Pendant Design, was - Spindle Motor Control?

Hi, I have been contemplating a programmable hand held pendant for
some time now and I am at the point of laying out the keypad to get a
membrane switch pad manufactured. I will be offering these in small
volumes at first to test the market. I would like to ask the group for
input on what the most useful functions would be. I agree with Bill on
his choices of E-stop, on the fly feedrate override, and axis jogging.
I would add "zero all axes", Home, slow/fast jog. What else would be
useful. I am thinking that the pendant will have room for about 12
functions and Estop.
Thanks
Dean
Axxus Technologies

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "Bill Blackburn"
<blckburn@b...> wrote:

> Hi Guys
>
> I have just started to convert a Bench style Mill/Drill to full CNC and
> have a couple of questions. I would like to add some features to my
> control system rather than having just a basic power supply.
>
> (A) First off the motor that drives the spindle is a 220 volt capacitor
> start. (It does Not have the mechanical starter switch) Is there a way
> to adjust the rpm of this type of electric motor. I understand that you
> can have the Software control the Electric Motor using one of the wires
> in the Printer Port, but I need to know what is required to actually
> control the Motor speed?
>
> (B) Secondly I would like to install a hand held control box like what
> you see on many Factory supplied milling machines. Here are some of the
> features I would like on this hand held control:
>
> (1) An Emergency stop button.
>
> (2) Speed Override. The ability to adjustable machining speed (IPM)
> while the Software is running.
>
> (3) Jog Control on all three axis. Have the ability to control the
> Servo Motors and move the "X", "Y" & "Z" axis for part set up. (When
> the Software is not controlling the Servo Motors)
>
> If you have any information (Schematics or Plans) or ideas on designing
> these options or know someone that has used them, I would be interested
> in hearing from you.
>
> Thanks in advance for the help.
>
> Best regards
>
> Bill Blackburn
>
>
> PS: Other features which would be nice to have someday:
>
> (A) A probe for finding the edge (or center) of a part before starting
> to machine. (Setting the 0-0-0 of a part)
> (B) The ability to record the dimensions (X,Y,Z) of a particular part
> with the use of a touch probe. (CAM)
> (C) The ability to record your movements on a milling machine while
> operating it manually.
> (D) The ability to use the Servo Motor Encoders for a DRO. (Would be
> great for manual machining)
> (E) A devise you could connect to your control box/computer that would
> measure the different lengths of each tool.
>
> Lots of neat ideas. It's always nice to dream. :-)