Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] T-Tech 5000 PCB Milling machine

On Wed, Aug 01, 2007 at 05:49:58PM -0400, David Speck wrote:

>
> If I had the time to invest, I'd go for reverse engineering the RS-232
> interface and command sequences. It's possible a Google search might
> even find someone who has already done so.

I'm leaning towards that, half because of the challenge, half
(if the truth be told) because I'm feeling guilty about just how
much I spent on a toy.

> I'd write a very simple program with the demo software --

Figuring out X and Y is easy, as are the line commands. Use the jog
key, set to incremental move, set increment to .001 An "A04" comes
out. Do the same for Y .. A14. Set increment to 1" and jog x+.
A04000.

Axis move - Which axis - How many steps

The last seems reasonable .. 200 steps/rotation stepper in half-step
mode is 400 steps/rot * 10:1 lead screw = 4000 steps/inch.

Double-check specs and resolution is listed as .00025"


The main problems here are

a. clicking "initialize machine" on the menu results in a FLURRY of
bidirectional activity that's not easily understood.

b. I can't easily determine the command for an arc, since the only
motion available to me is HOME and Jog.

> If you can isolate the individual command sequences, then it should be
> feasible to write your own control program in a BASIC dialect

Or DOS assembly, which I'm most familair with as a programming language.
Basic is attractive, no doubt, as the interface will certainly be better
looking, but learning something new is not in the cards right now.

> Granted it's not a trivial process ...

Let me know how your project goes ! Sounds like fun.


Alan


--

Alan Rothenbush
Academic Computing Services
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, B.C., Canada


The Spartans do not ask the number of the enemy, only where they are.

Agix of Sparta