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Re: Open (i think) design for a parallel robot (reprap may be interested)

Graham Stabler
 

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@..., "Dennis Schmitz"
<denschmitz@...> wrote:

On the other hand, calibration of a stewart platform, or delta robot
requires that for every movement in x,y, or z you have to adjust the
position of all the servos. 6 for hexapod platforms, and 3 for the
delta robots.
Delta robots can also be 6-axis. The "deltaness" comes from the fact
they use rotational actuators. You can build three axis platforms
with either actuator type.

This means for any x,y,z coordinate, you arrive at
only one solution for leg-lengths to get to it.
Actually you will always get at least two but you can normally ignore
one of them. The second solution is when the whole mechanism is
toggled or turned inside out. You can remove the generalism of the
matrix form and "tell it" which way it is basically configured

So what does this mean to the home-shop or hobbiest builder? There
would be a layer of software between the xyz and the motor >
positioner that would be responsible for positioning. This transform
also introduces some quantization error and also decouples the g-code
interpreter from the actual motor positions.
When using mach I set up secondary axes, these were the actuator
postitions which were defined in terms of the primary axes using the
equations function. The quantization error is no more of a problem
than it is for a normal machine thought the positional error will tend
to grow as you move from the sweetspot.

I'd venture that most people who build machines don't really
understand the details of PID controllers, basically because most
people aren't required to learn calculus, but are more than capable
of using or even expertly tuning them. This level of abstraction
doesn't seem insurmountable.
What's your point?

On the other hand, you do need to develop a transform for your own
machine. It might seem daunting to delve into the matrix math
I sometimes wonder if I am talking to myself. I have posted a link to
my kinematics page at least twice. You don't need matrix maths you
can calculate the lengths or base positions directly using pythagorus.
For example if you take a triaglide, you know the position you want
the table to be in, the points on the rail where the carriage should
be are given by the intersection of a sphere with a line. i.e. the
possible positions of the struts other end with the rail. You will
get two solutions but you can ignore one. Also if you keep the
equation in its most general form you can account for rails not being
parallel etc.

Building a delta robot isn't all that difficult either, and it's a
fine platform to set a router on, especially if you're carving 3D
shapes. The accuracy of the ball and socket joints seems crucial,but
like I said, I think you could grind a ball on the end of a rod and
clamp a delrin socket around it. Since all three axes are identical,
you repeat it rather than have three different axis designs.
PLEASE have a look at my page, you will see that ball joints aren't
even needed.

The other crucial thing is the gearbox for the servo arm. It's a lot
different than mill screws, and probably more expensive. I'm still
pondering that.
Again see my page, there is a cool way of getting high gear ratios
using a belt.

Bottom line, I think triaglides and deltas have real homebrew
possibilities, I've done the ground work, please run with it. BUT
hexapods specifically don't fit the bill for reprap or most homebrew.

Cheers,

Graham

www.indoor.flyer.co.uk/kinematics.htm
Re: Open (i think) design for a parallel robot (reprap may be interested)

Mike Pogue
 

Dennis Schmitz wrote:
....
The inverse kinematic transform appears to be stable for both and have
unique solutions. This means for any x,y,z coordinate, you arrive at
only one solution for leg-lengths to get to it.
So what does this mean to the home-shop or hobbiest builder? There
would be a layer of software between the xyz and the motor positioner
that would be responsible for positioning. This transform also
introduces some quantization error and also decouples the g-code
interpreter from the actual motor positions.
I don't think this is necessarily the case. I am working on a tripod-style design (yes, for home use), and so far, my software doesn't decouple the g-code interpreter from the motor positions. And, there is no quantization error introduced by the interpreter -- my algorithms basically operate in stepper motor space.

Does that make sense?

Mike
Re: thk shs-series pricing chart

Alan Marconett
 

Hi David,

Too bad the RF31 link is bad!

Alan KM6VV


figNoggle wrote:

hi all (nice picture on the yahoo page!)-
thought you'd find this useful when shopping around for linear guides and
blocks. we drafted up this pricing chart for the thk shs series. this may
also serve as some reference when shopping used or by other manufacturers.
<>
<>
we're designing a benchtop small-mill using these guides and a R8 spindle
from the x2 mini-mill. should be interesting..
hope this helps!
david
thk shs-series pricing chart

 

hi all (nice picture on the yahoo page!)-

thought you'd find this useful when shopping around for linear guides and
blocks. we drafted up this pricing chart for the thk shs series. this may
also serve as some reference when shopping used or by other manufacturers.

<>
<>

we're designing a benchtop small-mill using these guides and a R8 spindle
from the x2 mini-mill. should be interesting..

hope this helps!
david



(NEW!) MetalWorkingFAQ.NET - Your source for metalworking tips, tricks,
and how-tos. Over 50 content sites! <>
Harbor Freight 10%, 20% and ENCO Free Shipping Coupons
<>
water jet cam

 

Hi all,
I've being reading about a water jet cutter, it looks like it can
handle about any material, but it's slower than lasers.
We got a lot of lasers running near by, but no water jets.
So, I was thinking about build one. I can handle almost every thing,
only limitation would be the CAM software.
I looks like it needs some kind of look ahead to comp.for lag when
cutting around corners, so the cam needs to know when to slow it down
when aproxing a corner so the botton of the jet can catch up with the
top.
Another option would be to use a tilting head(5 axis) to tilt the
head before the cutting gets to the corner.
Anyway does anyone knows of a affordable cam software that has any
of this features?

thank's
Fogassa
3 axis cnc milling machine

close2retire
 

I have a 3 axis X1 cnc mill for sale. It comes with a clamping kit, 6
end mills and 3 end mill holders. The stepper motors are 180 oz/in and
uses a xylotex board.

I have a few cad and cad/cam programs I can include in the purchase as
well.

Looking for $1000 including shipping to the US OBO.

If you are interested please send an email to danskemp(at)yahoo.com
Re: Gecko 201 drives, can I drive them directly with a Parallel port on my computer

 

I have several pc's in my shop running various machines . All of them are gecko servo systems except for one stepper system. Each has it's own PC none of them have any issues with low voltage on the parall ports
I put together quite a few Gecko stepper and servo systems. Until recently, the parallel ports have been fine. But in the last 6 months I have seen a few customers with new pc's that only put out 3.2V. That isn't enough for the optos used in the Geckos. I have seen them work down to 3.8V but marginally. Geckos requires a minimum of 4.2V.
What I would do is locate the parallel port pin for the direction bit and measure the voltage. 017 low is fairly typical and high 3.2 VDC is what the newer pc are outputting. This will be a problem. You will need either a parallel port booster like the ones I sell but don't advertise that attach directly to the pc parallel port or others that are called breakout boards that take a weak signal and jack them up to 5V. There are pros and cons on both methods but I like the idea that the signal coming out of the parallel port when amplified to 5V and pushed though the cable than the approach of taking a weak signal from a PC and then running it down a cable and then amplifying it because anything being lost or below the threshold on the breakout boards buffer gets lost.
Some PC like the Dell have Bios setting for PS2 of which I am not sure what it's function is but it recently solved a couple problems with new PC. I had a customer that bought one of my systems and was reading only 3.3V at the parallel port cable. I mentioned that he might need a booster but to check his BIOS. He found the setting and changed it. All of his low voltage issues went away.
But after rereading your orginal post I don't think the parallel port voltage is the issue because you said the IMS system worked with two different pc and the aux devices work.
It sounds like more of a pin config problem. Are you sure the axis step and direction lines are properly configured to yopur controller software? I would also check the step and direction lines from the geckos back to the parallel port side of the Cable. A simple continuity check between the parallel port cable and the terminals on the Geckos should suffice.

Long time no see. Send me some email off line and I give you my telephone number or you can email me yours.

Dan Mauch
low cost stepper and servo motors.
cases for Gecko drives
kits and assembled 3-4 axis drives
www.camtronics-cnc.com
www.seanet.com/~dmauch

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Dubois" <jdubois@...>
To: <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@...>
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 10:06 AM
Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Gecko 201 drives, can I drive them directly with a Parallel port on my computer


Dan,

thanks for the immediate response, long time no talk...like about 12
years...in any event, I miss stated the grounding piece. What I
intended to say is the 65 vdc, the 5 vdc, as well as the parrallel
port and AC grounds are all common. I did not intend to say I had
grounded the +5vdc line.....it is just as you suggested, daisy
chained Gecko "commons" to the +5vdc supply.

So, do you have experience successfully driving the Gecko's directly
off a parrallel port? or do i need an interface board?

best regards

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@..., "Dan Mauch" <dmauch@...>
wrote:

The +5 must not be tied to ground . It should only be daisy
chained wired to
the +5 common terminals of each drive. Nowhere else.
Dan Mauch
low cost stepper and servo motors.
cases for Gecko drives
kits and assembled 3-4 axis drives
www.camtronics-cnc.com
www.seanet.com/~dmauch
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Dubois" <jdubois@...>
To: <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@...>
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 7:51 AM
Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Gecko 201 drives, can I drive them
directly with
a Parallel port on my computer


I have a problem with Gecko drives not working, I am assuming I
have
done something stupid or have overlooked something....or will a
PC
parallel port not actually "sink" the required 16ma? I have used
the parallel port for control of many drivers, but for what ever
reason the Geckos are not working. This is my first effort with
Gekos....

I have replaced a set of IMS drivers on a formerly functioning
controller with new out of the box Gecko 201 drivers. I have +65
vdc, tied to a chassis ground, I have +5vdc for the common
terminal
on the drives, also tied to chassis ground. The parallel port,
also
grounded properly, is communicating with the controller as I can
turn on and turn off the aux devices, ie spindle, coolant and the
like. The power light is "on" on the drives, the motors "lock".
Current setting on the drives is at default, 7 amps. No
connection
to the "disable" connection. There are no limit switches or other
complexity...just a 3 axis controller with 2 aux's and the aux's
work.

I have checked out the controller with a different computer, no
change. I have verified the +5vdc to common stays steady. I
have
not been able to verify the TTL signals, no scope or logic trace
tools in house. But, it worked with the IMS...so...I would
think it
would work with Gecko.....

any thoughts? do I need a parallel port interface card to drive
the
Gecko's?






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NOTICE: ALL POSTINGS TO THIS GROUP BECOME PUBLIC DOMAIN BY
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URL to this group:

OFF Topic POSTS: General Machining
If you wish to post on unlimited OT subjects goto: aol://5863:126/rec.crafts.metalworking or go thru Google.com to reach it if you have trouble.


I consider this to be a sister site to the CCED group, as many of the same members are there, for OT subjects, that are not allowed on the CCED list.

NOTICE: ALL POSTINGS TO THIS GROUP BECOME PUBLIC DOMAIN BY POSTING THEM. DON'T POST IF YOU CAN NOT ACCEPT THIS.....NO EXCEPTIONS........
bill
List Mom
List Owner


Yahoo! Groups Links
Re: Open (i think) design for a parallel robot (reprap may be interested)

 

I've been thinking about this quite a bit.

The problem breaks down to a couple of different issues. In a
cartesian positioner, everything is fairly simple. Calibration is
linear -- a step corresponds to a linear displacement in x,y, or z. Or
it corresponds to an angle in a rotary table.

On the other hand, calibration of a stewart platform, or delta robot
requires that for every movement in x,y, or z you have to adjust the
position of all the servos. 6 for hexapod platforms, and 3 for the
delta robots. And it's not linear -- you have a higher resolution in
the center sweet spot than you have at the limits of movement.

The inverse kinematic transform appears to be stable for both and have
unique solutions. This means for any x,y,z coordinate, you arrive at
only one solution for leg-lengths to get to it.

So what does this mean to the home-shop or hobbiest builder? There
would be a layer of software between the xyz and the motor positioner
that would be responsible for positioning. This transform also
introduces some quantization error and also decouples the g-code
interpreter from the actual motor positions.

I'd venture that most people who build machines don't really
understand the details of PID controllers, basically because most
people aren't required to learn calculus, but are more than capable of
using or even expertly tuning them. This level of abstraction doesn't
seem insurmountable.

On the other hand, you do need to develop a transform for your own
machine. It might seem daunting to delve into the matrix math, but the
functions used in them are all high-school trig and geometry. This
could be facilitated by a module that calculates it for you, I
suppose, taking parameters in the form of leg length and platform
size, and doing the transform for you.

Building a delta robot isn't all that difficult either, and it's a
fine platform to set a router on, especially if you're carving 3D
shapes. The accuracy of the ball and socket joints seems crucial, but
like I said, I think you could grind a ball on the end of a rod and
clamp a delrin socket around it. Since all three axes are identical,
you repeat it rather than have three different axis designs.

The other crucial thing is the gearbox for the servo arm. It's a lot
different than mill screws, and probably more expensive. I'm still
pondering that.

Anyway, that's it for my thinking on the matter. I did pull down a
couple of Matlab simulations on hexapods to play with. If I learn
anything useful to home CNC, I'll let y'all know.

On 8/28/06, Graham Stabler <eexgs@...> wrote:

No way, a hexapod is a can of worms. Software, calibration, joint
accuracy, singularities etc etc
Re: Gecko 201 drives, can I drive them directly with a Parallel port on my computer

Jim Dubois
 

Dan,

thanks for the immediate response, long time no talk...like about 12
years...in any event, I miss stated the grounding piece. What I
intended to say is the 65 vdc, the 5 vdc, as well as the parrallel
port and AC grounds are all common. I did not intend to say I had
grounded the +5vdc line.....it is just as you suggested, daisy
chained Gecko "commons" to the +5vdc supply.

So, do you have experience successfully driving the Gecko's directly
off a parrallel port? or do i need an interface board?

best regards

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@..., "Dan Mauch" <dmauch@...>
wrote:

The +5 must not be tied to ground . It should only be daisy
chained wired to
the +5 common terminals of each drive. Nowhere else.
Dan Mauch
low cost stepper and servo motors.
cases for Gecko drives
kits and assembled 3-4 axis drives
www.camtronics-cnc.com
www.seanet.com/~dmauch
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Dubois" <jdubois@...>
To: <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@...>
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 7:51 AM
Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Gecko 201 drives, can I drive them
directly with
a Parallel port on my computer


I have a problem with Gecko drives not working, I am assuming I
have
done something stupid or have overlooked something....or will a
PC
parallel port not actually "sink" the required 16ma? I have used
the parallel port for control of many drivers, but for what ever
reason the Geckos are not working. This is my first effort with
Gekos....

I have replaced a set of IMS drivers on a formerly functioning
controller with new out of the box Gecko 201 drivers. I have +65
vdc, tied to a chassis ground, I have +5vdc for the common
terminal
on the drives, also tied to chassis ground. The parallel port,
also
grounded properly, is communicating with the controller as I can
turn on and turn off the aux devices, ie spindle, coolant and the
like. The power light is "on" on the drives, the motors "lock".
Current setting on the drives is at default, 7 amps. No
connection
to the "disable" connection. There are no limit switches or other
complexity...just a 3 axis controller with 2 aux's and the aux's
work.

I have checked out the controller with a different computer, no
change. I have verified the +5vdc to common stays steady. I
have
not been able to verify the TTL signals, no scope or logic trace
tools in house. But, it worked with the IMS...so...I would
think it
would work with Gecko.....

any thoughts? do I need a parallel port interface card to drive
the
Gecko's?






Addresses:
FAQ:
FILES:
Post Messages: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@...

Subscribe: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO-subscribe@...
Unsubscribe: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO-unsubscribe@...
List owner: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO-owner@...,
wanliker@...,
timg@...
Moderator: pentam@... indigo_red@... davemucha@...
[Moderators]
URL to this group:

OFF Topic POSTS: General Machining
If you wish to post on unlimited OT subjects goto:
aol://5863:126/rec.crafts.metalworking or go thru Google.com to
reach it
if you have trouble.


I consider this
to be a
sister site to the CCED group, as many of the same members are
there, for
OT subjects, that are not allowed on the CCED list.

NOTICE: ALL POSTINGS TO THIS GROUP BECOME PUBLIC DOMAIN BY
POSTING THEM.
DON'T POST IF YOU CAN NOT ACCEPT THIS.....NO EXCEPTIONS........
bill
List Mom
List Owner


Yahoo! Groups Links
Re: Gecko 201 drives, can I drive them directly with a Parallel port on my computer

Jim Dubois
 

Robert,

thanks for the quick response, the computer in question is an old
computer that has been used for machine control for a long tims...a
486-100 mhz machine. While I also did test a more recent portable,
a P3, it too has been used successfully with this SW package and a
similar controller.....just not Gecko drives....I will check out
your products, thanks for the lead.

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@..., "Robert Colin Campbell"
<bob@...> wrote:

Jim,

If you have a new PC with a 3.1 buss voltage it most likely will
not work.
Many new PCs and laptops use a low voltage bus. The best solution
is to use
a breakout board that will buffer and boost the voltage. The one
that I sell
also was designed to fully support the Gecko drives.

Robert Colin Campbell
Bob Campbell Designs
www.Campbelldesigns.com
Mach 2/3 breakout boards
Relay boards
Spindle Speed boards
Stepper motors
Plasma Torch Height control

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Dubois" <jdubois@...>
To: <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@...>
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 9:51 AM
Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Gecko 201 drives, can I drive them
directly with
a Parallel port on my computer


I have a problem with Gecko drives not working, I am assuming I
have
done something stupid or have overlooked something....or will a
PC
parallel port not actually "sink" the required 16ma? I have used
the parallel port for control of many drivers, but for what ever
reason the Geckos are not working. This is my first effort with
Gekos....

I have replaced a set of IMS drivers on a formerly functioning
controller with new out of the box Gecko 201 drivers. I have +65
vdc, tied to a chassis ground, I have +5vdc for the common
terminal
on the drives, also tied to chassis ground. The parallel port,
also
grounded properly, is communicating with the controller as I can
turn on and turn off the aux devices, ie spindle, coolant and the
like. The power light is "on" on the drives, the motors "lock".
Current setting on the drives is at default, 7 amps. No
connection
to the "disable" connection. There are no limit switches or other
complexity...just a 3 axis controller with 2 aux's and the aux's
work.

I have checked out the controller with a different computer, no
change. I have verified the +5vdc to common stays steady. I
have
not been able to verify the TTL signals, no scope or logic trace
tools in house. But, it worked with the IMS...so...I would
think it
would work with Gecko.....

any thoughts? do I need a parallel port interface card to drive
the
Gecko's?






Addresses:
FAQ:
FILES:
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Subscribe: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO-subscribe@...
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List owner: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO-owner@...,
wanliker@...,
timg@...
Moderator: pentam@... indigo_red@... davemucha@...
[Moderators]
URL to this group:

OFF Topic POSTS: General Machining
If you wish to post on unlimited OT subjects goto:
aol://5863:126/rec.crafts.metalworking or go thru Google.com to
reach it
if you have trouble.


I consider this
to be a
sister site to the CCED group, as many of the same members are
there, for
OT subjects, that are not allowed on the CCED list.

NOTICE: ALL POSTINGS TO THIS GROUP BECOME PUBLIC DOMAIN BY
POSTING THEM.
DON'T POST IF YOU CAN NOT ACCEPT THIS.....NO EXCEPTIONS........
bill
List Mom
List Owner


Yahoo! Groups Links
Re: Gecko 201 drives, can I drive them directly with a Para...

 

In a message dated 8/30/2006 9:57:39 A.M. Central Daylight Time,
jdubois@... writes:

any thoughts? do I need a parallel port interface card to drive the
Gecko's?



I simply use a 74HCT541. Drives Geckos fine. Just tie all 8 inputs to
ground with 4K7 resistors.
Re: Gecko 201 drives, can I drive them directly with a Parallel port on my computer

 

The +5 must not be tied to ground . It should only be daisy chained wired to the +5 common terminals of each drive. Nowhere else.
Dan Mauch
low cost stepper and servo motors.
cases for Gecko drives
kits and assembled 3-4 axis drives
www.camtronics-cnc.com
www.seanet.com/~dmauch

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Dubois" <jdubois@...>
To: <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@...>
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 7:51 AM
Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Gecko 201 drives, can I drive them directly with a Parallel port on my computer


I have a problem with Gecko drives not working, I am assuming I have
done something stupid or have overlooked something....or will a PC
parallel port not actually "sink" the required 16ma? I have used
the parallel port for control of many drivers, but for what ever
reason the Geckos are not working. This is my first effort with
Gekos....

I have replaced a set of IMS drivers on a formerly functioning
controller with new out of the box Gecko 201 drivers. I have +65
vdc, tied to a chassis ground, I have +5vdc for the common terminal
on the drives, also tied to chassis ground. The parallel port, also
grounded properly, is communicating with the controller as I can
turn on and turn off the aux devices, ie spindle, coolant and the
like. The power light is "on" on the drives, the motors "lock".
Current setting on the drives is at default, 7 amps. No connection
to the "disable" connection. There are no limit switches or other
complexity...just a 3 axis controller with 2 aux's and the aux's
work.

I have checked out the controller with a different computer, no
change. I have verified the +5vdc to common stays steady. I have
not been able to verify the TTL signals, no scope or logic trace
tools in house. But, it worked with the IMS...so...I would think it
would work with Gecko.....

any thoughts? do I need a parallel port interface card to drive the
Gecko's?






Addresses:
FAQ:
FILES:
Post Messages: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@...

Subscribe: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO-subscribe@...
Unsubscribe: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO-unsubscribe@...
List owner: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO-owner@..., wanliker@..., timg@...
Moderator: pentam@... indigo_red@... davemucha@... [Moderators]
URL to this group:

OFF Topic POSTS: General Machining
If you wish to post on unlimited OT subjects goto: aol://5863:126/rec.crafts.metalworking or go thru Google.com to reach it if you have trouble.


I consider this to be a sister site to the CCED group, as many of the same members are there, for OT subjects, that are not allowed on the CCED list.

NOTICE: ALL POSTINGS TO THIS GROUP BECOME PUBLIC DOMAIN BY POSTING THEM. DON'T POST IF YOU CAN NOT ACCEPT THIS.....NO EXCEPTIONS........
bill
List Mom
List Owner


Yahoo! Groups Links
Re: Gecko 201 drives, can I drive them directly with a Parallel port on my computer

Robert Colin Campbell
 

Jim,

If you have a new PC with a 3.1 buss voltage it most likely will not work. Many new PCs and laptops use a low voltage bus. The best solution is to use a breakout board that will buffer and boost the voltage. The one that I sell also was designed to fully support the Gecko drives.

Robert Colin Campbell
Bob Campbell Designs
www.Campbelldesigns.com
Mach 2/3 breakout boards
Relay boards
Spindle Speed boards
Stepper motors
Plasma Torch Height control

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Dubois" <jdubois@...>
To: <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@...>
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 9:51 AM
Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Gecko 201 drives, can I drive them directly with a Parallel port on my computer


I have a problem with Gecko drives not working, I am assuming I have
done something stupid or have overlooked something....or will a PC
parallel port not actually "sink" the required 16ma? I have used
the parallel port for control of many drivers, but for what ever
reason the Geckos are not working. This is my first effort with
Gekos....

I have replaced a set of IMS drivers on a formerly functioning
controller with new out of the box Gecko 201 drivers. I have +65
vdc, tied to a chassis ground, I have +5vdc for the common terminal
on the drives, also tied to chassis ground. The parallel port, also
grounded properly, is communicating with the controller as I can
turn on and turn off the aux devices, ie spindle, coolant and the
like. The power light is "on" on the drives, the motors "lock".
Current setting on the drives is at default, 7 amps. No connection
to the "disable" connection. There are no limit switches or other
complexity...just a 3 axis controller with 2 aux's and the aux's
work.

I have checked out the controller with a different computer, no
change. I have verified the +5vdc to common stays steady. I have
not been able to verify the TTL signals, no scope or logic trace
tools in house. But, it worked with the IMS...so...I would think it
would work with Gecko.....

any thoughts? do I need a parallel port interface card to drive the
Gecko's?






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bill
List Mom
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Gecko 201 drives, can I drive them directly with a Parallel port on my computer

Jim Dubois
 

I have a problem with Gecko drives not working, I am assuming I have
done something stupid or have overlooked something....or will a PC
parallel port not actually "sink" the required 16ma? I have used
the parallel port for control of many drivers, but for what ever
reason the Geckos are not working. This is my first effort with
Gekos....

I have replaced a set of IMS drivers on a formerly functioning
controller with new out of the box Gecko 201 drivers. I have +65
vdc, tied to a chassis ground, I have +5vdc for the common terminal
on the drives, also tied to chassis ground. The parallel port, also
grounded properly, is communicating with the controller as I can
turn on and turn off the aux devices, ie spindle, coolant and the
like. The power light is "on" on the drives, the motors "lock".
Current setting on the drives is at default, 7 amps. No connection
to the "disable" connection. There are no limit switches or other
complexity...just a 3 axis controller with 2 aux's and the aux's
work.

I have checked out the controller with a different computer, no
change. I have verified the +5vdc to common stays steady. I have
not been able to verify the TTL signals, no scope or logic trace
tools in house. But, it worked with the IMS...so...I would think it
would work with Gecko.....

any thoughts? do I need a parallel port interface card to drive the
Gecko's?
Re: Bridgeport for CNC, what to look for?

 

Used Machinery Transport 425-820-2938. They can arrange movement from anyplace to anywhere.
Their prices were resonable and they did everything they said they would when they said they would do it.
Dan Mauch
low cost stepper and servo motors.
cases for Gecko drives
kits and assembled 3-4 axis drives
www.camtronics-cnc.com
www.seanet.com/~dmauch

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Delaney" <jdelaney2@...>
To: <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@...>
Sent: Tuesday, August 29, 2006 7:09 PM
Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Bridgeport for CNC, what to look for?


Npt sure how much
shipping or truck rental usually runs
Cross town moving is about $250.00 here in So. Cal. From So. Cal. to
Seattle will be way more obviously. You can get qoutes by calling the
800 numbers on many of the freight companies.

If you are interested in my series one conversion saga it is at:



In that same forum there are 3 - 4 other actually better conversion
projects. It's the Bridgeport and Hardinge forum. Sort by views (count
of views) to have them come to the top of the list.

-jd







Addresses:
FAQ:
FILES:
Post Messages: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@...

Subscribe: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO-subscribe@...
Unsubscribe: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO-unsubscribe@...
List owner: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO-owner@..., wanliker@..., timg@...
Moderator: pentam@... indigo_red@... davemucha@... [Moderators]
URL to this group:

OFF Topic POSTS: General Machining
If you wish to post on unlimited OT subjects goto: aol://5863:126/rec.crafts.metalworking or go thru Google.com to reach it if you have trouble.


I consider this to be a sister site to the CCED group, as many of the same members are there, for OT subjects, that are not allowed on the CCED list.

NOTICE: ALL POSTINGS TO THIS GROUP BECOME PUBLIC DOMAIN BY POSTING THEM. DON'T POST IF YOU CAN NOT ACCEPT THIS.....NO EXCEPTIONS........
bill
List Mom
List Owner


Yahoo! Groups Links
Re: Free Download at Hobbing.com''''''''''''''''s Gear CAD Library

"John Stevenson
 

I tried to fix. Would please download programs and run them again?
I'd like to know fixed or not yet.
Thanx in advance.
Chang.
Works fine now and downloads into the correct folder.

John S.


John Stevenson <john@...> wrote:

Wow, it works even with Windows 98 when saved on anywhere c:&#92; and click.
You may use other PC to run.
No it has to reside in C:&#92;Gear to work, - THEN it will generate the library.
Inside W2K it can't make the folder C:&#92;gear, you have to do this and put the exe
file into this.

On your start screen it states where the output file will be saved but if you
don't have a folder called c:&#92;gear it can't save there.
You need to edit your instructions or make it generate the folder name.

John S.


John Stevenson <john@...> wrote:

My programs make a library and have undercut geometry that users can see in
graphics and read undercutting information by numerical data.
Only if the program runs.
When I run the exe file it crashes with a memory error.
Not managed to run it yet.

John S.


John Stevenson <john@...> wrote:
Hi, everybody.

I have just begun to upload my programs that generate gear tooth
geometry in dxf format and numerical data in txt format.
It's free to download and use my programs. Very simple to run.
However, two or more programs should Not be run at a time because
they could interfere each other.

If you are going to wire-cut gears and don't know how to generate
gear tooth geometry, e-mail me. I can generate coordinates of path
of wire ceter to cut gears with designed tooth thickness or backlash.
I am especially interested in wire-cutting gears. Also, a set of cnc-
cut planetary gear can be seen in my top page of website.

Thank you very much.



Chang H. Park
Hobbing.com
Sorry doesn't work for me under W2K.
keeps coming up with memory error and crashes.

I also notice that you have the 14.5 PA gears starting at 30 teeth but many
people do have to cut them at a lesser number.
I realise that there will be undercutting but sometimes you have to go lower
then 30 and accept the consequences.

John S.






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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: Bridgeport for CNC, what to look for?

John Delaney
 

Npt sure how much
shipping or truck rental usually runs
Cross town moving is about $250.00 here in So. Cal. From So. Cal. to
Seattle will be way more obviously. You can get qoutes by calling the
800 numbers on many of the freight companies.

If you are interested in my series one conversion saga it is at:



In that same forum there are 3 - 4 other actually better conversion
projects. It's the Bridgeport and Hardinge forum. Sort by views (count
of views) to have them come to the top of the list.

-jd
Re: stewart platform

Carl Mikkelsen
 

Graham,

I don't measure the error. I manually "fly" the platform with a
joystick to the position where it should be, and then record the
length of the actuators that puts it at that place. To set the Pitch
and Roll, I've used an electronic level with 0.01 (I think, maybe
0.1) degree resolution. To set the Yaw (my W axis), I attach a
straight indicator to the platform, and align it visually with the
base coordinate system.

I then use simulated annealing to estimate the error variable values
that are needed to make the actuator lengths work out to be correct.

The simulated annealing is used to minimize the total error
contribution, ie., how much the recorder actuator length differ from
the calculated lengths. When all is right, the measured and
calculated lengths match.

Other approaches would work, but this has worked for me.

I had some problems attempting to use simulated annealing on ALL
error variables at once, but by controlling all six axes, the problem
decomposes into 6 separate estimation problems -- one for each
leg. My original plan was to estimate all errors at the same time,
and not control all six carteasian axes. I intended to have a
precision flat surface, and use a surface probe to record the leg
lengths at which the probe touched. The partial-control of the
carteasian coordinates coupled the actuator errors together
(necessitating the all-variables estimation), so I changed to the
strategy I outlined.

-- Carl

At 08:56 PM 8/29/2006, you wrote:

--- In
<mailto:CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO%40yahoogroups.com>CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@...,
Carl Mikkelsen
<c.mikkelsen@...> wrote:

2) move the platform to a series of known orientations, including
all >6 axes being varied. I'll do something like a gird measuring
every 6 >to 12 inches, with Pitch, Roll, and Yaw at -30, 0, +30 for
many of the >points.

How do you go about measuring the error? Say you move 100mm in X, how
do you measure the error created in one of the rotational axes?

Graham
Re: stewart platform

Graham Stabler
 

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@..., Carl Mikkelsen
<c.mikkelsen@...> wrote:

2) move the platform to a series of known orientations, including
all >6 axes being varied. I'll do something like a gird measuring
every 6 >to 12 inches, with Pitch, Roll, and Yaw at -30, 0, +30 for
many of the >points.

How do you go about measuring the error? Say you move 100mm in X, how
do you measure the error created in one of the rotational axes?

Graham
Looking for a free G-code cut viewer

vrsculptor
 

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Roger
10861 - 10880 of 99862