Re: Re: Tool change also smart/dumb boxes

Message: 3
Date: Tue, 12 Dec 2000 06:56:49 -0000
From: ballendo@...
Subject: Re: Re: Tool change also smart/dumb boxes

Bill,

>Yes, I am aware of the AhHa! macro language. It is quite

powerful.

>>If a provision can be added to both the smart and dumb

systems to

>>deal with this,it will only make the system more robust

and

>>valuable.

>I AM the one who brought this up, so I obviously think it

needs to be

>considered...

I was simply making a statement, not trying to steal YOUR
thunder! It just seems that most people here would rather
not bother with it because of the added cost.

>Both Jon E's card set and Mariss Motherboard would appear

to allow

>what you are suggesting.

>>I believe that the easiest way at first might be to add a

serial

>>communications protocol which can communicate with say an
>>inexpensive PLC<snip>

Why not use the AhHa! approach? People familiar with my
posts know I
look for software solutions first, even tho' I am really a
hardware
person.

You still need to interface these software outputs to the
real world. Solid state relays work for some, some want dc
outputs, some want relays etc. The inexpensive PLC would
offer the user the choice to mix and match and get what he
needs / wants. Not to mention that these things designed
for exactly these purposes and relatively low cost.

>>I wonder if this protocol can be purchased from automation
>>direct?

>You will call and ask?

Ill call and ask, I don't know that I know all the right
question to ask as I am not a programmer but Ill see if
there is some sort of developers package

>From your Macro toolchange code:

>>O%M05 ;SPINDLE ON CCW
>>AOUT103,0 ;CW SPINDLE OFF
>>AOUT104,0 ;CCW SPINDLE OFF
>>M99

>I think you want the first line here to be:

>O%M05 ;SPINDLE OFF

>I know, it's just a comment, but it may confuse someone :-)

Just for your infomation, that is not part of the tool
change macro, those are the m-code maps under the heading
machine control. And I am sure you realize that not everone
turns off the spindle on a lathe to do a tool change.

>Hope this helps.

Wasnt looking for help, was just offering a suggestion...

>Ballendo

Bill Griffin
www.grifftek.com/links.htm