Re: (CIM) Wooden Block CIM whitepaper

"tkosan" <tkosan@y...> wrote:

> a. Assume that a 3 axis CNC router has had servo motors attached to
> it and that each servo motor is driven by a GeckoDrive
> (http://GeckoDrive.com).
>
> b. Assume that a box which we will call an 'Outpost'
> (http://embedlets.org) is available which can be attached to an
> Ethernet network and also to a GeckoDrive. The Outpost can produce
> TTL compatible step-speed and step-direction signals and it can also
> take error, emergency and limit switch signals as inputs. An

Outpost

> has been attached to each GeckoDrive on the CNC router.

Don't know very much about network, so if I am too much offtrack,
hope the more knowledgeable will chime in, but in my mind I see the
Gecko (or other motor driver) controlled by a motor controller
software like Master5 or Turbocnc, so rather than the Gecko being
directly controlled by the "outpost" if the "outpost can control
Master5 or Turbocnc, that seem to be more appropriate.

Imagine this: CNC mill just finished milling a workpiece.
Motor controller software send signal to "outpost" to indicate work
end.
"outpost" send signal to off vacuum table, slide off workpiece, feed
another workpiece to vacuum table, on vacuum.
"outpost" send signal to activate another cycle of machining ("click"
start button in motor controller program like Master5.

Will all this be economically achievale in a home setting?

Fun