RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: CAM Software Advice for Shopmaster CNC

Hi Wayne,

See below.

> I have a system that is similar to what John suggests,
> but differs in the details. Important features such as
> ESTOP are not currently implemented (or even designed.)
>
> The system is broken into to two parts. One piece of software
> (called Steps) takes a fairly standard set of CNC codes
> and breaks them into timed step codes. A timed step code
> is just a timestamp and axis increment/decrement --
> (0:12:345.670 +X) (0:12:345.890 -Y). These are merged and
> shipped down to a separate buffer board that that has
> some memory and an inexpensive microcontroller that can
> squirt out the pulses at accurately timed intervals.
>
> Here are the URLs:
>
> Serial => Parallel Buffer Board:
> <http://gramlich.net/projects/cnc/buffer/rev_a/index.html>
>
> CNC => step code converter:
> <http://gramlich.net/projects/steps/index.html>
>
> By the way, this stuff actually works; it has lots of
> rough edges, but it works. In addition, everything
> is published -- code, gerber files, parts lists, the
> works. It needs another round or two of polishing, tho'.
>
> Is my approach of any interest to other people?
>
> -Wayne

Interesting. Once I finish the Electronic Lead Screw I'd be interested
in looking further into this. Especially since I have a spare tray of
16F877 devices that are sitting around doing nothing but getting older.

I'm curious about the maximum step rate you can get. Your time stamp
example appears to only be good to the nearest milli-second (1 kHz step
rate) or was that just typing in the numbers from left to right on the
keyboard.

John Dammeyer