RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] What makes step and dir?

Hi Dave,

You might consider a "stepper controller on a chip" from Cybernetic
Microsystems.

http://www.controlchips.com/

The Cy525 or Cy545 chip (based on an 8051) allow you to download a program,
and it will run it for you, over and over!

They also have development boards for these chips, however they are simple
enough that you can connect them up yourself.

I built an antenna rotating system with them for RDF (radio direction
finding). Task was to rotate antenna, take data (signal strength), and
analyze it for the radiation pattern giving a "vector" to the transmitter.
FUN!

Of course now, I'm more inclined to program my own PIC. Presently Dave M.
and I have another group started for designing and building a tach using a
PIC. A prototype of the tach will allow me to start porting stepper
controller code (in C) over from my STEP4 CNC controller program (at least
that's the plan).

Anyone interested in a tach?

Alan KM6VV

> -----Original Message-----
> From: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of dharhay
> Sent: Monday, June 20, 2005 11:57 AM
> To: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] What makes step and dir?
>
> Hi, I have only posted a few times and was asked a question that I
> couldnt answer: I was wondering if I wanted to make a machine that
> made one move in the X direction then back to cut slots. What could I
> use to make the step and direction to Geko drives that power steppers?
>
> In the past I have always used a PC based CNC, but I really wouldnt
> need to have the features and flexibility of a CNC because I want to
> go one direction and a fixed amount and then back.
>
> Can a plc do step and direction or is there another simple way to do
> one move and back? Thanks for any input.
>
> Dave Harhay
>