Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Digitizing arm?

I might think of setting up a second computer with a couple of 'taps'
off the rs232 serial connection.

with a tap coming from the machine, use hyperterm or the equivalent to
generate a log file.

do the same thing, at the same time with another serial port for the
data coming from the 'control computer' laptop

now see if you can use the control computer to get it to do anything.

watch the data that comes back. if it is readable, now you have a hint
for how to approach it. If it is not readable, get a 'hexedit' program
and look at the log file you saved, to see if you can analyze the
data/protocol.

If you need some help finding out what pins to connect to where, let me
know offline. I can help dig up that info if you need to build it
yourself.

BETTER OPTION!!!!!!!
A better way is to get your local high-end network geek that has a
sniffer that has a serial port pass-through that can generate a log
file. (this is basically what I was describing the 'poor mans' version
of above.

On Fri, 2006-09-22 at 14:13 +0000, protman16 wrote:
> Group,
>
> I am also working on an arm. It's actually a Romer System 6 arm.
> This arm was made in the early 90's and uses a program called
> Superstuff for point recording. I purchased this arm from a local
> plant auction and have had it for a few months now. So far I have
> not been able to measure anything as I am not sure the software
> works anymore and the laptop it came with is running windows 3.1
> (gives you an idea how old it is). As far as arm construction it has
> 5 axis with no counter balance and uses aluminium housings with
> bearings for the joints and carbon fibre tubes between the joints.
> Peeking inside the base reveals 5 counter cards and some sort of
> controller with an FPGA on it. It should communicate via serial port
> if the software was working.
> I have contacted Romer about this arm and the told me that they no
> longer support it or the software and that there is no one at Romer
> that has seen a System 6 for many years. This leads me to believe
> that I am SOL in terms of using this arm in its original
> configuration. So I have an arm with all its parts with one
> exception, no software. My question is ware do I go from here? How
> do I find out how to communicate with it and read whatever data it
> puts out?
> Any one have an idea?
>
> Thanks
>
> Protman16
>
>
>
>
> --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "Don C" <tekno62@...> wrote:
> >
> >
> > I was wondering if anyone here is working on a digitizing arm. I
> have
> > read a few sites and I would like to build one. One of the reason
> is I
> > need a 6 foot working space. I have looked at the Microscribe
> > <http://www.immersion.com/digitizer/> arm but the Microscribe has
> to
> > small working area. I will only need a .1 accuracy if that. I have
> also
> > thought about laser scanning. I picked up 6 Hengstler RI 58
> > <http://www.hengstler.com/gfx/file/shop/encoder/install/2-531-
> 069_Kurzin\
> > stallationsanleitung_E_RI58-D_TD.pdf> encoders that may not be
> workable
> > for this project.
> >
> >
> >
> > I join this forum as one of the sites " LINK "
> > <http://www.indoor.flyer.co.uk/digiarm.htm> I found talk about
> > modifying a DRO program. Im hoping that someone is willing to help
> me
> > along with this. I just need to be pointed in the right direction
> and
> > hate to reinvent the wheel.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> >
> >
> > Tek