Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Lost Steps (Me again)

Tim Goldstein wrote:

> Matt, what is happening with the idea of using an external pulse
> generator
> for the stepper module. Sure sounds like it would cure this problem
> and
> reduce the required system resources.

I have the concept for the absolute cure for this problem. I intend to
build it, but have
too many projects going, all of a sudden. Orders I've been waiting on
for over a year
have come in, which is great. But it puts me in somewhat of a crimp for
time.
I have essentially finished the 4-channel, 16-bit DAC that connects to
the parallel
port, and it is working with the EPP fast transfer protocol. I have to
build and test
the design for the quad encoder counter that is a companion to this.
From that
design came the idea to replace the DAC with a digitally programmed quad

pulse generator, such that EMC would not even KNOW it is controlling a
stepper.
Every servo interval, it would compute a desired velocity, and the pulse
generator
would spoon feed these pulses out at an extremely smooth rate to the
stepper
drivers. I don't know when I'll get a chance to do the digital design,
but I hope
to get into it in the next month or two.

Jon