FlashCut Chip Upgrade
Posted by
Chris L
on 2002-01-14 18:32:35 UTC
Greetings all,
Well, I can finally report my experiences using the updated FlashCut
"Black Box" with their NEW CHIP !
FlashCut has now advertised their Updated Chip in Home Shop Machinist.
For those who do not know, FlashCut used to suffer from maybe a bit less
than adequate step rates. That is the amount of steps per second
possible that could be attained. This problem however did not effect
everyone. Many applications "hummed" along day in and day out without
any problems. I installed it on many machines without issue. It really
came down to those who needed fine resolution AND high feed rates.
My testing (non-scientific) showed an incredible difference in rate
capability. Installing the chip and gathering some baseline information
to compare with, turned out as follows:
Originally, In gear ratio setups where I would run my X and Y axis under
1/4 stepping, I could only hit 160 IPM of travel speed without losing
position. However, now with the new chip, I could easily hit 500 IPM !
The chip would allow for more speed but my motors were running out of
power with the added RPM.
Quickly re-gearing so the motors RPM would stay in a more respectable
range, I reset a few settings and ran just over 600 IPM ! The best part
is that was while 1/8th stepping !
Now, I do not want or need 600ipm and It was on the edge of losing
repeatability at that level. So, finalizing on a ratio that I and my
motors are happy at, I now run a very comfortable resolution for my
requirements in X-Y of .0003125. My Z resolution is at .000249 under 1/4
stepping. My rapid rates run just under 300 IPM. That is a great target
for my machines intended use. Gee, and do I ever enjoy how much quieter
it is with the microstepping !
Clearly, a well thought out system will have the necessary speed for
most any application. Especially if you run those step multiplying Gecko
210's!
I want to point out too, that I used two different computers to see if I
really needed a faster one to make this chip shine. I found that my old
cantankerous dedicated P100 ran the tool paths just as well as a much
faster Celeron 466 system. So, other than fast redraw times, you can
retain your old computer!
Other Beta testers ran the chip on their Servo Systems and have reported
in as ecstatic. They too experienced major changes in the operation of
their equipment. Interestingly, One fellow has FlashCut on a Punch
Press. FlashCut control rapidly positions fences with the material to be
punched into location, and then it punches. That was quite interesting
to see as one seldom relates a CNC punch press to be retro'd with a
typical off the shelf Mill or Lathe controller. Especially one this
affordable !
One item to keep in mind if applying this new chip, is to realize that
to really benefit from its capability, one MAY need to be ready to
re-configure Servo drives and possibly re-gear the machine. As in the
case of mine, The added step capability just spins the motors right out
of their targeted torque specs !
This new chip is going to be used with the new 32 bit version of
FlashCut. Interestingly, FlashCuts dedication to their customers allows
this same chip to be installed in your current 16 bit box and run with
your 16 bit application ! And rest assured, If there was something you
felt was missing in the 16 bit version, It will be in the 32 bit version
this time !
Now, with the hardware testing out of the way, I look forward to the new
software. With targeted pricing reportedly very close to the original
version, It will be very much so worth every dime !
Thanks FlashCut !
Sorry if this comes off as some late night commercial. It's not. I'm
just a fan of their program. They have always put a lot of effort in
listening to their clientele and applying what they wanted in a program.
Soon, it will all be here. Good things do take time !
Chris L
Well, I can finally report my experiences using the updated FlashCut
"Black Box" with their NEW CHIP !
FlashCut has now advertised their Updated Chip in Home Shop Machinist.
For those who do not know, FlashCut used to suffer from maybe a bit less
than adequate step rates. That is the amount of steps per second
possible that could be attained. This problem however did not effect
everyone. Many applications "hummed" along day in and day out without
any problems. I installed it on many machines without issue. It really
came down to those who needed fine resolution AND high feed rates.
My testing (non-scientific) showed an incredible difference in rate
capability. Installing the chip and gathering some baseline information
to compare with, turned out as follows:
Originally, In gear ratio setups where I would run my X and Y axis under
1/4 stepping, I could only hit 160 IPM of travel speed without losing
position. However, now with the new chip, I could easily hit 500 IPM !
The chip would allow for more speed but my motors were running out of
power with the added RPM.
Quickly re-gearing so the motors RPM would stay in a more respectable
range, I reset a few settings and ran just over 600 IPM ! The best part
is that was while 1/8th stepping !
Now, I do not want or need 600ipm and It was on the edge of losing
repeatability at that level. So, finalizing on a ratio that I and my
motors are happy at, I now run a very comfortable resolution for my
requirements in X-Y of .0003125. My Z resolution is at .000249 under 1/4
stepping. My rapid rates run just under 300 IPM. That is a great target
for my machines intended use. Gee, and do I ever enjoy how much quieter
it is with the microstepping !
Clearly, a well thought out system will have the necessary speed for
most any application. Especially if you run those step multiplying Gecko
210's!
I want to point out too, that I used two different computers to see if I
really needed a faster one to make this chip shine. I found that my old
cantankerous dedicated P100 ran the tool paths just as well as a much
faster Celeron 466 system. So, other than fast redraw times, you can
retain your old computer!
Other Beta testers ran the chip on their Servo Systems and have reported
in as ecstatic. They too experienced major changes in the operation of
their equipment. Interestingly, One fellow has FlashCut on a Punch
Press. FlashCut control rapidly positions fences with the material to be
punched into location, and then it punches. That was quite interesting
to see as one seldom relates a CNC punch press to be retro'd with a
typical off the shelf Mill or Lathe controller. Especially one this
affordable !
One item to keep in mind if applying this new chip, is to realize that
to really benefit from its capability, one MAY need to be ready to
re-configure Servo drives and possibly re-gear the machine. As in the
case of mine, The added step capability just spins the motors right out
of their targeted torque specs !
This new chip is going to be used with the new 32 bit version of
FlashCut. Interestingly, FlashCuts dedication to their customers allows
this same chip to be installed in your current 16 bit box and run with
your 16 bit application ! And rest assured, If there was something you
felt was missing in the 16 bit version, It will be in the 32 bit version
this time !
Now, with the hardware testing out of the way, I look forward to the new
software. With targeted pricing reportedly very close to the original
version, It will be very much so worth every dime !
Thanks FlashCut !
Sorry if this comes off as some late night commercial. It's not. I'm
just a fan of their program. They have always put a lot of effort in
listening to their clientele and applying what they wanted in a program.
Soon, it will all be here. Good things do take time !
Chris L