Ok, if i want to use external switches for cycle start, feed hold, feedrate override, what is the simplest way to do that? I can use up my limited supply of inputs, Do I use the brain thingy, then do I need a modbus doodad.
Go easy on me. Ray.

The simplest way  is set up the switches port and pin numbers as OEM triggers then go to config menu then system Hotkeys and enter the OEM number of the function you want next to the trigger you used.

Brains can also be used, as can a macropump.

Hood

Thanks Hood, but I'm still at a loss. Lets say just one momentary cycle start button, do I have to supply power to it (24v) and use an input? or where do I get my signal from to emulate the keyboard. I here about the poykeys board and stuff like that and I know I can use the xbox buttons with the usb connection but I just can't get my head around the PC, still thinking like Fanuc...
Ray.

If you are using the parallel port and have a spare input then just connect the momentary switch as you would a limit switch or whatever, all depends on what your BOB needs.

Hood

I am using dspmc. What about the poykeys board. What does that do?
ray.

Ok do you have spare inputs on the DSPMC? If so just use them, what voltage you will need I have no idea as I dont know anything about it.

The PoKeys is a USB device that you can use for I/O to Mach, it is 5v, well actually 3.3 I think but just fitting momentary switch between one of its inputs and the Gnd will work. You would just do the same as mention above except the port number would be 10 and pin number whichever you use.
The PoKeys has 55 connections which can be configured as inputs or outputs or a mixture.

Hood

Thanks Hood, With this first project I guess i can use some spare inputs.
I am using 24v from the dspmc to bob, also the hand held pendant should tale care of a few buttons.
Thanks.

personally I  use a PLC for I/O as it allows 24v but PoKeys does work well as long as you take care with shielding for noise.
Hood

With the 32 inputs I have to work with and after I use one limit switch for +&- overtravel for the 3 axis, then zero return switch on 3 axis and e/stop, then  few others, can I use the rest for my own use, and can I modify the screen set to rename the others to suit my needs.
Thanks.

Not sure about the DSPMC as said before but it would be very unusual if you could not configure the inputs to what you wanted.
Screensets can be modified with the screen designer programmes available if needed, I use Screen4 but a lot have a preference for MachScreen.

Hood