RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] cad cam raw beginner(look out!)

Hello Mark,

First please be sure to look over the FAQ as that will help you a lot in
coming up to speed.

Do you have encoders on the steppers (or elsewhere on the mill)? While the
CNC controller software will normally show you a DRO type readout with
steppers (and with step driven servos like the G320/G340) it is not the
actual table position like a DRO, but the commanded position. What this
means is that there is no feedback to know where the table is. This can be
accomplished with EMC if you put encoders on the machine and use a
Camtronics DRO card. This was added to EMC to allow closed loop steppers and
you can then see the actual table position. I don't remember who mentioned
that they had a stepper machine using EMC as a DRO readout.

If you are looking for ease of use I would steer you towards CNC Pro from
Yeager Automation for the controller software. If you want to set up a DRO I
would suggest you get the Camtronics card and the included free software.
They will both run on a DOS machine, but not simultaneously.

What are the drivers you are using for the steppers??

Tim
[Denver, CO]

> Hi! ,this is my first post, am a total raw beginner,so beware of some
> stupid questions!!!!!
> I have just fitted ball screws to my mill ,and some small stepper
> motors for the time being, till I get the hang of cad!,now the first
> question!!!! what would be a good software package to use to drive
> the stepper motors that would for the time being enable me to use
> the mill manually but have dro readouts(does that make sense?), but
> later on upgrade the steppers and still be useable as "full" cnc? so
> to speak.
> Thanks for your patience with me
> Mark Williams
>
>
> FAQ: http://www.ktmarketing.com/faq.html