Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: DeskNC limitation

Donald,

Tim's got a good point, A simple program to run the rotary table. I
just got Sherline's rotary table fitted with a stepper and running last
night by borrowing MAXNC's "Y" axis. OK, not the same resolution, but a
similar problem. I was thinking of a using a small hand held computer
to drive the "A" axis (or whichever way I point it).

My table stepper drive (the MAXNC "Y" channel) is a simple TIP120 x 4 &
7400 IC. 4-phase, so it's EASY to build another channel for the table.
Simple enough to stick it in a plug-in module that attaches to the hand
held. Nothing built yet, no software written. Looking at "SHERLINE CNC
Rotary Table" for ideas. For now MAXNC on another PC can also drive it
for me, until I can get 4-axis controller software (sure, then I'll need
4-axis Vector CAD/CAM!) Many tasks can just steal the "Y" axis.

CNC PRO has been recommended. Just looked again, didn't see a
resolution specification. I am still using MAXNC.

What driver setup are you using for the rotary table?

Alan

Tim Goldstein wrote:

>
> Donald,
>
> Couple of questions:
>
> Did you ever figure out how to get DeskNC to act like it is going around the
> circle on the A axis or does it still go to increasing negative numbers when
> you jog backwards from zero? The release I played with seemed as if it was
> handling the A axis as just another linear axis.
>
> How exactly are you using this rotary table? I know you told me some, but I
> am not exactly clear. If I remember correctly you are wanting to drive it
> totally independent of the other axis's on the machine. Sort of like an
> automated dividing head. If this is correct so that all you want to do is
> rapid to the next position and then just hold until you command another
> rapid, it would not be very difficult to write a little Q-basic program to
> drive it.
>
> Tim
> [Denver, CO]
>
> > Doug,
> >
> > I'm afraid you mis-understood my delima. I'm using a 5:1 timing
> > belt/toothed pully reduction for mechanical resolution. Mechanical
> > resolution here exceeds the capability of the software. The software
> > limitation is .0001 decimal degrees. That's 0 degrees, 0 minutes, 36
> > seconds. My mechanical resolution can do better than this! it works
> > out to 7 & 20/100 seconds.
> >
> > Donald