Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Servo to go card's, RUTEX

Alan Marconett KM6VV wrote:

> Hi Jason,
>
> I'm a fellow controller writer. Currently it's a DOS program BECAUSE of
> the pulse stream problems under Windoz (unless like Art, you've got that
> internal Pentium timer figured out). The advantage to running on DOS is
> you have one less problem. The disadvantage to the Servo to go card is
> the PRICE. Anyone care to donate one?
>
> I think the RUTEX "black box" or something similar is the way to go.
> RUTEX has their STEPEX library ready for PowerBASIC, and the final will
> be written in .ASM language. It's for 16-bit DOS and Windoz 9X. I'm
> waiting for it! Is it ready Vladimir (VK2AEA) ?

Some confusion here. The servo-to-go card is for analog-input SERVOS, not
steppers. If you have a problem with the generation of step pulses, take a look
at http://pico-systems.com/univstep.html this is a $200 board that connects
to the parallel port and generates step pulses with a precision digital step rate
generator, so there are no pulse jitter problems to worry about. It has encoder
counters that can count the step pulses, or use encoder feedback, if available.
It has opto-isolated inputs for limit switches, etc., with an isolated DC-DC
converter to power the switches. (Power is from an unregulated wall-wart.)
It also has place to mount 8 solid state relays. An emergency-stop loop is
also supported, it will stop step pulses and shut off all SSR outputs when the
chain of normally-closed switches is opened.

This board also has a 'servo' update rate timer in it, so you could use it with
non-realtime software. The timer can cause a parallel port interrupt or just
set a bit that is monitored by looping software. As long as the software reads
position and updates the velocity registers before the update cycle expires,
the hardware will function as if it was served by RT software.

Jon