CNC Router Pendant Controller - I want to micro step to start at 0,0,0, #WOOD
|
I think a Mill usually is used for metals.
I think a CNC router is similar to a mill, but used more frequently with wood.? I have a used Digiital Wood Carver CNC.? I am using this CNC router for small projects for me.?? I'm frustrated with the mfg, as everything they want to sell me costs $600 in upgrades + the accessory, so I'm trying to find a solution without the forced migration.? I would like to retire someday far in the future. I don't want to go to a CNC wood forum as I don't want to be negative about the mfg, I just don't want to spend and upgrade again. (I usually like to spend money, so this is actually strange that I'm not buying what they are trying to sell me.? ? My husband bought me a used system.?? Do you know written posts, instructions etc??? Is there anything that will help me program a pendant controller, so I can micro step? Is there anyone in the group using Planet CNC TNG? And do you have any recommendations for good pendant controllers?? I want one with a dial, not arrow keys. I apologize if this is not the appropriate forum for my question... if so. I won't be offended just direct me elsewhere. Stay Safe! Thanks, Tamra |
|
Nice to read your post.
Normally the difference between a router and a mill (not always) is that a mill column is fixed in the X and Y axis and the tables move. Where a router again normally the X axis moves on a carriage. Y axis as per a mill. This can make machines more compact. The Z axis Up and down are the same. On my converted CNC mill I use (see link) this 4 axis pendant or MPG Manual Pulse Generator. https://es.aliexpress.com/item/1005001959925033.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.55742ddc7vPGhi&algo_pvid=5cfd4e00-4fa9-4fbb-8b74-ff81a0b5c3db&algo_expid=5cfd4e00-4fa9-4fbb-8b74-ff81a0b5c3db-1&btsid=0b0a556416159014621371223e41f5&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_ It has an emergency stop and can be operated with the graduated dial in 3 different travel increments and has a fail safe side button, IE it only moves the tables? when depressed, and you turn the dial. Which this can be isolated if you do not need it in your application. Normally comes with a hanging bracket. I have had this same model for 3 years plus and never been a problem. It may be also worth looking at the DDCS ver 3.1 CNC controller which is fitted on my mill,. https://es.aliexpress.com/item/10000055531039.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.4df579a9o4Vr6b&algo_pvid=351b61fb-94a3-4764-8509-6941b55b2b6d&algo_expid=351b61fb-94a3-4764-8509-6941b55b2b6d-1&btsid=0b0a050116159026386222718e63bc&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_ this is the complete package, all you would need is for a 3 axis machine 3 x stepper motors and 3 x drivers. and power supply and build or adapt to your machine. There should be more info in this forum to help explain a bit more, if not then let us know. I have a bunch of post processors for my g code generating, what CAD CAM programme are you using ?? I may be able to help you out with what I use, CAD CAM needs Windows 7 32 bit. but contact me via private email if interested. Stay healthy,? John -- John |
|
Thanks John, this is similar to the controller that I had with Mach 3 for the DWC Router.? This would be a substantial improvement, if I can get it to communicate with Planet CNC TNG.? I am sure they are sourcing products and then marking them up with assembly and User support.? ALL are valuable of course.? In this model of assembly/sales you stay captive to the maker of your CNC Router.
Perhaps I need to contact them directly and go around the seller of the units and ask directly with Planet CNC TNG if the Pendant Controller can be added to my unit. Is this logical question to the software developer.? ? I think the software is from Slovenia...??? I feel like I am on the brink of being able to set up the communication between the software and the machine for a Pendant Controller.? I just need to tell Planet CNC this controller is now plugged in via USB and the resolution of the steppers.? Essentially as if I were loading a printer driver for printer; instead I need to create an additional "Profile for the Pendant" . I do not have the confidence to move back to Mach 3 because I anticipate I would be on my own at that point. I suspect the model of assemble, sale and build your own brand allows the vendor to have some control to support the customer but upgrading again just seems like a repetitive pattern to eventually the concept of subscription model, where I pay them for a piece of equipment I already own. I had an unhappy complicated experience with Bob Cad v xx. I think you need a lot of experience for Bob Cad, ie mfg experience and my experience was playing with graphic software.? ? The most complicated thing I could do in past with software before this, is that I could program macros for Lotus 1-2-3, and Excel, using tables.? Although I have not needed to do this for a while.??After I purchased a Vectric Product my learning curve became more intuitive and I was able to manage simple 2D operations with ease.? ?I am happy with Vectric for my CAD/CAM and the post processors exist for Vectric from DWC.? They just don't want to give me pendant.? Their pendant doesn't have a dial which I believe is a happier user experience for micro stepping.?? All of this is because I don't think the machine returns to 0,0,0, precisely. It is easier for me to mark 0,0,0, manually and adjust it manually but the EXACT same steppers are not as easy to move the router as they used to be with a pendant.? It is like I lost some steps, so I spend 6 minutes getting back to 0,0,0, for a 2 sided job that will run 3 minutes.? Makes me crazy.? My 2 sided jobs need to be as precise as possible. I would prefer my next upgrade would be a water cooled spindle as I don't like the noise of the router, but I haven't actually heard a water cooled spindle in use, but getting rid of the loudness of the router would be welcomed; I simply wear ear plugs all the time when I'm in the shop babysitting my machine.? Generally, my jobs are not long running, so I don't leave it unattended for long.? I have a there best option of Porter Cable Router and with my minimal use this router is going to last for a long time; and I'm sure I can replace the brushes should it need them before I need to replace the Porter Cable Router. More then a year ago I was "teased" with they would program a game controller as a Pendant for my generation machine, but I'm tired of waiting... the world is still fighting the Pandemic. I can review the video they have posted to use the Staples numeric controller, but I don't understand the parameters of the pendant controller to even play with it.? How do I figure out the pendant's requirements, is this only a function of the stepper motors? And that surge toasted my old system.? I do own all my software legally and have all my receipts including Mach3.? Planet CNC TNG, Vectric, Bob Cad, Corel Draw, etc.?? Thanks - Tamra |
|
I know what I want to accomplish, but I'm not sure I am communicating properly.? Is MK3 = Mach 3??
Thanks - Tamra PLEASE READ!!: Main?differences between PlanetCNC TNG and CNC USB controller software:1.) You can use two motion control software’s from PlanetCNC with your MK3 series controller: Tamra |
|
Are my questions reasonable?? Am I asking the question with the right words?
I'm going to contact Planet CNC TNG and ask if I can use their software and can add the pendant controller. If I am unable to add a pendant controller to the Planet CNC TNG then I have to migrate to a different router controller (Mach 3, linux, etc) or upgrade to their other option. Is my logic (related to my digital problem flawed)?? I admit my logic was flawed when I thought it would be fun to learn how to use a CNC router. Thanks - Tamra |
|
Hi Mike,?
Yes, I own Mach 3, because the old Digital Wood Carvers worked with Mach 3.? When my system, or control box got an electrical surge,? ?my steps were crazy, so they required I switch to Planet CNC TNG.? That resolved the first stepping issue. The new guy who is good,? had no idea how to use Mach 3, so the first order was to learn to use the machine.? ?His name is Laney and he has his own channel Spindle TV on You Tube. I definitely could get support at the Mach 3 groups.io and I did join a long time ago... the Digital Wood Carver people won't trouble shoot my machine issues if I go back to Mach 3 to get my pendant controller back. Tamra |
|
Hi Mike,
Nope, I only have 3 axis,? ?If GRBL = motion control, then it is easier to go back to Mach 3. Yes, I have stepper motors and a control box that are functioning that is separate from a laptop.? Unit functions fine. The control box has a Gecko 540, fan, normal stuff. Thanks for the suggestion, but I don't want to learn another system, and buy more software.? I just want a pendant! Tamra |
|
I'm using Mach4 Hobby on a LMS3990 converted to CNC. I purchased the ShuttlePro v2 for a pendant and it all works fine together. My electronics are PMDX-411 and 340. I've never used the Path option in FreeCAD, but Mill Wizard has done everything I wanted, so far. I believe the smaller ShuttleExpress would work as well, but you'd have to ask the guys at Mach4. I only use the X, Y, Z buttons even thought there are many more assignable buttons on the ShuttlePro.
|
|
Gentlemen, you are far more advance then I am.? This give me an ice cream headache, and I haven't ate any ice cream.
Thank you though for entertaining my novice, pretend hobbiest questions. I make things for me related to my hobbies, I don't sell anything.? I've got a long list of stuff to make me.? Like...I want make myself a very cool box of drawers to hold my collection of silk sewing threads... drawers with glass fronts so you can see all the beautiful colors....? My dear husband is pretty smart, instead of me giving him a list of stuff I want, he gives me a CNC router to figure out how to make it myself... the Guys a genius right?? And as of now, I have all fingers intact and have never injured myself.? Another cool cabinet for my unimat lathe... she is a beautiful little lathe... for decade + when I can think about retiring, if I am blessed with good health. From:? Jim.Klessig@... It sounds to me like you have more than 1 issue. One is getting your pendant working,?and the second (from what you originally said),?it sounds to me like you are ending up with missing steps which I think is a bigger issue.?That could have a number of possible causes, some of which could be mechanical, some could be electrical, others could be software. Yes, you are correct, the "homing" back to 0,0,0, was fixed when we removed the parallel port connections and went to USB.? The need to be ultra precise, this is my own issue...it is probably no big deal in the rest of the world.? But how much runout is acceptable if you are turning a piece of metal in a lathe.? +/- tolerance. The migration to Planet CNC TNG fixed it to the tolerance of the steppers.?? From John Dammeyer:? "The learning curve for installing?LinuxCNC?and getting it working is steep." Yep, this is reason enough for me not to try this. This is my email, any suggestions?? <lol>? Hi, I have Planet CNC / TNG that I purchased from Digital Wood Carver for my? CNC Router.? The system runs a gecko540 and is connected to a laptop with USB.? Does the software, Planet CNC/TNG allow me to add a pendant controller?? If Yes, please advise if you have instructions for me to add the pendant controller.? I do not like using my laptop keys to move the router to a specific point that I want to start carving from and when I tell the router to return to 0,0,0, it could be off 1/16" of an inch and then I have no confidence in running a two sided job.? It takes me approximately 6 minutes to get the router back to a marked with pencil start of 0,0,0 to run a 3 minute job for a 2 sided picture frame. Realistically on this oval frame that I'm trying to make for a mirror, would be so much easier with a pin router.?? Thanks, Tamra |
Tamra
John Lindo
Jim