Re: Motorized wheelchair as parts for CNC?

Gary:

Encoders shold be easy to attach. Maybe switching to MACH2 as a
controller will give DRO capability plus interface to encoders for
servo positioning feedback. I'm not an expert on servos (I'm using
steppers), but I think encoders is the right name for the gadget
that sends a pulse each turn. Another way to do it I guess (again,
I havn't looked at a servo for a long time is to use somethong whose
output is proportional to the number of times its shaft is turned
(potentiometer might work) to keep track of distance. I'll let the
servo guys correct my misinformation (out of ignorance, not
intention) and take over from here.

Regards,
Jeff

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "Gary Davison" <gld2@c...>
wrote:

>
> I have all the componets from a electric wheel chair and have been
> thinking of trying to fit to my mill. Just using as is ,should

make a

> good power table feed. Now if my DRO just had a position

output,I'd

> be set.
>
> Gary
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "washcomp" <jeff@w...>

wrote:

> > I wrote a long post this morning that apparently Yahoo ate, so
> > here's a short version:
> >
> > Just an idea:
> >
> > I think that with a minimum of work, the two servo drives,
> > controller, power supply and control mechanisms off of a

motorized

> > wheelchair can be adapted to the X and Y axis of a CCNC

machine.

> > The motors are usually NEMA 42 with gear reducers. While the
> > joystick connections are a closely guarded secret, they can be
> > easily reverse engineered (I did it once about 20 years ago).

The

> > controllers also have an industry standard interface (basic on-

off

> > and directional contacts) ending in a DB-9 connector. While the
> > chairs are expensive new (think what a new Bridgeport is worth),
> I'm
> > sure with a little imagination and a few bucks, you may be able

to

> > end up with an almost complet 2 axis servo system.
> >
> > Anyone ever try this?
> >
> > Regards,
> > Jeff