Re: Homebrew DROs

Hi again

OK on the old Mac se30's, just about the right physical size too :-) Seems
like an obvious choice - an old se/classic/powerbook/iMac/G4 - probably an
old cube with an old 24" LCD cinema display would be best :-)

Being a mac person anyway, these are my current (personal) options - anyone
interested can keep in touch privately.

1 Build a mac program (68k or ppc)
2 Build a mac program _and_ a windoze program (spinoff :-)
3 Build a Palm version - palm is the neater option really due to the
physical size.

All options will of course need a serial interface to the encoders, as
neither the mac or the palm sport a parallel interface.

I lashed up a pic interface to 2 encoders this evening with a simple 9600
baud (yes I know it is a little slow for real time) serial interface, but it
works fine, and is probably sufficient for all my needs. Resolution
(theoretically :-) is approx 10 micron (0.01mm) from this encoder/mechanical
setup.

I'll post some more information when I get time (and a source of cheap
encoders in the UK :-)
Currently, cheapest new stuff seems to be about 130 GBP for a 1000 line (4k
quad) encoder - plastic, similar to HP/Agilent HEDS type.

OK on the C option, for the Lindsay/Eckstein PC systems - I'll check them
out for any relevant info. However, I don't intend to turn this into a CNC
system (I already have that :-) a simple XY readout will do me nicely thank
you :-)

Cheers


Neil

___________________________________________________________________________

Neil D. Gillies Tel: +44 (0)1383-823489
SeaGull Technologies Fax: +44 (0)870-0543622
11 River View Mobile: +44 (0)771-4330793
Dalgety Bay, Fife neil@...
Scotland KY11 9YE http://www.sea-gull.demon.co.uk