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Tool Change Script
« on: September 09, 2015, 11:05:39 AM »
Can someone point me to the correct spot for how to write a tool changer script, as well as how to wire it? As well as the best place to ask for help if I need it?

I've made a tool changer for a lathe, and have the controls done except for the interface between mach 3 and the changer.

Offline Hood

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Re: Tool Change Script
« Reply #1 on: September 11, 2015, 05:12:53 PM »
You would have to describe how the turret works and what sensors you have and what the operation sequence would be.
Hood
Re: Tool Change Script
« Reply #2 on: September 13, 2015, 01:57:38 PM »
That really doesn't matter. I am using an arduino to control it. Currently I use the serial port to select the tool number (1 though 8 ). If I could use a serial port that would be great, cause then I would be done. How the system works is:

1. Tool changer receives tool number
2. the locking pin is retracted
3. the turret turns to position
4. the locking pin is engaged

I can use any sort of input from Mach 3.  Serial, I can clock the number in, I can accept the address of the tool (using 3 lines). The output from Mach 3 really doesn't matter.

I understand it's written in VB. What I need to know is where do I put the file when done, what setup does the file need, What is the list of command that mach3 will accept that are no part of the basic VB library, can it use the standard VB library. I'm just not sure where to look for it.

Offline TPS

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Re: Tool Change Script
« Reply #3 on: September 14, 2015, 03:05:07 AM »
Hi,

have a look for Arduino and Modbus in the forum,
there is a running example for data exchange between
Mach3 and Arduino,

Thomas
anything is possible, just try to do it.
if you find some mistakes, in my bad bavarian english,they are yours.

Offline Hood

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Re: Tool Change Script
« Reply #4 on: September 14, 2015, 06:15:19 AM »
Just for some additional info, it is the M6Start.m1s macro you need to alter, also on General Config page you need to choose Auto tool change.
I will post the VB I  use for my 8pos turret later (once I get back to the workshop) , I use a PLC to do the actual tool positioning so the macro only needs to ask for a tool change and wait for a finished signal. I do it via serial modbus but I dont know if the Arduino supports this or not, so you will have to adapt to suit.




Hood

Offline Hood

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Re: Tool Change Script
« Reply #5 on: September 14, 2015, 10:46:01 AM »
Ok here is the code I have

'Toolchange macro for Computurn 290
 

  tool = GetSelectedTool() Mod 8
  SetTool = GetSelectedTool()
   
   
   Old_tool = GetCurrentTool()
   New_Tool = GetSelectedTool()
   
 If tool = 0 Then
  tool = 8
  End If
 
  Modtoolout = tool - 1
 
 If Tool < 11 then
 ModtoolIn = tool - 1
 Else
 ModtoolIn = tool + 28
 end if
 
   
If New_Tool = Old_Tool Then  'If selected tool is the same as current tool then end macro
End
End If


 
 
 Do                                       
 Call SetModOutput (Modtoolout,1)                 
 If GetInput (ModtoolIn) Then Exit Do           
 Loop
 SetCurrentTool( Tool )
 sleep 10
 Call SetModOutput (Modtoolout,0)
Sleep 1000
If GetInput(42) Then
 Message ("Toolchange Complete")
  Else
   MsgBox( "Turret failed to clamp, Programme stopped")
   DoOemButton(1003)
End If



Probably the last bit is most relevant, the middle section is just to set the correct values for the Mobus output required.

Hood
Re: Tool Change Script
« Reply #6 on: September 14, 2015, 11:37:40 AM »
Thanks guys this is exactly the info I was looking for.

Hood, your macro looks like it will work for my system with only a little modification.

Thanks again. Hopefully I'll have everything working in the next couple of weeks. I plan to post everything, My idea should be pretty simple to build if anyone else wants to copy or improve it.