Re: using a stepper motor as an input device

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "startingtostamp"
<startingtostamp@y...> wrote:

> I am new to this field - i have a programming background however.
>
> I am interested in building a cnc router that i can use to do some
> reverse engineering. I want to be able to trace and part (OK - for
> now lets just say it's in 2D) and create a set of X-Y points.
>
> Is this something that is commonly done? I know i could buy a
> microscribe for $4,000, but i thought i could make something for

much

> less.
>
> I would appreciate any comments or suggestions.

You might want to pop over to the MACH1MACH2CNC group. MACH2 is a
windows based software motion controller and it has a touch probe
input feature. You can build a touch probe and use the software
to "scan" an object in XY and Z and build a point cloud. Post the
question on that group since some of the users (not me) have done
this. I think TurboCad has adigitizing input as well.