Re: CNC UI (Virtual hand jive vs. conversational prgmmg)]

Ballendo,



ballendo@... wrote:

>
> Alan,
>
> <SNIP>
> This is what the "axis" buttons do. They are pressed(or released)
> while turning the encoder wheel. (If the axis button is pressed AND
> the encoder is turning, then that axis will move. And I added the
> scaling factors so that the axes could move in a rise/run mode. Or be
> programmed to an angle. Say you wanted a "stop sign" octagon. Press x
> and turn the encoder;then press y(with x)for the 45,release x(y is
> still down,encoder is still turning. Now we "add-in" x again, but
> turn the encoder the other way... OOPS, Y just reversed also(wrong
> for the stop sign, but you get the idea!) looks like we need a
> direction button capability. Or some persistance and dominant axis
> rules. Or just leave the stop signs to the "polygon" function!

OK, so it sounds like you are HOLDING an axis button(s) down. And
turning the single shaft encoder. I think I got it. That solves some
problems I thought I saw.

> >Got the case, 2/4 line LCD, an Encoder and some p/b's. All it takes
> >is a little software... ;>)
>
> And a GOOD design spec! This project would DEFINE the term "feature-
> itis".

That's always the hardest/most fun part!

> >I was thinking of a "select axis" button, and the selection
> >displayed on the LCD (or LED's). One hand to hold, one hand
> >to jog, or select an axis (or combination).
>
> In my vision, the hand "holding" is ALSO "selecting" the axis/axes.
> Like using a stopwatch. Or a "mike".(micrometer, not microphone)
> For below "switch between" question, the thumb could select/de-select
> the pendant.

That's much clearer now. Actually, I was just looking at a "junk" mike
for a mobile radio, with a keypad an PTT button. Might be something in
that.

> snip> Pendants have "asked
> questions" for years. In shorthand, many times. Now we have the power
> to put full scrollable sentences,step by step, through
> the "conversation".

The first pendant I saw was on a Japanese actuator for a vertical tray
stacker. (part of a pick and place robot for IC testing) Everything in
Kanji (sp)! But I quickly got used to programming it. In operation,
it was sent up and down commands from the main processor.

> >Is it really useful? Maybe just a coarse pointing device?
>
> The joystick function(s) of DANCAD/CAM were/are VERY cool! The
> farther the stick is offcenter, the faster the axis goes! Release and
> everything stops. Z axis used the thumb(or another J/S). Really great
> for "teach-in" coding. THIS feature is the most poorly implemented
> and useful function of low-end CNC, IMO. Combine some probing
> routines with some good "manual control" and LOTS of parts could be
> made MUCH more easily. Add-in GOOD "conversational" and ...
>

Well, maybe there's some hope for the joystick yet! About the "teach"
operations, you think that's valuable? I guess we could back-annotate;
generate g-code from user's moves! Then "can" them.

> Hope this helps.
>
> Ballendo
>

Always a help, expands the mind! I may not have remembered the encoder
for my current software project if someone hadn't mentioned it! I think
it's like the "Connections" program that was on The Learning Channel (I
think), All this information is useful, later if not now.

73's

Alan

Oops! radio stuff.