Re: Controlling more stepper drivers than I have outputs for?

Hi Dave,

If you want to switch inputs to the driver hardware, I'd suggest
multiple parallel ports. Then, you just have to select the parallel
port to address the driver you want! Put a copy of the controller
program and it's files in a new directory, and then just going to the
proper directory will run the controller program and use the proper LPT
port.

Another trick you can use is a batch file. The batch file copies the
"custom" .ini file (or whatever) into a "working" .ini file that the
program uses. After the program exits, the bat file copies the
"working" into the "custom" for use next time (if desired). Run the
appropriate bat file, and you're all set up!

Alan KM6VV


dave_ace_me wrote:

>
> ummmm,
>
> there has been talk about using a relay to switch the output of the
> controllers. This is a no-no as power loss can be pretty great.
>
> Has anyone used relays to switch the control signal to the
> controllers ?
>
> or should we just wait for the 'black box' project?
>
> Dave
>
> --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "mart_wid" <vwa1244302@a...> wrote:
> > Hi, take a look at TurboCNC. Find out about it here:-
> www.dakeng.com
> >
> > All the best, Martin.
> >
> >
> > --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., Jon Anderson <janders@n...> wrote:
> > > A post to the Ahha group brought no replies, will try here. I am
> > looking
> > > into an application where I would need to control a minimum of 6
> > axis,
> > > up to 8 axis, in 2 axis pairs and with no more than any 4 axis
> > needed at
> > > any particular time. Ahha will only control 4. I would have all
> > motors
> > > and drivers powered, want to be able to switch step/dir lines
> > without
> > > getting any jumping from switching noise. Also need to maintain
> > current
> > > line status, whatever they might be at the moment. Would like to
> > do this
> > > with off the shelf stuff, even if I have to build from the
> > component
> > > level. This will probably be done with Gecko drives, which offers
> > the
> > > choice of steppers or servos.
> > >
> > > In a nutshell, I want to automate a lathe with multiple slides,
> and
> > > control a robotic loader/unloader.
> > > Reason for wanting to do all this in Ahha is I want ALL info
> > related to
> > > running a particular job in the G-code file. Yeah, going to be
> > > interesting setting up programs...<G>
> > > Goal is to reduce to a minimum the lot size needed to justify the
> > > automation. Do not want to get into PLC's and having to load
> > separate
> > > programs.
> > >
> > > Jon A.