Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] First Post (and a question re using a plotter as a power feed)

Hi William,

You have a Houston Instrument Plotter, as I understand. Is it analog
input? I haven't seen one of them for probably 22 years. Or perhaps
does it have an RS-232 serial interface? That would probably be
better. Then computer control consists of sending a "plot file" (not
HPGL :>( ). I'd seriously doubt if the steppers had enough power
(torque) to run a Myford 7" (lathe?). What stepper motors do you see?

Alan

William Darby wrote:

>......cut
> I would like to lead off my first post with a question about this
> Houston plotter that I have just dismantled to see if I can power
> feed
> the X and Z axis of my little Myford Super Seven with the steppers.
>
> Right now it will operate on local and allow the use of the joystick
> to provide speed, direction and selection of axis plus a scaling
> switch which provides for the selection of four distinct speed
> ranges.
>
> If I can select a gearing range that will provide enough power to
> move
> the existing gear train at a reasonable speed I would be quite
> pleased
> (I think it is quite doable with what I have)
>
> What I would really like to do, however, is to be able to select
> remote and control the steppers from a computer. .
>
> I am currently trying to locate the proper plotter drivers and a
> round, 15 pin plotter cable connector to fit the plotter.
>
> Any and all assistance would be appreciated.
>
> Bill Darby