Re: Optical mouse for DRO anyone? - not for WIRE!

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "mrclicit" <chris@...> wrote:

>
> > If you are still taking suggestions....
>
> Yes, ideas are always welcome.
> Thanks for all of them. I have two things to factor in: I have perhaps
> a half-dozen different cord types with differing characteristics, and
> I don't have unlimited resources.
>
> Constant tension doesn't work too well -that is how existing tools are
> designed around. grip & slip may work, but will require way too much
> effort. I'm leaning toward a 'no tension' solution with an ultra-light
> metering wheel with a simple optical encoder made from an old mouse

wheel.

>
> Thanks for all your ideas & discussion - there is much insight in your
> words, which will undoubtedly help in finding the best solution.
>
> Tks!
> CL
>

the pre-tensioning I spoke about could be ounces or the weight of the
material itself. Just de-coupling the pull and measuring from the
forces holding the material on the spool.

Another possibility is to put the spool on a gantry and lay the
material on a table. A converyor belt type of process. the parts
would be totally un-tensioned, and you could either move the gantry,
or move the table.

In the discussions, I did not see what the absolute longest length
might be.

The problem does not seem to be all that hard, and the variances in
material should not come into play. it should be able to work with
any material within a rather wide range.

Dave