Re: CAM Software Advice for Shopmaster CNC

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "Wayne C. Gramlich"
<Wayne@...> wrote:

>
> --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, John Dammeyer <johnd@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Dennis,
> >
> > OK. Nuff said. Clean slate.
> >
> > But maybe we need to push for an open source CNC flavoured USB
> > interface. Here's my idea on how to do it. Hopefully I won't
> > leave the non-electronic/software types behind.
> >
> > The biggest problem with USB is there is no guarantee when the
> > data sent by the application will arrive at the destination.
> > IEEE1394 Firewire used for Video Cameras is a bit better and
> > faster I believe but still suffers from the same problem.
>
> [snip lots of good stuff]
>
> 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
>

Wayne: contact me off=list. We have an Ethernet project that could
benefit from the buffered move approach. We do all our coding in C++

Tom Caudle
www.CandCNC.com
tom(at)candcnc.com