Re: "dumb box" project[s]

Hi, Dave

The data sheet you referenced on the "dumb box" claims it is a ($76)
"low cost hardware replacement of the PC LPT Step & Dir driver". Are
they being coy - do they really mean replacement for ($250) Indexer
LPT? And if so, is it intended to work with the same set of commands?

Steve Clay-Young

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., dkowalcz@d... wrote:

> For those who don't feel like clicking around to see what's going
> on, here are the basic specs for the "dumb box":
>
> 115 kB RS232 interface to PC serial port
> 32 bit position resolution
> 3 step and direction axes
> 16 digital IO lines (8 in, 8 out)
> 2 analog inputs, 2 PWM outputs
>
> Not a bad little device. One drawback is that it expects a full
> serial packet every 6 mS, so the the PC is still more or less in
the
> timing loop during motion.
>
> A major positive is that it's PIC driven, and the hex image of
the
> chip's program can be downloaded and programmed by anyone - no
> exclusivity over the hardware.
>
> Like I said, an option to drive this unit thru TurboCNC is still
in
> the pipeline. Looks like there a good oppurtunity for a Windows
> programmer to step to the plate here and offer something for that
OS
> as well...
>
> Dave Kowalczyk
> Everett WA
> TurboCNC control software -->http://www.dakeng.com
>