Re: Old PC kicked the bucket
I've got a spare dell optiplex , gx280 , 3Ghz , 4G memory? 512M video card. Win7 -32 pro. Parallel port.? Will Run Mach 4 or Mach 3 .? Let me know.?
On Tue, Feb 18, 2020 at 1:59 PM, Dave Reichert <reichert.dave@...> wrote: I’m using a cheap Dell desktop computer dedicated to my CNC. I have a UC100 USB CNC motion controller driving my G540. One word of cation; don’t let yourself get suckered into the cheap knockoffs They will not work. Go to cncdrive.com/uc100. Expect to pay about $100.00. My system has yet to fail. Good luck! Dave ? From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Brian via Groups.Io
Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2020 1:39 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [MachCNC] Old PC kicked the bucket ? Since my older PC kicked the bucket, I thought I'd possibly upgrade to another PC-CNC setup that eliminates the parallel port.? Thought
I'd ask and see what everyone else was using - likes and dislikes?
I'm using a G540, and have really enjoyed it, I'd like to continue to use it, but not sure it's possible and move forward.
Thanks
Brian,
|
Re: Old PC kicked the bucket
I’m using a cheap Dell desktop computer dedicated to my CNC. I have a UC100 USB CNC motion controller driving my G540. One word of cation; don’t let yourself get suckered into the cheap knockoffs They will not work. Go to cncdrive.com/uc100. Expect to pay about $100.00. My system has yet to fail. Good luck! Dave ?
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Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Brian via Groups.Io
Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2020 1:39 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [MachCNC] Old PC kicked the bucket ? Since my older PC kicked the bucket, I thought I'd possibly upgrade to another PC-CNC setup that eliminates the parallel port.? Thought
I'd ask and see what everyone else was using - likes and dislikes?
I'm using a G540, and have really enjoyed it, I'd like to continue to use it, but not sure it's possible and move forward.
Thanks
Brian,
|
Since my older PC kicked the bucket, I thought I'd possibly upgrade to another PC-CNC setup that eliminates the parallel port.? Thought
I'd ask and see what everyone else was using - likes and dislikes?
I'm using a G540, and have really enjoyed it, I'd like to continue to use it, but not sure it's possible and move forward.
Thanks
Brian,
|
thanks, never though of looking there.
?
?
Best regards, Spencer Chase 67550 Bell Springs Rd. Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only. Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only. Spencer@...Spencer@...Spencer@...(425) 791-0309 (707) 223-8212
------ Original Message ------
Sent: 2/17/2020 8:15:01 AM
Subject: Re: [MachCNC] parts counter
Just spotted a toggle on the diagnostics screen for toolpath on/off. Turn it off for fast loading.
Martin
|
I was able to get the editor to work on win 10. Who knows, the 3 hour update that was forced on me might have fixed the fact that I think it did not work when I last tried it. I think the problem was that the floating pallet for the widget choosing did not display so nothing could be added. Now it is definitely there and it works. Other things changed with this update so several things I have used for years stopped. Every update they mess with MIDI some more and they remove unsigned drivers forcing you to reinstall them with driver signing turned off. So my scope stopped working again.?
If anyone is interested, I did find a site that explains how to turn of driver signing bullshit permanently and this actually stuck through the last update so i only had to re-install the driver and not go through "troubleshooting" startup and boot three times.
i have things on my main screen that i can't live without so i needed to add the B DRO to that as nice as other screens might be. I am making little wooden parts which vary a little in dimensions and squareness. I need to nudge the reference for each axis occasionally. I can't use a self centering vise because the parts are on an air vise on a 4th axis and no room for that. so i am stuck having to nudge every now and then.?
?
?
Best regards, Spencer Chase 67550 Bell Springs Rd. Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only. Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only. Spencer@...Spencer@...Spencer@...(425) 791-0309 (707) 223-8212
------ Original Message ------
Sent: 2/17/2020 5:26:13 AM
Subject: Re: [MachCNC] parts counter
I have modified the standard screen set by adding a small B axis DRO to the first 3 screens. It can be downloaded from here.
Martin
|
Just spotted a toggle on the diagnostics screen for toolpath on/off. Turn it off for fast loading.
Martin
|
I have modified the standard screen set by adding a small B axis DRO to the first 3 screens. It can be downloaded from here.
Martin
|
I’m pretty sure there is a six axis screen distributed with Mac3, try that it would save you trying to make a new screen. Cheers Calum
On 17 February 2020 at 13:31 "spencer@..." <spencer@...> wrote:
i got it working but still have one or two questions.
instead of using a variable that would expire with the program if i close it to edit it crashes for some reason. so instead i switch to relative distance then G0 B 1 and back to absolute? works great as long as mach3 doesn't get shut down
i tried the scale method and there is a problem with it at least with my scale. after a couple of minutes it goes into power saving mode because it was battery powered and pretty old technology. it has an AC supply but it still shuts down taking the reading with it.? i could work around this but the B DRO works great
the question:
i have 100 repeats of the sub. when the file is loaded, mach3 wants to calculate the tool path for all 100 iterations. is there some way to turn this off. i can just hit cancel but something more elegant might be nice. i don't see any option for this in general config.
also i would like to add a B DRO to my main screen but can not find an editor that works on win 10. before giving up and trying it on my XP machine with not great mouse etc (it is shop hardened mouse and keyboard) any suggestions to get it to work on win10? i tried virtual box and that did not work.?
also is there a manual for either screen editor. i did use them a while ago and figured it out but remember that they were not especially intuitive or friendly
? ? Best regards, Spencer Chase 67550 Bell Springs Rd. Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only. Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only. Spencer@... Spencer@... Spencer@... (425) 791-0309 (707) 223-8212
------ Original Message ------ Sent: 2/15/2020 12:10:50 PM Subject: Re: [MachCNC] parts counter
If you use the b axis you can see the count on the diagnostics screen. No need to add the DRO to a screen then.
Martin
?
?
|
i got it working but still have one or two questions.
instead of using a variable that would expire with the program if i close it to edit it crashes for some reason. so instead i switch to relative distance then G0 B 1 and back to absolute? works great as long as mach3 doesn't get shut down
i tried the scale method and there is a problem with it at least with my scale. after a couple of minutes it goes into power saving mode because it was battery powered and pretty old technology. it has an AC supply but it still shuts down taking the reading with it.? i could work around this but the B DRO works great
the question:
i have 100 repeats of the sub. when the file is loaded, mach3 wants to calculate the tool path for all 100 iterations. is there some way to turn this off. i can just hit cancel but something more elegant might be nice. i don't see any option for this in general config.
also i would like to add a B DRO to my main screen but can not find an editor that works on win 10. before giving up and trying it on my XP machine with not great mouse etc (it is shop hardened mouse and keyboard) any suggestions to get it to work on win10? i tried virtual box and that did not work.?
also is there a manual for either screen editor. i did use them a while ago and figured it out but remember that they were not especially intuitive or friendly
?
?
Best regards, Spencer Chase 67550 Bell Springs Rd. Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only. Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only. Spencer@...Spencer@...Spencer@...(425) 791-0309 (707) 223-8212
------ Original Message ------
Sent: 2/15/2020 12:10:50 PM
Subject: Re: [MachCNC] parts counter
If you use the b axis you can see the count on the diagnostics screen. No need to add the DRO to a screen then.
Martin
|
I found the velocity only mode was not bad. But if I want to use it like a hand on the end of the lead screw then I found the positioning and the DRO screen update of position was not as nice as the cheap far east pendant. But there are a number of things I don't like about the pendant either. I just happened to have the Modio, the two MPGs and a system in transition as I change it to CNC. Finally.
And if I could read I'd have ordered the 20x4. Silly me.
I'll jump back into this once the display arrives. Then I can try the plug-in instead. Plus I want to play with the Linux side of things. This particular PC has a serial port on the back panel so I don't have to worry about USB to serial connections. I tend to use the slightly more expensive FTDI devices when using USB to Serial.
Thanks again
John
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-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of
Peter Homann
Sent: February-16-20 2:05 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [MachCNC] MODIO LCD
Hi John,
A couple of points. You can configure the ModIO to run at 115.2Kbaud,
although 56Kbaud is plenty fast enough.
Also how fast are you planning to turn the MPG. :) 56Kbaud is fast
enough to provide smooth motion. The ModIO also provides a counter value
so that Mach can measure the time beteen reading to allow it to
calculate the velocity.
When Art first coded the interface for the ModIO MPG, the motion was
very smooth. Later versions of Mach3 which have additional Modbus Plugin
seemed to have changed things somewhat.
Cheers,
Peter
On 2020-02-17 05:31, John Dammeyer wrote:
Hi Spencer. The reason for the MODIO is really simple. I bought one
about 10 years ago. Haven't used it yet. With displays running $4
and even with shipping two only costing about $12 it wasn't a big
deal. Just sad that I can no longer read. Ha ha.
My ELS uses a 40x2 display and is pin compatible with a 40x4. I've
got one VF display connected but would have to do some really brain
storming to decide exactly what would be on such a display.
The little bit of testing I've done with the MPG on the MODIO compared
to using a USB Pendant shows that the Pendant in many ways is nicer
and more responsive even though they both have 100 detents per rev.
Given 56Kbaud I'm not surprised and this is by no means a negative
comment about the MODIO. It's a nice little bit of work. I can see
it functioning more as a remote control of the tool changer and power
draw bar so the only thing to that area of the machine is a
communications cable and power rather than a bundle of who knows how
many wires.
Having small display and a few buttons by a tool changer, for
example, would allow local loading of tools without writing extensive
buttons and screens on MACH3 or LinuxCNC. I have yet to try the very
old MODBUS interface for the MODIO on LinuxCNC.
Normally I'd use CAN bus for this distributed stuff but I haven't
built any CAN modules that have everything that the MODIO has on it.
And I'd use CANopen since then it's possible to also just buy CANopen
Motors, Inclinometers, Hydraulic valves etc. that are controlled via
messaging.
So mostly I'm just playing. And kicking myself for ordering a 16x2
instead of a 20x2. Sigh...
John
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of
spencer@...
Sent: February-16-20 9:08 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [MachCNC] MODIO LCD
I looked at the manual; and it does not look like you can change the
display configuration. This would be highly unlikely. I have
programmed
microcontrollers with similar dis[plays and it is a genuine bitch to
get
everything in the right place on such a small display let alone
provide
different and smaller number of characters. These disoplays are
really
easy to find surplus now because most people have moved to graphic
displays. Unless you are really in the boonies you should be able to
get
one quickly?
What is the reason for the Modio as opposed to parallel port types or
more modern ones that use network or USB? I am not crazy about my
setup
although it does seems to be working and am considering what to try
next
for a BOB? Would rather not get stuck with legacy computers although I
do have a pile of Optiflex. Is the modio supposed to work with USB to
rs232 adapters? I did not see anything about that in the manual?
Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...
Spencer@...
Spencer@...
(425) 791-0309
(707) 223-8212
------ Original Message ------
From: "John Dammeyer" <johnd@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: 2/16/2020 12:55:20 AM
Subject: Re: [MachCNC] MODIO LCD
So it doesn't like a 12V power supply when connected to the PC. Raise the
input voltage to 15V and it stabilizes. Turn the encoder one click
and the start
up screen changes to one with all sorts of information spread out in a
strange
way. What I can see is the MPG-1 value change as I rotate it. As for
the
other numbers I don't know what they are.
Is there a way to tell the MODIO that I have a 16x4 display? Or will I have
to
wait until the correct display arrives?
Thanks
John
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf
Of
John
Dammeyer
Sent: February-15-20 6:05 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [MachCNC] MODIO LCD
Well crap! Really must learn how to read. I was so excited when my 2
LCD
displays arrived on Thursday. Today I carefully soldered on the ribbon
cable
and crimped the 16 pin socket onto the other end. Then plugged into
the
MODIO and applied power.
It lit up. But all sorts of odd blinking and the error light coming on
while
it's
connected to MACH3. Unplug MACH3 and it stabilized. So that's
problem
#1.
Problem #2 is much worse. The characters weren't all in the correct
spots
and some appeared to be missing. A quick count showed the display
was
16
wide, not 20. A look at the order online showed I'd ordered 16x4
displays.
Sigh... I've re-ordered two 20x4 but with shipping this project has
been
shifted sideways by a month or two now. Or earlier if they come
earlier.
John Dammeyer
|
Hi Spencer,
The ModIO will work with some USB to RS232 converters. It depends on the driver for the converter. The Modbus RTU specification requires a delay at the end of a command to the Modbus slave in order to detect the end of the message.
If the converter driver buffers up a number of requests, then bursts them to the slave is a continuous transmission it will not be adhering to the Modbus specification, causing the slave (ModIO) to detect an error, and reject the commands.
That said, a lot of the cheap Chinese converters work fine. Also some drivers allow you to set the buffer to be very small to that buffering does not occur.
so it's a bit of suck it and see.
If you use Modbus ASCII format, there is a character at the end of the command that the slave can use to detect the end of the command. The ASCII format is not very efficient, and the ModIO does not support it.
Cheers,
Peter
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 2020-02-17 04:08, spencer@... wrote: I looked at the manual; and it does not look like you can change the
display configuration. This would be highly unlikely. I have
programmed microcontrollers with similar dis[plays and it is a genuine
bitch to get everything in the right place on such a small display let
alone provide different and smaller number of characters. These
disoplays are really easy to find surplus now because most people have
moved to graphic displays. Unless you are really in the boonies you
should be able to get one quickly?
What is the reason for the Modio as opposed to parallel port types or
more modern ones that use network or USB? I am not crazy about my
setup although it does seems to be working and am considering what to
try next for a BOB? Would rather not get stuck with legacy computers
although I do have a pile of Optiflex. Is the modio supposed to work
with USB to rs232 adapters? I did not see anything about that in the
manual?
Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...
Spencer@...
Spencer@...
(425) 791-0309
(707) 223-8212
------ Original Message ------
From: "John Dammeyer" <johnd@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: 2/16/2020 12:55:20 AM
Subject: Re: [MachCNC] MODIO LCD
So it doesn't like a 12V power supply when connected to the PC. Raise the input voltage to 15V and it stabilizes. Turn the encoder one click and the start up screen changes to one with all sorts of information spread out in a strange way. What I can see is the MPG-1 value change as I rotate it. As for the other numbers I don't know what they are.
Is there a way to tell the MODIO that I have a 16x4 display? Or will I have to wait until the correct display arrives?
Thanks
John
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of John
Dammeyer
Sent: February-15-20 6:05 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [MachCNC] MODIO LCD
Well crap! Really must learn how to read. I was so excited when my 2 LCD
displays arrived on Thursday. Today I carefully soldered on the ribbon cable
and crimped the 16 pin socket onto the other end. Then plugged into the
MODIO and applied power.
It lit up. But all sorts of odd blinking and the error light coming on while it's
connected to MACH3. Unplug MACH3 and it stabilized. So that's problem #1.
Problem #2 is much worse. The characters weren't all in the correct spots
and some appeared to be missing. A quick count showed the display was 16
wide, not 20. A look at the order online showed I'd ordered 16x4 displays.
Sigh... I've re-ordered two 20x4 but with shipping this project has been
shifted sideways by a month or two now. Or earlier if they come earlier.
John Dammeyer
|
Hi John,
A couple of points. You can configure the ModIO to run at 115.2Kbaud, although 56Kbaud is plenty fast enough.
Also how fast are you planning to turn the MPG. :) 56Kbaud is fast enough to provide smooth motion. The ModIO also provides a counter value so that Mach can measure the time beteen reading to allow it to calculate the velocity.
When Art first coded the interface for the ModIO MPG, the motion was very smooth. Later versions of Mach3 which have additional Modbus Plugin seemed to have changed things somewhat.
Cheers,
Peter
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 2020-02-17 05:31, John Dammeyer wrote: Hi Spencer. The reason for the MODIO is really simple. I bought one
about 10 years ago. Haven't used it yet. With displays running $4
and even with shipping two only costing about $12 it wasn't a big
deal. Just sad that I can no longer read. Ha ha.
My ELS uses a 40x2 display and is pin compatible with a 40x4. I've
got one VF display connected but would have to do some really brain
storming to decide exactly what would be on such a display.
The little bit of testing I've done with the MPG on the MODIO compared
to using a USB Pendant shows that the Pendant in many ways is nicer
and more responsive even though they both have 100 detents per rev.
Given 56Kbaud I'm not surprised and this is by no means a negative
comment about the MODIO. It's a nice little bit of work. I can see
it functioning more as a remote control of the tool changer and power
draw bar so the only thing to that area of the machine is a
communications cable and power rather than a bundle of who knows how
many wires.
Having small display and a few buttons by a tool changer, for
example, would allow local loading of tools without writing extensive
buttons and screens on MACH3 or LinuxCNC. I have yet to try the very
old MODBUS interface for the MODIO on LinuxCNC.
Normally I'd use CAN bus for this distributed stuff but I haven't
built any CAN modules that have everything that the MODIO has on it.
And I'd use CANopen since then it's possible to also just buy CANopen
Motors, Inclinometers, Hydraulic valves etc. that are controlled via
messaging.
So mostly I'm just playing. And kicking myself for ordering a 16x2
instead of a 20x2. Sigh...
John
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of
spencer@...
Sent: February-16-20 9:08 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [MachCNC] MODIO LCD
I looked at the manual; and it does not look like you can change the
display configuration. This would be highly unlikely. I have programmed
microcontrollers with similar dis[plays and it is a genuine bitch to get
everything in the right place on such a small display let alone provide
different and smaller number of characters. These disoplays are really
easy to find surplus now because most people have moved to graphic
displays. Unless you are really in the boonies you should be able to get
one quickly?
What is the reason for the Modio as opposed to parallel port types or
more modern ones that use network or USB? I am not crazy about my setup
although it does seems to be working and am considering what to try next
for a BOB? Would rather not get stuck with legacy computers although I
do have a pile of Optiflex. Is the modio supposed to work with USB to
rs232 adapters? I did not see anything about that in the manual?
Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...
Spencer@...
Spencer@...
(425) 791-0309
(707) 223-8212
------ Original Message ------
From: "John Dammeyer" <johnd@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: 2/16/2020 12:55:20 AM
Subject: Re: [MachCNC] MODIO LCD
So it doesn't like a 12V power supply when connected to the PC. Raise the input voltage to 15V and it stabilizes. Turn the encoder one click and the start
up screen changes to one with all sorts of information spread out in a strange
way. What I can see is the MPG-1 value change as I rotate it. As for the
other numbers I don't know what they are.
Is there a way to tell the MODIO that I have a 16x4 display? Or will I have to
wait until the correct display arrives?
Thanks
John
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of
John
Dammeyer
Sent: February-15-20 6:05 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [MachCNC] MODIO LCD
Well crap! Really must learn how to read. I was so excited when my 2
LCD
displays arrived on Thursday. Today I carefully soldered on the ribbon
cable
and crimped the 16 pin socket onto the other end. Then plugged into the
MODIO and applied power.
It lit up. But all sorts of odd blinking and the error light coming on while
it's
connected to MACH3. Unplug MACH3 and it stabilized. So that's problem
#1.
Problem #2 is much worse. The characters weren't all in the correct spots
and some appeared to be missing. A quick count showed the display was
16
wide, not 20. A look at the order online showed I'd ordered 16x4
displays.
Sigh... I've re-ordered two 20x4 but with shipping this project has been
shifted sideways by a month or two now. Or earlier if they come earlier.
John Dammeyer
|
Kinda what I figured after looking at the data sheet for the LCD and also the Python code that's out there to support the various screen sizes. I'll just have to wait until the 20x4 screens arrive.
Thanks for the confirmation.
John
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of
Peter Homann
Sent: February-16-20 1:53 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [MachCNC] MODIO LCD
Hi John,
The ModIO formats the display for a 20x4 LCD only.
Cheers
Peter Homann - (from my mobile)
On 16 Feb 2020, at 7:56 pm, John Dammeyer <johnd@...> wrote:
?So it doesn't like a 12V power supply when connected to the PC. Raise the
input voltage to 15V and it stabilizes. Turn the encoder one click and the start
up screen changes to one with all sorts of information spread out in a strange
way. What I can see is the MPG-1 value change as I rotate it. As for the
other numbers I don't know what they are.
Is there a way to tell the MODIO that I have a 16x4 display? Or will I have to
wait until the correct display arrives?
Thanks
John
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of
John
Dammeyer
Sent: February-15-20 6:05 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [MachCNC] MODIO LCD
Well crap! Really must learn how to read. I was so excited when my 2 LCD
displays arrived on Thursday. Today I carefully soldered on the ribbon
cable
and crimped the 16 pin socket onto the other end. Then plugged into the
MODIO and applied power.
It lit up. But all sorts of odd blinking and the error light coming on while it's
connected to MACH3. Unplug MACH3 and it stabilized. So that's problem
#1.
Problem #2 is much worse. The characters weren't all in the correct spots
and some appeared to be missing. A quick count showed the display was
16
wide, not 20. A look at the order online showed I'd ordered 16x4 displays.
Sigh... I've re-ordered two 20x4 but with shipping this project has been
shifted sideways by a month or two now. Or earlier if they come earlier.
John Dammeyer
|
Hi John,
The ModIO formats the display for a 20x4 LCD only.
Cheers
Peter Homann - (from my mobile)
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 16 Feb 2020, at 7:56 pm, John Dammeyer <johnd@...> wrote:
?So it doesn't like a 12V power supply when connected to the PC. Raise the input voltage to 15V and it stabilizes. Turn the encoder one click and the start up screen changes to one with all sorts of information spread out in a strange way. What I can see is the MPG-1 value change as I rotate it. As for the other numbers I don't know what they are.
Is there a way to tell the MODIO that I have a 16x4 display? Or will I have to wait until the correct display arrives?
Thanks
John
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of John
Dammeyer
Sent: February-15-20 6:05 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [MachCNC] MODIO LCD
Well crap! Really must learn how to read. I was so excited when my 2 LCD
displays arrived on Thursday. Today I carefully soldered on the ribbon cable
and crimped the 16 pin socket onto the other end. Then plugged into the
MODIO and applied power.
It lit up. But all sorts of odd blinking and the error light coming on while it's
connected to MACH3. Unplug MACH3 and it stabilized. So that's problem #1.
Problem #2 is much worse. The characters weren't all in the correct spots
and some appeared to be missing. A quick count showed the display was 16
wide, not 20. A look at the order online showed I'd ordered 16x4 displays.
Sigh... I've re-ordered two 20x4 but with shipping this project has been
shifted sideways by a month or two now. Or earlier if they come earlier.
John Dammeyer
|
Hi Spencer. The reason for the MODIO is really simple. I bought one about 10 years ago. Haven't used it yet. With displays running $4 and even with shipping two only costing about $12 it wasn't a big deal. Just sad that I can no longer read. Ha ha.
My ELS uses a 40x2 display and is pin compatible with a 40x4. I've got one VF display connected but would have to do some really brain storming to decide exactly what would be on such a display.
The little bit of testing I've done with the MPG on the MODIO compared to using a USB Pendant shows that the Pendant in many ways is nicer and more responsive even though they both have 100 detents per rev. Given 56Kbaud I'm not surprised and this is by no means a negative comment about the MODIO. It's a nice little bit of work. I can see it functioning more as a remote control of the tool changer and power draw bar so the only thing to that area of the machine is a communications cable and power rather than a bundle of who knows how many wires.
Having small display and a few buttons by a tool changer, for example, would allow local loading of tools without writing extensive buttons and screens on MACH3 or LinuxCNC. I have yet to try the very old MODBUS interface for the MODIO on LinuxCNC.
Normally I'd use CAN bus for this distributed stuff but I haven't built any CAN modules that have everything that the MODIO has on it. And I'd use CANopen since then it's possible to also just buy CANopen Motors, Inclinometers, Hydraulic valves etc. that are controlled via messaging.
So mostly I'm just playing. And kicking myself for ordering a 16x2 instead of a 20x2. Sigh...
John
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of
spencer@...
Sent: February-16-20 9:08 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [MachCNC] MODIO LCD
I looked at the manual; and it does not look like you can change the
display configuration. This would be highly unlikely. I have programmed
microcontrollers with similar dis[plays and it is a genuine bitch to get
everything in the right place on such a small display let alone provide
different and smaller number of characters. These disoplays are really
easy to find surplus now because most people have moved to graphic
displays. Unless you are really in the boonies you should be able to get
one quickly?
What is the reason for the Modio as opposed to parallel port types or
more modern ones that use network or USB? I am not crazy about my setup
although it does seems to be working and am considering what to try next
for a BOB? Would rather not get stuck with legacy computers although I
do have a pile of Optiflex. Is the modio supposed to work with USB to
rs232 adapters? I did not see anything about that in the manual?
Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...
Spencer@...
Spencer@...
(425) 791-0309
(707) 223-8212
------ Original Message ------
From: "John Dammeyer" <johnd@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: 2/16/2020 12:55:20 AM
Subject: Re: [MachCNC] MODIO LCD
So it doesn't like a 12V power supply when connected to the PC. Raise the input voltage to 15V and it stabilizes. Turn the encoder one click and the start
up screen changes to one with all sorts of information spread out in a strange
way. What I can see is the MPG-1 value change as I rotate it. As for the
other numbers I don't know what they are.
Is there a way to tell the MODIO that I have a 16x4 display? Or will I have to
wait until the correct display arrives?
Thanks
John
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of
John
Dammeyer
Sent: February-15-20 6:05 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [MachCNC] MODIO LCD
Well crap! Really must learn how to read. I was so excited when my 2
LCD
displays arrived on Thursday. Today I carefully soldered on the ribbon
cable
and crimped the 16 pin socket onto the other end. Then plugged into the
MODIO and applied power.
It lit up. But all sorts of odd blinking and the error light coming on while
it's
connected to MACH3. Unplug MACH3 and it stabilized. So that's problem
#1.
Problem #2 is much worse. The characters weren't all in the correct spots
and some appeared to be missing. A quick count showed the display was
16
wide, not 20. A look at the order online showed I'd ordered 16x4
displays.
Sigh... I've re-ordered two 20x4 but with shipping this project has been
shifted sideways by a month or two now. Or earlier if they come earlier.
John Dammeyer
|
I looked at the manual; and it does not look like you can change the display configuration. This would be highly unlikely. I have programmed microcontrollers with similar dis[plays and it is a genuine bitch to get everything in the right place on such a small display let alone provide different and smaller number of characters. These disoplays are really easy to find surplus now because most people have moved to graphic displays. Unless you are really in the boonies you should be able to get one quickly?
What is the reason for the Modio as opposed to parallel port types or more modern ones that use network or USB? I am not crazy about my setup although it does seems to be working and am considering what to try next for a BOB? Would rather not get stuck with legacy computers although I do have a pile of Optiflex. Is the modio supposed to work with USB to rs232 adapters? I did not see anything about that in the manual?
Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...
Spencer@...
Spencer@...
(425) 791-0309
(707) 223-8212
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
------ Original Message ------ From: "John Dammeyer" <johnd@...> To: [email protected]Sent: 2/16/2020 12:55:20 AM Subject: Re: [MachCNC] MODIO LCD So it doesn't like a 12V power supply when connected to the PC. Raise the input voltage to 15V and it stabilizes. Turn the encoder one click and the start up screen changes to one with all sorts of information spread out in a strange way. What I can see is the MPG-1 value change as I rotate it. As for the other numbers I don't know what they are.
Is there a way to tell the MODIO that I have a 16x4 display? Or will I have to wait until the correct display arrives?
Thanks
John
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of John
Dammeyer
Sent: February-15-20 6:05 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [MachCNC] MODIO LCD
Well crap! Really must learn how to read. I was so excited when my 2 LCD
displays arrived on Thursday. Today I carefully soldered on the ribbon cable
and crimped the 16 pin socket onto the other end. Then plugged into the
MODIO and applied power.
It lit up. But all sorts of odd blinking and the error light coming on while it's
connected to MACH3. Unplug MACH3 and it stabilized. So that's problem #1.
Problem #2 is much worse. The characters weren't all in the correct spots
and some appeared to be missing. A quick count showed the display was 16
wide, not 20. A look at the order online showed I'd ordered 16x4 displays.
Sigh... I've re-ordered two 20x4 but with shipping this project has been
shifted sideways by a month or two now. Or earlier if they come earlier.
John Dammeyer
|
Sounds like you are heading to a solution. You can, if you want to, reset the value of the B axis to zero on the diagnostic screen just like a DRO. Another option to consider when coming up with a solution that works for you.
Martin
|
So it doesn't like a 12V power supply when connected to the PC. Raise the input voltage to 15V and it stabilizes. Turn the encoder one click and the start up screen changes to one with all sorts of information spread out in a strange way. What I can see is the MPG-1 value change as I rotate it. As for the other numbers I don't know what they are.
Is there a way to tell the MODIO that I have a 16x4 display? Or will I have to wait until the correct display arrives?
Thanks
John
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of John
Dammeyer
Sent: February-15-20 6:05 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [MachCNC] MODIO LCD
Well crap! Really must learn how to read. I was so excited when my 2 LCD
displays arrived on Thursday. Today I carefully soldered on the ribbon cable
and crimped the 16 pin socket onto the other end. Then plugged into the
MODIO and applied power.
It lit up. But all sorts of odd blinking and the error light coming on while it's
connected to MACH3. Unplug MACH3 and it stabilized. So that's problem #1.
Problem #2 is much worse. The characters weren't all in the correct spots
and some appeared to be missing. A quick count showed the display was 16
wide, not 20. A look at the order online showed I'd ordered 16x4 displays.
Sigh... I've re-ordered two 20x4 but with shipping this project has been
shifted sideways by a month or two now. Or earlier if they come earlier.
John Dammeyer
|
Well crap! Really must learn how to read. I was so excited when my 2 LCD displays arrived on Thursday. Today I carefully soldered on the ribbon cable and crimped the 16 pin socket onto the other end. Then plugged into the MODIO and applied power.
It lit up. But all sorts of odd blinking and the error light coming on while it's connected to MACH3. Unplug MACH3 and it stabilized. So that's problem #1.
Problem #2 is much worse. The characters weren't all in the correct spots and some appeared to be missing. A quick count showed the display was 16 wide, not 20. A look at the order online showed I'd ordered 16x4 displays.
Sigh... I've re-ordered two 20x4 but with shipping this project has been shifted sideways by a month or two now. Or earlier if they come earlier.
John Dammeyer
|
no need to answer previous question about running indefinitely, i can just use a large number more than i would ever need and quit when done.
?
?
Best regards, Spencer Chase 67550 Bell Springs Rd. Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only. Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only. Spencer@...Spencer@...Spencer@...(425) 791-0309 (707) 223-8212
------ Original Message ------
Sent: 2/15/2020 1:27:25 PM
Subject: Re: [MachCNC] parts counter
two question. i did get it to work with a simple test program putting all the code for the part in a sub and calling it a number of times. once i realized that the B axis was not enabled and i enabled it, it worked :)
how do i run a sub continuously instead of a fixed number of times???
it seems that the #111 variable needs to be initialized which is why i need a top level program and then a sub. if i don't use a sub and don't initialize the variable it does not work, program is constantly updating the B DRO.
so i guess i do need to put all the code in a sub, right? but how do i keep it running indefinitely until i stop the top program?
?
?
Best regards, Spencer Chase 67550 Bell Springs Rd. Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only. Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only. Spencer@...Spencer@...Spencer@...(425) 791-0309 (707) 223-8212
------ Original Message ------
Sent: 2/15/2020 1:23:12 AM
Subject: Re: [MachCNC] parts counter
[Edited Message Follows]
It sounds like the parts you are talking about are not using the 4th axis A. If you set A to zero at the start of your loop you can have a counter that increases by 1 at the end of the loop and moves A to that value. The A axis DRO will then act as a visible loop count.
Here is what I expect it to have added to the code:-
#111=[0] ; pick a suitable number for the subroutine counter
G0 A 0 ; set A to zero, if necessary you can put an M1 pause here to remind you if A has a large value to set zero and restart.
; call the subroutine
; end program
;? subroutine
#111=[#111 + 1]
G0 A [#111]
; return from subroutine
If you have not got the A axis set up then it should not be hard to set it up with a high speed to simulate it as required for this process.? If you are using A and are willing to modify the screen then use axis B and add the B axis DRO somewhere.
Martin
|
