Re: Newby Question : DRO and Interpreter software

Jon
Many thanks for the elaborate and neat explanation, now I am fix for
the DRO. Have a good day
P-Ernest

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., Jon Elson <elson@p...> wrote:
> paulernestca@y... wrote:
>
> > --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., Jon Elson <elson@p...> wrote:
> > > paulernestca@y... wrote:
> > >
> > > > Was wandering if I could use the interpreter software as a DRO
> > since
> > > > I am converting my mill to CNC and also in the process now to
> > install
> > >
> > > EMC, when connected to encoders, can be used as a DRO. i think
> > > there are easier ways to go, but this will work.
> >
> > >
> > > Jon
> >
> > Jon Can you elaborate more on what you wrote<i think
> > there are easier ways to go> at least the headline I will try to
> > search the info after.
>
> EMC is difficult for people who aren't very computer savvy, or
> don't want to learn a new operating system, as it runs under the
> RT-Linux operating system. I am grateful for EMC's Linux
> connection, as it forced me to discover something so great that
> I now have several different projects going over to Linux, and
> am migrating off of all Microsoft systems (slowly). But, a lot
> of people don't want to do that. There are a bunch of DRO
> programs that do just DRO, but do it well. The interpreter,
> itself, does no good at all in DRO mode, as the RS-274D
> commands can't really do anything useful with a machine that
> has to be moved manually. As it is, you'd have to keep EMC
> in E-Stop mode, which locks out most of the functions, anyway,
> to have the display follow the machine position.
>
> Now, if you mean AFTER the conversion is completed, that is a
different
> story! maybe I misunderstood what you were asking. Yes, most, if
> not all, CNC programs that accept encoder feedback will work fine
> as a DRO when the system is in E-Stop mode (the servo amps
> or stepper drivers are powered off). EMC will certainly do that,
> as well. You get multiple work coordinate offsets and such
> stuff too (although you may have to turn on the servo amps to
> enter the commands). If you are using ball screws, you need to
> know that manual machining with ball screws can get tricky, as the
> ballscrews are easily backdriven by cutting forces. If the work
> is 'sucked' into the tool, it will cause a rather exciting crash!
> I don't have any handwheels on my CNC conversion, due to the
> pieces I used to make the conversion. I don't really miss them.
> It forces me to think through projects a bit more, rather than just
> drilling some holes "right about there". But, I really don't find
it
> much of a limitation.
>
> Jon