Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] laptop ( was Re: HELP: Bipolar stepper ciruit

In a message dated 1/6/2003 8:03:49 PM Central Standard Time,
wotisname@... writes:

> What software are you using on your clockwork puter?

Terry: A fair question, and one which I THINK is on-topic! I write
my OWN, using GWBASIC. With a "machine-code patch" which the BASIC "POKES"
when first run. This patch has eight "entry points" which the BASIC can CALL
from a FOR-NEXT loop. Those "entry points" have labels X0, X1, Y0, Y1, RU,
LU, LD, and RD. One "CALL" to, say, X0 causes the "X motor" to step once to
the left. One CALL X1 causes the "X motor" to step once to the right. A
CALL RU causes BOTH the X- and Y- motors to step once, simultaneously,
causing a 45° move "Right UP", and so on, for Left Up, Left Down, and Right
Down. I also have a "delay loop" in that machine-code, the "loop-length
number" of which can be POKED from the BASIC, setting the feed-rate (changes
the width of the "step-pulse out").

My first four parallel-port bits are X0, X1, Y0, and Y1, which connect via a
couple of dual monostables (74HC4538) and a buffer-IC (74HC541) to the
stepper-drivers. The remaining four bits control the spindle-motor's SSR and
the electro-pneumatic tailstock solenoid-valve (Clippard EV-O?).

A 100-step move (one-half turn of a motor) would be written: FOR X=1 TO
100:CALL X1:NEXT To return to the starting point before that line,
simply repeat it after changing "X1" to "X0". For curves, I use subscripted
variables in a table, and usually step the X motor two steps for each Y motor
move, which is whatever number of steps that variable contains. But this
detail has to do with the screw-pitch and necessary finish of the parts I do;
any resolution from a SINGLE step of X, each time, to, oh, ten?, could be
practical for various needs.

I only know what G-code IS, not how to use it. I have purchased some books,
but I see that it would require a "professional need" (like I had just
inherited a large CNC job-shop?) for me to want to learn it, as I can do ALL
the "CNC stuff" I need with the simple BASIC FOR-NEXT loops and "look-up
tables".

I have not yet tried it with this latest computer with Win XP (which, Mr.
Gates, sucks festering canal-water!), but I IMAGINE I could ATTACH and e-mail
my "BASIC POKER" of the ASM-86 "patch", with a short explanation, as I could
always do with machines that had only Win-95 and -98, if you think you want
that. Remember: It is ESOTERIC, and is NOT an "interpreter" as is G-code!
It takes competence in BASIC programming to be of any use.

Question: Where did you get the term "clockwork puter"? I didn't say
anything about clock-parts, did I? Or, is my senility kickin-in?

Lemme know if questions! Jan Rowland, Troll


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