Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: re:RE: Pendant

Hi Ballendo,

> As I understand it, the 'base' product (non-programmable) will simply
> be a 4 of 12 speed power feed step and direction 'pulser' (single
> axis at a time). Therefore, it will still require you to COUNT the 45-
> 1/2 revs... And the accuracy of setting the angle will be the same as
> turning it manually...
> # 3 and 4 (reposted below)appear to be correct uses for the product.

You are correct in your assumption. I would point out that on this base
model I am trying to beat the price down as much as possible and don't see
uses other than a power-feed usable on four axis without swapping cables. I
am an old school machinist and have a workshop full of angled vices and
rotary tables collected over the years. Should I require an angled cut it
would be done under power-feed using the Y axis power-feed. The job mounted
on a rotary table. Your points are very valid but I don't think that an
add-on pendent is not the way to go to compete with a PC box and CNC. Yes I
might attempt to cut some semblance of an angle on none critical parts using
the hand-wheels manually and so could use this version of the pendant to do
the same, pressing two of the axis buttons at the same time, but I wouldn't
expect to attain a near perfect result as one would expect from computer
control.

> P.S. The only 'fault' I see in the product description is the SET OF
> ASSUMPTIONS made regarding mechanical setup of the machine. For the
> powerfeed to be widely useful, IMO it will need to use speeds which
> will vary depending on steps/unit. These 'should' be set by the end
> user,IMO. In other words, the person with a sherline (which usually
> has 8k steps/inch) will need a different set of 12 speeds than a bp
> retrofit with 2k steps per inch.

The speeds available are not yet set in stone as the programming is not
completed. These have come about as a result of "No comment" from anyone as
yet, and me having a Bridgeport with a lead-screw lead of .2". I am more
than willing to change the list of speeds should anyone wish to suggest
them. Should I believe there is a market for it I could write a whole bunch
of programmes for this device and burn the chip to nearer a customers
requirements. The PIC is in-circuit programmable. The end user would still
only get the 12 speeds but they could be nearer his choice. The problem is I
have not data as to what is required as no-one has yet offered an opinion to
this end.

Terry