone Mach3 controller

« on: May 05, 2015, 01:31:56 PM »

Thanks for the heads up Ger.
I read the MS info regarding the Surface Pro 3, and it is a pretty fantastic tablet.

They have a trade-in offer for the Surface-2, which I have. MS will give me $150.00 trade in if I send it back, and buy a new 12" Surface Pro 3. The new tablet starts at 780.00 and goes up depending on what processor you want.

They specifically state it will run ANY program that runs on Windows. It has an Intel processor.

John