Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] re:Re: Pendant

Hi Ballendo,

It is so difficult to say what you mean when it has to be typed in.

Yes you are correct, this device will control up to four axis. I am not sure
before the programming is completed and tested if it will be possible to run
all four at once. The limiting factors are my programming and the processor
speed. The ramp up speed could be 50 pulses/sec/sec but I am open to
suggestions.

I understand your points about the distance between a hardware pendant and
full CNC is not great but I can see situations in a workshop were a simple
slot is required and the operator doesn't want to fire-up the main box. If I
make it cheap enough HSM's would buy it just to see their machines move
before they have sorted out the CNC bit.

As to the fully programmable pendant, I haven't yet gone into this in detail
but I am going along the lines of inputting data as to lead-screw/steps per
revolution required and then possibly being able to input how far the
machine slide is to travel. There could be a built-in display. Angles would
then be easy and so would be circles/simple curves. I can see a problem here
in that it would be difficult to allow for lead-screw backlash and I don't
want to drive the price up to where it would be unsaleable. After all a PC
will do the job far cheaper than a dedicated control.

I can see spin-offs of the programmable pendant in a simple surface or
cylindrical grinder control of even a cut-off saw. I'm sure there are many
others.

Regards,

Terry