Thank you for the suggestion. I am planning to go full CNC eventually, but I think I'll have to replace the acme screws with proper ball screws.
You're right about breaking the project into several stages. I'm actually cheating a tin bit here: I already got a working prototype of stepper driver power feed (that's waht actully gave me an idea of integrating it with the DRO). For my CNC router project I had to a lot of repetitive passes, so I made a small microcontroller based stepper driver that could "remember" where 0 was and drive the axis to that position. I'd do a pass, move the axis back to the start position, lower the spondle a bit, press "Go" and the Y-table would run to the 0 at a preset speed.
I will keep the mechanics of that, but will have to redo the code, since that project was a really quick throw-together...
Thank you
Yuriy
--- In GrizHFMinimill@yahoogroups.com, "dave_mucha" <dave_mucha@...> wrote:
>
> interesting concept.
>
> in reading you link, I would offer that going full CNC would be a well traveled path, and one that would offer everything you have listed and more.
>
> however, the idea of having the ability to run some simple pre-programed routines, or programed routines by key-input sounds intriguing.
>
> I like the LED readout, agree 100% that it is the way to go for a shop. I think the simple interface from the scales to the LED would be one goal. one solid point of integration that could be considered a 'done'.
>
> the next would be to automate the feed on one axis , with stops. trying to to two axes requires each axis to be held or locked while the other moves. This is where it would appear that you go from adding some motorized features to that full CNC project. trying to cut a shape, a circle for instance, requires each axis to be held in position while the part is being cut. backlash would need to be eliminated.
>
> just some thoughts.
>
> I think
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --- In GrizHFMinimill@yahoogroups.com, "Yuriy K" <ycroosh@> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Hello,
> > I'm starting a low cost DRO project with some CNC capabilities and would
> > like to get some input from you guys. Basically I want to make a DRO
> > that will take basic G-code input from a PC (over serial or blue tooth).
> > This won't be a "CNC conversion", simply a DRO with integrated table
> > power feed. I intend to make everything open source, hardware and
> > software. If anyone is interested in throwing some ideas my way, please
> > check the details at
> > http://www.yuriystoys.com/2012/01/diy-digital-readout-design.html
> > <http://www.yuriystoys.com/2012/01/diy-digital-readout-design.html> .
> >
> > Thank you
> >
> > Yuriy
> >
>
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