Re: Introduction & request for help

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "Weyland" <weyland@v...> wrote:

>............
> Once the structure of the machine is built, and the
> motors attached, what exactly do I need to make it run from a PC?
> Once I write the code, how do I get it to run on the machine?
> ...........

Weyland,
As a relative newcommer to CNC, I too am overwhelmed by the hundreds
of links referenced in the many posts. There aren't enough hours in
the day to sort out the ones that you really need. I will try to
give you my simple explanation. (It has to be simple for me to
understand it :-)

You mention 'writing the code'. That is fine for the more basic
geometric shapes, but will get old for more complex parts. I would
suggest a CAD program, anything from Autocad ($$$$) to freeware
(Intellicad gets mentioned a lot). Even for hand coding, you will
have the end points and arc centers all worked out for you. But
even better, (much better) is to convert your part drawing into
a .dxf file. Then use a converter, such as Ace Converter, by Doug
Yeager, to write the G-code for you. BTW Ace works great and it's
free. The G-code is a text file that can be read and edited by any
text editer, i.e. Notepad, and there are not too many commands to
learn.

Next step is software that will read the G-code at run time and
send the propper step/direction commands to your controller
hardware. Lots of us use CNCpro (another Yeager product). It does
this thru a DB-25 cable connecting the PC's parallel port to the
controller board.

The controller board accepts the step/dir signals and drives the
steppers. It requires it's own DC power supply, size and voltage
depending on your system. Two popular controllers seem to be the
Gecko and Camtronics. I use the Camtronics 2-amp board for my
small Sherline mill. Larger machines may need 5-amp, 7-amp or
more depending on the size of your steppers.

You will get more accurate replies from our more experienced
members, but this is to me, sorta the big picture in a nutshell.

Hope this helps,
Al

PS, this is my second attempt to reply. I think I got 'yahooed'
Hit send and the 'Oops, sorry' screen came up. Does this mean
'your message went down the drain', or will it be sent when the
system comes back up? Guess I'll find out.
al