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Messages - smurph

1461
Galil / Re: Galil + G31+ Mach3
« on: September 05, 2009, 12:54:26 AM »
Found the softlimit error.

1462
Galil / Re: Galil + G31+ Mach3
« on: September 04, 2009, 06:34:23 PM »
Hmm...  I'll check the softlimit stuff.  As for the probe, I'll have to try it out via the macro way.  There may be a possibility that it won't work through the MDI.

PM me with your email address and I'll get you a new plugin with the fixes, if/when I find them.  :)

Steve

1463
Galil / Re: Galil + G31+ Mach3
« on: September 03, 2009, 07:48:31 PM »
How have you wired the probe?  On the Galil, we use the latch inputs.  Input 1 = X, 2 = Y, 3 = Z, etc...  If your Z axis is Galil axis 3, then the probe needs to be wired to input 3.  Also, the DIGITIZE signal needs to be mapped to the input #3's pin number.  All this is fine if all you want to probe is Z moves.  But if you want to do X, Y, and Z, then the probe needs to be wired to inputs 1, 2, and 3.  Then you need a brain to set DIGITIZE signal based on if either input 1, 2, or 3 is high.

Steve

1464
Galil / Re: Galil OE function
« on: August 30, 2009, 01:14:43 AM »
That's it.   Nothing more to it than that.

1465
Galil / Re: Galil OE function
« on: August 29, 2009, 05:07:34 PM »
Darek,

You got it!  That's how it would work.  Of course, this makes many things possible.  Mach/Galil makes for a very powerful solution machine control solution.

Steve


1466
Galil / Re: Galil OE function
« on: August 27, 2009, 09:05:10 PM »
Darek,

If you are using the latest plugin, there is a Notify message tab in the configuration dialog that is capable of sending any command to the controller (Such as TE) and load the result in a DRO.  You can attach the command to a button with the VB NotifyPlugin() function.  Or you could use the error signal in a MACRO to send the notify message to get automatic error codes.

I might add the position error settings into the plugin configuration dialog.  But right now, it is considered like the tuning parameters (KP, KI, KD) and offset voltages (OF), something to be set and burned into the controller.

Steve

1467
Galil / Re: Galil + MPG
« on: July 23, 2009, 08:40:46 PM »
The plugin will work with steppers.  However, you will not be able to use an encoder for closed loop operation.  If you want to use an encoder for moving and axis, then you will have to use a spare Galil axis main encoder, as the secondary Galil encoders are not available with axes configured as stepper axes.  But it makes no difference what type of encoder (linear or rotary) is used as long as it outputs quadrature.  Just that most people use a rotary encoder (hand wheel).

Just to be clear, MPG stands for Manual Pulse Generator.  It's primarily used for manual control of an axis.  And stepper motors do not use an encoder to operate like servos do.  With steppers, you run "encoderless" (open loop) and there is no servo PID loop where encoders provide feeedback.  Mach simply says step this many steps and assumes that the motors arrive at their final destination.

Read the Galil manual for you controller to find all of the details about running stepper motors on the axes.  It's very important that your stepper motors are correctly sized so that they do not "loose" steps.

Steve

1468
Galil / Re: Galil HELP DMC-1842
« on: July 22, 2009, 01:51:56 AM »
Ahh...  Now we are getting somewhere!  They are using the drive in position control mode (Open loop to the Galil).  Just like a stepper motor.  Although I don't know why, as the drive will do analog speed control as well.  You can use the amps as they are setup.  You should have 4 stepper jumpers enabled on the Galil card.  But you are not running in closed loop this way.  Not from the Galils PID loop's perspective anyway.  The PC drives may do some form of closed loop for you though.  I'm just not that familiar with them.

What I would do is disconnect pins 17 & 19,  wire pins 8 - 13 to the Galil ICM's main encoder inputs, and then wire the Galil ICM's MOCMD to pin 1 and GND to pin 2.  You may have to configure the drive to do speed control instead of position control with the drive's configuration software.  You'll get much higher speeds out of your motors that way.  12Mhz counts. vs 3Mhz. counts.  Less time cutting air.  And you'll get a true servo loop out of it.  You could do this with Mach or CamSoft.  It makes no difference, as the software is only controlling the Galil.  (Unless CamSoft limits the speed)

But those drives, motors, and the Galil should work fine with Mach.  Now I've done this a time or two, but I could have Mach driving that machine with speed control in less than an hour. 

Were you having problems with CamSoft?  I ask because if you were happy with it, the easiest thing to do would be to keep it. 

But if you want to give Mach a try, I think you'll ultimately get better performance out of the machine and possibly gain some flexibility if you were looking for any.  You can design your own interface screens, write macros that do specific things that are tailored to your production, etc...  Even add a tool changer if it doesn't have one.  And you have all of the PlugIns too.  Joystick control.  MPGs...  The list goes on.  Mach just gives you more options.  That's the main reason I think Mach is better.  If you decide to try Mach out, make sure you download the Galil's programs with SmartTerm and back them up in case CamSoft put something special in there.

Steve

1469
Galil / Re: Strange #AUTO Galil program behavior
« on: July 22, 2009, 12:36:54 AM »
Your MG "In Loop" doesn't repeat in SmartTerm?  If so, it sounds like MRST to me.  No error LED?

Steve

1470
Galil / Re: Galil HELP DMC-1842
« on: July 22, 2009, 12:33:39 AM »
I can say that if CamSoft was controlling the Galil, which in turn was controlling the drives and motors and accepting feedback from the drives, that Mach will do the same thing.  Resolvers or not, it would make no difference.

Here is the best part...  It will cost you nothing to try it.  :)

Or do you not have these motors/drives on the machine currently?

I know you have the PMA24C motors.  What is the drive amp model?  Give me some specifics and I'll see if I can find out if the combo will work for sure.  Tell me what is on the machine and/or what you want to put on the machine.  Also, if you have some hardware compatibility questions, give Galil a call.  Their tech guys are second to none.

Steve